Downward Pressure on Rents
Alberta Real Estate and Rental Market Update: Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge & Medicine Hat
November 1, 2025 - Written by Jamie Palmer, President & Broker of Power Properties
Across Alberta, rental supply is shifting and as a landlord, that matters to you. Calgary and Lethbridge are both showing nearly 10% more rental listings compared to this time last year, while Edmonton has jumped by about 30%. Medicine Hat, on the other hand, remains tight with little to no change year-over-year.
So what does this mean for you, and how do you stay ahead of vacancy?
Pricing is the first lever
A big chunk of the new supply is coming from newer neighbourhoods and “missing-middle” row houses. The challenge? These homes often look nearly identical, same builders, same floor plans, same colours, same finishings. When tenants see 10 similar listings, the lowest price usually wins. If your property falls into this category, recognize that you may only be able to compete on price.
Incentives are the next tool
Done right, they can help your property stand out from the crowd. The most common approach is offering one or two months free rent on a 12-month lease. Another tactic we’re seeing is a temporary rent reduction, say $2,000/month with a $100 discount for the first six months. These promotions can give your property an edge when prospective tenants are comparing dozens of near-identical options.
Refreshing your property can also pay dividends
I know 2003 feels like it was “just a couple years ago,” but it’s actually 22 years back. If your unit hasn’t had an update in a while and is sitting vacant, now may be the right time to invest in new paint, flooring, lighting, or appliances. A modest refresh makes a big difference in attracting quality tenants and protecting the long-term value of your investment. Your Property Manager can coordinate these updates to make it as hands-off as possible.
Here’s what we’re doing
Power Properties rents close to 30 properties a month, roughly 1.5 properties every business day, by ensuring maximum exposure. That means professional photos, 3D tours, and listings pushed across multiple rental sites, social media channels, and even Facebook Marketplace.
At the end of the day, properties that are priced right, well-maintained, and able to differentiate themselves will rent, it just may take a little longer than it did in 2023, when the market was red-hot and listings were scarce.
Learn More About our Property Management Services
Written by Jamie Palmer, President & Broker of Power Properties
Jamie Palmer is the President and Broker of Power Properties. He holds a Certified Property Manager (CPM®) designation, the highest designation in Property Management in North America. He earned an Honors degree from the University of Toronto, and he has over two decades of experience in property management.
About Power Properties
Founded in 1980, Power Properties has been providing hassle-free property management services to property owners, property investors and non-residents with homes in Calgary, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat for over four decades. Our full-service property management includes everything from move in to move out, so you don’t have to worry about the day-to-day operations of your rental property. With a team of licensed professionals, years of experience, and award-winning service, you can rest assured that your property is in good hands.
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