Monthly Real Estate Market Update - February 2026 | High River, Okotoks, Calgary

The High River real estate market is showing early signs of stabilization in 2026 after a mixed start to the year. Looking at January and February together gives a clearer picture of where things are heading — and how High River compares to Okotoks and Calgary.

📊 Prices: A Rebound After January’s Dip

January saw a sharp drop in the median price to $376,750 (-16% YoY), but February quickly rebounded to $558,000 (+5% YoY).

This kind of swing is often tied to the types of homes selling in a given month rather than a true drop and recovery in property values. February’s rebound suggests that overall demand — particularly for detached homes — remains strong.

By comparison:

Okotoks: $595,750 (-5% YoY)
Calgary: $565,000 (flat YoY)

High River is showing stronger price resilience than surrounding markets.

📉 Sales: Steady in High River, Softer Elsewhere

High River sales remain stable:

January: +13% YoY
February: +6% YoY

Meanwhile:

Okotoks saw a 20% drop in February sales
Calgary continues to trend down (-11% YoY)

This suggests High River is maintaining buyer interest better than larger markets.

📦 Inventory: The Biggest Shift

Inventory remains significantly higher than last year:

High River: +38% YoY
Okotoks: +38% YoY
Calgary: +16% YoY

More supply means buyers have options — and that naturally reduces urgency and competition.

The sales-to-new-listings ratio in High River improved from January to February (72% → 76%), showing demand is keeping pace with new supply better than in nearby markets.

⏱ Days on Market: A Slower Pace

Homes are taking longer to sell across the region:

High River: 45 days (+55% YoY)
Okotoks: 41 days (+58% YoY)
Calgary: 41 days (+28% YoY)

This reflects a more balanced environment where buyers are taking time to evaluate options.

What’s Driving These Changes?

Interest Rates & Affordability

Higher borrowing costs continue to impact how much buyers can afford, leading to more cautious decision-making.

Alberta’s Economic Strength

Alberta remains one of the strongest provincial economies in Canada, supported by:

• Job growth
• Energy sector stability
• Strong interprovincial migration

This continues to support long-term housing demand, especially in more affordable communities like High River.

Population Growth & Lifestyle Shifts

More people are moving to smaller communities for affordability and lifestyle — a trend that benefits High River.

Market Normalization

After years of tight supply and rapid price growth, the market is naturally shifting back toward balance.

What This Means for You

Buyers

• More inventory = more choice
• Less competition
• Better negotiation opportunities

Sellers

• Prices are still holding, especially for desirable homes
• Strategic pricing and presentation are key
• Expect slightly longer timelines

The Bottom Line

High River is not slowing down — it’s stabilizing.

Compared to Okotoks and Calgary, the market is showing stronger price performance and steadier sales, even as inventory rises. The shift toward balance is creating a healthier environment for both buyers and sellers heading into the spring market.