Calgary Real Estate Blog

The Short Answer

In Alberta, a seller doesn't have to tell you that someone died in a home, that a crime happened there, or that the neighbours think it's haunted. There's no law that requires it. What a seller must disclose are material latent defects, which are serious hidden problems with the property itself, like a basement that floods every spring or an unremediated former grow op. And if a seller or their agent does answer your question about a home's history, they have to answer it honestly.

It's Halloween, so let's talk about the spooky side of real estate. I'm Mohit Dhillon, a Calgary REALTOR® with Century 21 Bravo Realty, and this comes up in real deals more often than you'd think, on both houses and commercial buildings.

What Counts as a Haunted or Stigmatized Property

In real estate, a home with a reputation is called a stigmatized property. The stigma comes from what people believe or know about the place, not from anything physically wrong with it. The Alberta Real Estate Association lists the usual examples:

• A death in the home, especially a violent one

• Past crime or drug activity, including former grow ops

• A reputation for being haunted

• Things nearby that some buyers avoid, like a cemetery or high-voltage power lines

Some stigmas stick around for decades. Others fade fast once a home is renovated and a new family moves in. And not every buyer cares. Some people shrug at a home's past, and a few go looking for a house with a ghost story.

What Alberta Sellers Must Disclose

Here's where people get mixed up. Alberta separates stigma from defects.

Material Latent Defects Must Be Disclosed

A material latent defect is a major problem that's hidden and that a buyer wouldn't find with a reasonable inspection. It can make a home dangerous or unfit to live in. The Alberta Real Estate Association uses the example of a basement that floods every spring. Putting in new flooring and drywall to hide it before listing counts as misrepresentation. Health orders, stop-work orders and missing development permits also need to be disclosed.

Stigma Usually Doesn't Have to Be Disclosed

A death, a past crime or a ghost story isn't a physical defect, so the law doesn't force a seller to bring it up. CREB® calls it a grey area for that reason.

Most good agents disclose anyway, and so do I when my sellers agree. Neighbours talk. If a buyer moves in and hears the story from the people next door, you've got an angry buyer and possibly a lawsuit, even if the law didn't require you to say anything. It's usually better to deal with it up front and price the home accordingly.

Former Grow Ops Are Their Own Category

Grow ops sit right on the line. According to the Real Estate Council of Alberta, a former grow op that hasn't been professionally remediated is a material latent defect and must be disclosed. The concern is mould and moisture damage hidden behind fresh paint. Public health inspectors can also issue an order that closes a home until it's properly cleaned up. Once a home has been professionally remediated, it likely isn't a defect anymore, but it can still carry a stigma.

If You Ask, They Can't Lie

This is the most useful thing in this whole post for buyers. A seller and their agent aren't required to answer a question about a home's history. But if they choose to answer, RECA is clear that the answer has to be honest.

So if it matters to you, ask. And ask in writing, through your agent. CREB® recommends buyers put their questions about past crimes, deaths, police activity or other incidents in writing before making an offer. A written question and a written answer protect you far better than something said on a showing.

How to Check a Calgary Property's History

You don't need to be a ghost hunter. Here's what I do for my buyers:

• Ask the listing agent directly, in writing, whether there's anything about the property's history you should know.

• Search the full address online, including the news. Big events almost always show up.

• Talk to a neighbour or two. They'll tell you things no listing ever will.

• Pull the title through Alberta Land Titles. It shows ownership changes and anything registered against the property, like caveats or orders.

• Check permit history with the City of Calgary. Unpermitted basement work and secondary suites are a far more common horror story than ghosts.

• Get a proper home inspection, and tell the inspector if you have any reason to suspect a past grow op.

If you're relocating to Calgary and buying from out of province, this matters even more, because you can't walk the street and chat with the neighbours first. That's a big part of what I do for relocating buyers. You can see how I work with buyers on our buying page.

Does a Stigma Lower the Price?

Sometimes, but there's no set discount. It depends on what happened, how long ago, how well known it is and who's buying. A natural death years ago usually barely registers. A violent event that made the news can make a home sit for months. From what I've seen, the price hit is usually less about the history and more about time on market. The longer a home sits, the more buyers assume something is wrong with it.

For buyers, a stigmatized home can be an opportunity. If the house is sound and the history doesn't bother you, you may get a better price in a neighbourhood you'd otherwise be stretching for.

For sellers, the answer is honesty and the right price from day one. If you're not sure how a home's history affects its value, start with a free home evaluation and we can talk through it privately. More on how I handle listings is on our selling page.

The Commercial Version of a Haunted House

Most of my work is commercial, and in commercial real estate the scary stuff is usually underground. I'm talking about contamination.

Gas stations, auto repair shops, dry cleaners and some industrial sites can have fuel, solvents or old storage tanks in the soil. You can't see it on a walkthrough, and cleanup can cost more than the property is worth. That's why lenders on these deals almost always want a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, and sometimes a Phase II with soil testing. A good Phase I looks at the site's past uses, government records and the neighbours, which is basically a background check for the land.

If you're looking at gas stations for sale in Calgary, car washes in Alberta or auto repair shops, build environmental testing into your conditions. Never waive it to win a deal. Our guide on how to buy commercial property in Alberta covers the full due diligence process.

Buying a business has its own ghosts: unpaid suppliers, a lease that can't be assigned, a licence that won't transfer, or sales numbers that only exist in the owner's head. Go through our business due diligence checklist before you sign anything. And check the Calgary zoning guide to make sure the use you have planned is actually allowed.

A Quick Halloween Note for Sellers

If your home is listed this week, a few small things help:

• Skip showings during trick-or-treat hours. Buyers can't see much at night anyway, and a busy street full of kids isn't the time to judge a home.

• Keep decorations light and take them down by November 1. Listing photos and showings should show the house, not the props.

• Turn the exterior lights on and clear the steps. Wet leaves and pumpkins on a dark porch are a slip risk for everyone, buyers included.

Talk to Me Before It Gets Scary

Whether you're buying a home with a past, selling one, or looking at a commercial property where the real story is in the soil, I'm happy to help you figure out what matters and what doesn't. You can book a commercial consultation, get in touch about a home, or learn more about me at MohitDhillon.com. I work in English, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu. Call or text (587) 719-5523.

Happy Halloween, Calgary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do sellers in Alberta have to disclose a death in the house?

No. Alberta law doesn't require a seller to disclose a death in a home. But if a buyer asks and the seller or their agent chooses to answer, the answer must be honest.

Do you have to disclose that a house is haunted in Alberta?

No. A haunting is a stigma, not a physical defect, so it doesn't have to be disclosed. Many agents still recommend telling buyers about any well-known story, because neighbours usually will.

Does a seller have to disclose a former grow op in Alberta?

If it hasn't been professionally remediated, yes. RECA treats an unremediated former grow op as a material latent defect. After proper remediation it likely isn't a defect anymore, but it may still carry a stigma.

How can I find out if someone died in a house in Calgary?

Ask the listing agent in writing, search the address and local news, and talk to the neighbours. There's no public registry of deaths in homes, so those steps are your best tools.

What is a material latent defect?

It's a serious hidden problem with a property that a buyer wouldn't find with a reasonable inspection, like recurring flooding or an unremediated grow op. Alberta sellers must disclose material latent defects they know about.

Do commercial buyers need an environmental assessment?

For gas stations, auto shops, dry cleaners and many industrial sites, yes in practice. Most lenders require at least a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, and it's the best protection against hidden contamination.

This post is general information, not legal advice. Disclosure questions depend on the facts of each property, so speak with a real estate lawyer about your own situation. Sources: Real Estate Council of Alberta, Alberta Real Estate Association, CREB®.

The Short Answer

The Bank of Canada raised its policy rate by a quarter point to 2.5% on October 28, 2026. It's the first increase since July 2023, and Canada's big banks followed right away, moving prime from 4.45% to 4.70%. For Calgary, the short version is this: variable-rate borrowers and anyone carrying prime-linked commercial debt feel it first, home prices won't swing much on a single quarter point, and the buyers who were already stretched (mostly in condos and townhomes) get squeezed a little more.

I'm Mohit Dhillon, a Calgary REALTOR® with Century 21 Bravo Realty. Most of my work is commercial, plus investors and families relocating here. Below is what the hike actually changes for each of those groups, with real numbers.

What the Bank of Canada Actually Did

The Bank of Canada's announcement lifted the overnight rate to 2.5%, the Bank Rate to 2.75% and the deposit rate to 2.45%. The rate had been sitting at 2.25% for about a year.

The reason is oil. With the Middle East conflict in its eighth month and no clear end, high fuel prices have kept CPI inflation around 3% since April, and the Bank expects it to hit about 3.5% by year-end. Strip out gasoline and inflation was 2.2%, and core measures are close to 2%. So this isn't an overheated economy. The Bank is worried that expensive fuel and shipping will leak into the price of everything else, and it hiked to get ahead of that.

It also said there could be a need to raise rates further, but that it will move carefully. The next decision is December 9, 2026.

Who Feels the Hike First

Variable-Rate Mortgages and HELOCs

These move with prime, so they change almost immediately. Here's roughly what a quarter point adds each month on a 25-year amortization, with the rate going from 3.95% to 4.20%:

• $500,000 mortgage: $2,617 a month becomes $2,685, about $68 more

• $600,000 mortgage: $3,140 a month becomes $3,222, about $82 more

• $750,000 mortgage: $3,925 a month becomes $4,027, about $102 more

Your rate depends on your lender's discount off prime. If you have a fixed-payment variable mortgage, your payment stays the same but more of it goes to interest. You can run your own numbers on our mortgage calculator.

Fixed-Rate Mortgages

Fixed rates follow bond yields, not the Bank of Canada directly. The Bank pointed out that bond yields across advanced economies have already risen since the summer, so a lot of the move in fixed rates happened before this announcement. If you're renewing in the next few months, the bigger risk is more increases in December or early 2027, not this one.

Qualifying for a Mortgage

This is the part people miss. Buyers qualify at a stress-tested rate above their actual rate, so every quarter point trims how much a household can borrow. On a pre-approval that was right at the edge, that can mean a price range drops by roughly $10,000 to $15,000. As CBC News reported, the hike shrinks the pool of buyers who qualify, which shifts some leverage from sellers to buyers.

Where Calgary's Housing Market Stands Going In

Calgary wasn't hot before this hike. CREB®'s latest monthly statistics show a market that's balanced overall and soft in the condo and townhome segments. Here are the benchmark prices and how they compare with a year ago:

• All Calgary residential: $566,700, down 0.8%

• Detached: $739,400, down 1.0%

• Semi-detached: $685,200, up 0.1%

• Row and townhouse: $412,400, down 5.5%

• Apartment condo: $291,400, down 8.3%

Sales were 1,650 for the month, about 4% lower than a year earlier. New listings fell 11%, inventory sat at 6,486 homes (down 6%), and the city had just under four months of supply. CREB also noted that new homes are pulling buyers away from resale because the price gap between new and resale is narrow right now. For a fuller breakdown, see our Calgary real estate market update.

Will Calgary Home Prices Drop?

Not much, and not evenly. Here's how I see it playing out over the winter.

Detached and semi-detached homes should hold close to flat. These buyers tend to have more equity and more income, and supply in that segment is tighter. A $68 a month change doesn't stop a family that's been looking at a detached home in the deep south or the northeast for months.

Townhomes and condos are where the hike bites. That's where first-time buyers and stretched budgets sit, prices were already down 5% to 8%, and there's more than five months of condo supply. I'd expect more price reductions and longer days on market there.

New construction stays competitive. Builders have room to offer incentives, and some will use rate buydowns to keep sales moving. If you're shopping, compare new construction homes in Calgary against resale on a total-cost basis, not just list price.

The counterweight is Alberta's economy. The same oil prices pushing inflation up are good for this province. ATB Financial forecasts Alberta's real GDP to grow 2.6% this year, against 0.9% nationally. The Bank of Canada itself expects housing across Canada to stay relatively weak, but Calgary has jobs and energy investment that most cities don't.

Relocators matter here too. People relocating to Calgary from Ontario and B.C. usually arrive with equity, so a quarter point barely changes their plans. If you're moving from Toronto, Calgary still costs a fraction of what you're leaving, rate hike or not. That demand is a big part of why the upper end, including Calgary luxury homes, has held up better than condos.

What the Hike Means for Commercial Real Estate

This is where the change is more direct than in housing. A lot of commercial debt in Calgary is priced off prime: business acquisition loans, construction and bridge financing, operating lines, and plenty of variable commercial mortgages. Prime-plus loans just got a quarter point more expensive overnight. On interest alone, that's:

• $1,000,000 borrowed: about $208 more a month, or $2,500 a year

• $2,000,000 borrowed: about $417 more a month, or $5,000 a year

You can work through your own deal with our commercial mortgage calculator.

Buyers and Investors

Commercial deals live on the spread between the cap rate and the cost of debt. When the interest rate on your loan creeps up toward the property's cap rate, leverage stops helping you. A retail strip bought at a 6% cap with debt in the high 5s barely pays for itself, and every hike narrows that gap further. My advice to buyers right now is simple: underwrite at a rate at least half a point above today's quote, and make sure the deal still works. Our pages on Calgary commercial cap rates and commercial financing in Alberta walk through how lenders size these loans.

The flip side is opportunity. Sellers who need to move a property, especially owner-occupied buildings and small plazas, are getting fewer cash-ready buyers. If you have capital or a strong lender relationship, this is when price negotiations get easier. Keep an eye on retail plazas for sale in Calgary and Calgary industrial properties, where well-located assets with solid tenants still trade.

Business Buyers

Most small-business purchases in Calgary (restaurants, liquor stores, car washes, convenience stores, daycares) are financed with floating-rate loans. A higher payment comes straight out of the cash flow you're buying. When you look at businesses for sale in Calgary, judge the price on what the business clears after debt payments at today's rates, not the rates from a year ago. Sellers who priced off last year's numbers will need to adjust, and I'm already seeing that conversation start.

Tenants

Rates don't change your rent tomorrow, but landlords carrying variable debt feel it, and some will push harder on renewals. If your lease is coming up in the next year, start early. Our guide to commercial lease negotiation covers what to ask for.

Rental Property Investors

For residential investors, the math is about carrying cost versus rent. A quarter point adds about $68 a month per $500,000 borrowed, and Calgary rents haven't been rising fast enough to cover that on their own. Properties that make sense now are the ones with more than one income stream. That's why homes with basement suites and small multi-family properties in Calgary keep getting attention from my investor clients, while single-unit condo investments have gotten much harder to justify.

What I'd Do Right Now

• Buying a home soon? Get a pre-approval with a rate hold now. Most lenders will hold a rate for 90 to 120 days, which protects you if rates rise again in December.

• On a variable mortgage? Call your lender and find out whether your payment changes or just the interest portion. Then decide whether locking in makes sense for your renewal timeline.

• Selling? Price to the market you're actually in. With fewer buyers qualifying, an overpriced listing will sit. Start with a free home evaluation, or a commercial valuation if it's a building or a business.

• Buying commercial? Stress-test the deal at a higher rate, and talk to your lender before you write the offer, not after.

If you want a second set of eyes on a purchase, a sale or a renewal, I'm happy to run the numbers with you. You can book a commercial consultation, or read more about how I work with sellers and investors at MohitDhillon.com. I work in English, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu. Call or text (587) 719-5523.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will the Bank of Canada rate hike raise my mortgage payment?

On a variable-rate mortgage, a quarter point adds about $68 a month per $500,000 borrowed on a 25-year amortization. Fixed-rate mortgages don't change until renewal.

What is the prime rate in Canada now?

Canada's big banks raised prime from 4.45% to 4.70%, effective October 29, 2026, following the Bank of Canada's increase to 2.5%.

Will Calgary home prices drop because of the rate hike?

A single quarter point is unlikely to move detached prices much. Condos and townhomes, which were already down 5% to 8% year over year, are more likely to see further softening.

Should I choose a fixed or variable mortgage now?

The Bank of Canada said more hikes are possible, which favours locking in if you can't absorb higher payments. If you can handle some movement and expect rates to come back down in 2028, variable can still work. Talk it through with your lender or broker.

Is now a good time to buy commercial property in Calgary?

It can be, if the deal works at higher rates. Fewer financed buyers means more room to negotiate, but underwrite at least half a point above today's rate before you commit.

When is the next Bank of Canada rate decision?

The next scheduled announcement is December 9, 2026.

Sources: Bank of Canada policy rate announcement, CREB® monthly statistics, CBC News, ATB Financial economic outlook. Payment examples are estimates for illustration and aren't financial advice.

Albertans voted on October 19, 2026 on whether to stay in Canada or begin a legal process toward a binding separation vote. Unofficial results show about 75% chose to remain. For Calgary real estate, the result removes the biggest source of uncertainty, but it doesn’t end the story. Here’s what the vote means for housing, commercial property, investors and the year ahead.

What Did Albertans Vote For on October 19, 2026?

Albertans received ten questions on separate ballots. Nine dealt with immigration and constitutional changes. The tenth question drove most of the attention, and it’s the one that matters most for the province’s future.

Question 10: Remain in Canada or Start a Separation Process

Question 10 gave voters two options:

• Alberta should remain a province of Canada.

• Alberta should begin the legal process toward holding a binding referendum on separation.

Voting for the second option didn’t separate Alberta from Canada. It would have started a long legal process, with a binding vote possibly coming later. Under the Clarity Act, negotiations on separation can only begin after a referendum question and its result meet clarity standards, and the Act doesn’t set a fixed percentage for a clear majority.

Questions 1 to 9: Immigration and Constitutional Changes

Questions 1 to 9 covered immigration, voter eligibility and constitutional changes. Several were non-binding, so the vote doesn’t change immigration rules on its own. One question asked whether provincially funded programs should be limited to Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Alberta-approved status. That question received about 56% yes.

Alberta Referendum Results: Remain Wins With About 75%

Unofficial Results (October 20 Snapshot)
Elections Alberta’s October 20 snapshot showed unofficial Question 10 returns of 75.2% for remaining in Canada and 24.8% for starting the separation process. Those numbers are unofficial and may shift slightly as counting finishes.

Official Results Due October 29
Official results are scheduled for release on October 29, 2026. The count was slower than normal because logistics and staffing issues kept some polls open later, which delayed results.

How the Result Compared With Polling

Polls leading up to the vote showed a clear lead for staying in Canada, often in the 65% to 74% range. The final result landed in line with that pattern, with remain winning by a wide margin on Question 10.

Did Alberta Vote to Leave Canada?

No. Alberta remains part of Canada. The vote was on whether to start a process that could eventually lead to a binding separation referendum. Premier Danielle Smith has said she’ll respect the result and won’t hold a second referendum on separation during her time as premier.

How Will the Alberta Referendum Affect Calgary Real Estate?

Why Uncertainty Matters More Than the Vote Itself

Real estate doesn’t respond to politics directly. It responds to confidence. Buyers want job security. Businesses want clarity before they sign leases or expand. Lenders and investors want stable rules.

Before the vote, the Calgary Real Estate Board’s chief economist, Ann-Marie Lurie, warned that uncertainty around business investment, jobs and people moving out of the province would slow the market’s recovery. She also said a successful separation vote could lead to noticeable declines in housing values. With a remain result, that worst-case scenario is off the table.

What It Means for Calgary Home Buyers and Sellers

The remain result should reduce the risk that buyers pull back over separation fears, but it won’t cause a sudden price jump. Calgary’s residential market is driven mainly by interest rates, employment, new supply and household income.

• Buyers: You may feel less pressure to wait for “certainty.” Focus on your monthly budget, job stability and how long you plan to stay.

• Sellers: Price based on recent comparable sales in your neighbourhood, not on the referendum headlines.

• Relocators: The result may ease concerns for people considering a move to Alberta, but local conditions still matter most.

Commercial Real Estate in Calgary After the Referendum

Commercial real estate was among the most exposed sectors during the campaign, because business confidence affects leasing, expansion and investment decisions.

• Office: Tenants that paused lease decisions may start moving again. Landlords with vacancy will want to watch for renewals and sublease activity.

• Retail: Retail demand depends on consumer confidence, population growth and new development. A stable outlook helps owners of well-located plazas and strip centres.

• Industrial: Energy-linked and logistics users rely on long-term investment. A clearer outlook supports expansion plans.

• Land and development: Developers often hold off on projects when risk is high. A lower risk premium may help new projects move forward.

What Investors and Lenders Should Watch

• How cap rates and buyer demand respond over the next two to three quarters

• Whether lenders adjust their approach to Alberta commercial loans

• Whether business investment announcements follow the vote

What the Referendum Means for Business Relocation and Investment

Business confidence was one of the biggest concerns during the campaign. A Calgary Chamber of Commerce survey released before the vote found that 48% of businesses said they’d likely relocate if the separation process continued. A survey conducted with the Alberta Chambers of Commerce found that 28% of Calgarians said separation talks had affected their business operations, and 88% of those said the impact was negative.

A remain result removes the worst-case scenario for many of those decisions. Businesses that paused expansion or hiring now have a clearer reason to move forward, although many will wait to see how the next year plays out.

Alberta Real Estate Outlook: Scenarios for 2027

Base Case: Remain Stays the Direction

With the vote behind us, the most likely path is a gradual recovery in confidence. Business decisions that were delayed may come back, and the market can focus on the fundamentals again. Expect the recovery to be uneven across property types and neighbourhoods.

Risks to Watch

• Separatist groups may keep pushing the issue, especially ahead of the 2027 provincial election.

• Tension between the UCP and separatist members could create political uncertainty.

• Federal and provincial disputes over energy, taxes or transfers could resurface.

• Interest rates and global trade still matter more than most local political events.

What Happens Next in Alberta Politics?

• October 29: Official results are released.

• Separation: Smith has said there won’t be a second referendum on separation during her time as premier.

• 2027 election: The next provincial election is scheduled for October 2027, and identity, economics and federal relations will likely be central.

• Calgary and Edmonton data: Watch monthly reports from the Calgary Real Estate Board for the clearest picture of how the market responds.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Alberta Referendum and Real Estate

Did Alberta vote to leave Canada?

No. Albertans voted on whether to remain in Canada or begin a legal process toward a future binding separation referendum. Alberta is still part of Canada.

When are the official Alberta referendum results?

Elections Alberta is scheduled to release official results on October 29, 2026.

Will the Alberta referendum change Calgary house prices?

No single vote determines prices. The result removes a major source of uncertainty, but interest rates, employment and housing supply will still drive the market.

Is there another separation referendum coming?

Premier Smith has said there won’t be a second referendum on separation during her time as premier. The next provincial election is scheduled for October 2027.

Should I buy or sell real estate because of the referendum?

Don’t make the decision based on the referendum alone. Base it on your timeline, finances and local market data. Talk to a licensed professional who can look at your specific situation.

Work With Mohit Dhillon on Calgary Real Estate

If you’re buying, selling or leasing residential or commercial property in Calgary and want to understand how current conditions affect your plans, contact Mohit Dhillon at Dhillon & Co. Real Estate Group, Century 21 Bravo Realty. For commercial opportunities, see Calgary commercial real estate, or read more Calgary real estate market updates and commercial cap rates in Calgary.

This article is general information, not financial, legal or investment advice.