What is the rental vacancy rate in Calgary right now?
The vacancy rate is the share of rental units sitting empty in Calgary. A low number means rentals are scarce — which pushes rents up and can push renters toward buying.
Rental Vacancy · Calgary CMA (CMHC, annual)·Updated Jan 2025
5.0%
Updated annually · ▲ 0.2 pp vs last year
The percentage of rental units in Calgary that are currently empty. A low vacancy rate means rentals are scarce, which puts upward pressure on rents and can push renters toward buying.
Recent trend
Last 24 months
What this means for Calgary right now
As of June 2026, Calgary's strongest market signal is Hold at 75% — Buy 53%, Hold 75%, Sell 44%.
Market conditions strongly favour holding — prices are stable and inventory is balanced.
What this means for you
If you're buying
A tight rental market (low vacancy) often nudges renters into buying, adding demand. A looser market eases that pressure.
If you're selling
Low vacancy supports rental demand and can make income properties more attractive to buyers.
Calgary market context
Alberta's largest market, where energy-sector cycles drive sharper price swings than the national average.
Unemployment Rate · Alberta (Statistics Canada)
6.5%
Common questions
Is now a good time to buy in Calgary?
As of June 2026, Calgary's strongest market signal is Hold (75%). Market conditions strongly favour holding — prices are stable and inventory is balanced. Not financial advice.
What is a healthy vacancy rate?
Around 3% is generally considered balanced; below that, rentals are tight and rents tend to rise.
How often is the Calgary vacancy rate updated?
CMHC publishes it once a year, so it changes annually rather than monthly.