A guide for Calgary & area buyers
A clear path to buying your next home.
The key numbers, costs, and decisions to understand before you buy.
01 / Financing your purchase
Know your numbers before you start looking.
Mortgage basics
Fixed rates stay the same for the term. Variable rates move with the market. A down payment below 20% generally requires mortgage insurance, and buyers must qualify under the federal stress test.
Down payment
The minimum is 5% on the first $500,000 and 10% on the portion from $500,000 to $1.5 million. A down payment of 20% or more avoids mortgage insurance.
Broker or bank
A broker can compare several lenders. A bank offers one familiar point of contact and its own products. Speaking with both can help you compare rates, terms, and service.
02 / Closing costs and commission
Plan for the costs beyond the purchase price.
Property inspection
Usually $400 to $700.
Condo document review
Usually $300 to $600 when buying a condo.
Legal fees
Often $1,000 to $2,000 including disbursements.
Overall allowance
Budget roughly 1.5% to 2% of the purchase price.
The seller pays the buyer agent's commission.
Buyers do not pay this commission directly. It is paid by the seller from the proceeds of the sale.
03 / Properties by price point
What your budget can buy around Calgary.
Select a price range to see the property types and areas it typically opens up. Availability and prices change with the market.
04 / Calgary and area communities
Get to know the areas before you buy.
Calgary's real estate board, CREB, divides the city into eight districts. Four nearby municipalities round out the region. Pick an area to see prices, housing supply, and what is nearby.
City of Calgary districts
City Centre
Downtown and the inner-city communities on both sides of the Bow River.
Detached benchmark
$981,300
View areaNorth West
Established and newer communities stretching from the Bow River toward the city's northwest edge.
Detached benchmark
$781,400
View areaNorth
North-central communities between Nose Hill and the city's northern limit.
Detached benchmark
$640,200
View areaNorth East
Communities east of Deerfoot Trail and north of 16 Avenue, including the area around the airport.
Detached benchmark
$556,600
View areaEast
Communities along and around 17 Avenue SE, east of Deerfoot Trail.
Detached benchmark
$476,200
View areaSouth East
Communities east of Deerfoot Trail and the Bow River in the city's south, including several lake communities.
Detached benchmark
$698,900
View areaSouth
Communities along Macleod Trail from Glenmore Trail to the city's southern limit. Much of what people call "SW Calgary" is here.
Detached benchmark
$709,400
View areaWest
Communities on the city's west side between the Bow River and Glenmore Trail. The rest of what people call "SW Calgary" is here.
Detached benchmark
$993,700
View areaSurrounding communities
Cochrane
A town northwest of Calgary on the Bow River.
Total residential benchmark
Similar to September 2025
View areaPrices are CREB benchmark prices for September 2026.
05 / About
Josh Smith
Realtor, The Getty Group
Josh believes in building relationships, reducing stress, and making every move as seamless as possible. He values clear communication, takes a meticulous and analytical approach to every transaction, and treats his clients like family.
His experience includes luxury homes, new builds, and helping first-time buyers find their footing. Relationships with builders, fellow Realtors, and the community give his clients a strong network and a broader reach.
Josh grew up playing competitive hockey and later played university hockey in Arizona while studying psychology. Away from real estate, he coaches the U17 AAA Airdrie Avalanche at rinks across Alberta.
If you want someone who will advocate for you while keeping the experience calm and approachable, Josh is the right fit.
The Getty Group
Founded by Shawn Getty, The Getty Group is a Canada-wide real estate team that pairs national reach with knowledgeable local support, so every client has more experience and connections behind their move.
A nationwide network
2025 sales performance