Why Days on Market Is Becoming the Most Important Number in Calgary Real Estate in 2026

As Calgary’s housing market moves into a more balanced phase in 2026, one statistic is quietly becoming more important than price alone: Days on Market (DOM).

While average prices still make headlines, DOM tells a much clearer story about buyer behavior, demand, and whether a property is positioned correctly in today’s market.

What Does Days on Market Mean?

Days on Market measures how long a property takes to sell after it is listed. In a fast market, homes sell within days. In a balanced or cautious market, listings may remain active for weeks or even months.

DOM is now one of the most accurate indicators of:

• Pricing accuracy
• Buyer confidence
• Inventory competition
• Market momentum

Why DOM Matters More in 2026

Today’s buyers are no longer rushing. They compare listings carefully, analyze price trends, and negotiate harder. This means:

• Homes that are priced and prepared correctly still sell quickly
• Homes that are even slightly overpriced sit longer
• The longer a home sits, the more leverage buyers gain

In 2026, the difference between a 7-day sale and a 45-day sale often comes down to strategy, not location.

What Rising DOM Signals

When average DOM begins to rise, it often means:

• Inventory is increasing
• Buyers have more options
• Sellers must compete harder
• Price sensitivity is growing

This does not mean the market is weak, it means it is more selective.

What Sellers Should Do

To avoid extended DOM, sellers should:

• Price within current comparable sales
• Prepare the home to stand out visually
• Respond quickly to market feedback
• Adjust early if activity is low

Homes that reduce price early typically recover more value than those that wait too long.

What Buyers Can Learn From DOM

For buyers, DOM is a powerful negotiating tool. A property that has been listed longer may:

• Have more flexible sellers
• Be open to concessions
• Present better value opportunities

Understanding DOM helps buyers time their offers more strategically.

Final Thought

In 2026, how long a home sits matters just as much as what it is listed for.
Days on Market reveals buyer demand, seller strategy, and real-time market health, making it one of the most important numbers in Calgary real estate today.

To learn more about what Calgary’s bustling real estate market has to offer, contact the Top Calgary Real Estate Team today!

Justin Warthe

Team Lead

403-620-8746

jw@topcalgaryrealestate.com