As expected, December brought a seasonal slowdown in activity as we wrapped up the year.  Sales eased from November levels, but inventory remained relatively tight, keeping the market balanced overall.  The 34% absorption rate is the lowest that we’ve seen in the last 12 months, but last fall/winter was unusually active, and a slower pace is typical for the holiday season.  It simply reflects fewer buyers and sellers actively making moves at this time of year.  What’s important is that pricing has largely held steady, and serious buyers are still active, especially in well priced and well-presented homes.

Looking back at the full year, the market clearly shifted out of the aggressive seller conditions we saw earlier in 2025 and moved into a more balanced environment.  Negotiations are back, pricing accuracy matters more than ever, and demand varies significantly by price range and property type.  This creates both opportunities and challenges depending on where your home or buying criteria sits.

Here’s a quick summary:

Market Trends
✅ Overall residential sales were lower than November, which is typical for December
✅ Active listings continued to trend down into year end, helping prevent prices from softening
✅ Absorption rates dropped across most categories, confirming a calmer and more balanced pace
✅ The market is no longer moving at a spring or summer speed, but it remains healthy

Single Family Homes
🏡 Single family sales slowed month over month, but pricing remained stable year over year
🏡 Average sale price for single family homes finished the year slightly higher than last December
🏡 The strongest demand remains in the mid range price points where affordability is still reasonable
🏡 Higher priced homes are taking longer to sell and require sharper pricing and stronger presentation

Red Deer County Acreage Market
🌲 Acreage activity was very limited in December, which is normal for this time of year
🌲 Sales were scattered across a few price ranges rather than concentrated in one segment
🌲 Inventory remains highest in the upper price ranges, where buyer demand is more limited
🌲 Well priced acreages under the million dollar mark continue to see the most consistent interest

Market Supply & Demand Trends
📉 Absorption rates declined across most categories compared to earlier in the year
📊 This confirms we are firmly in balanced market territory rather than a seller driven market
⌛️ Buyers have more choice and time to make decisions, especially above the entry level segments
🏡 Homes that are overpriced are sitting, while correctly priced homes are still selling

What This Means for Buyers & Sellers
✅ Buyers have more negotiating power than earlier in the year, particularly on homes that have been listed for a while
✅ Sellers need to be realistic with pricing and understand that strategy matters more now
✅ The best homes are still selling, but they need to stand out against growing competition
✅ If you are buying and selling in the same market, conditions are much more even on both sides

December wrapped up the year with a slower but stable market. We are seeing balance return, negotiations normalize, and price growth level off rather than reverse. This is a much healthier environment long term and sets the stage for a steady start to 2026. If you’re considering buying or selling in the coming months, understanding your specific price segment will be key.

If you’d like a more detailed breakdown of how these stats apply to your home or your buying plans, feel free to reach out anytime.

Out of Town Snapshot:

Blackfalds:

Current Active Listings – 40

Sales in December – 13

Likelihood to Sell – 33% (Buyer’s Market)

Sylvan Lake:

Current Active Listings – 92

Sales in December – 25

Likelihood to Sell – 27% (Buyer’s Market)

Penhold:

Current Active Listings – 7

Sales in December – 5

Likelihood to Sell – 71% (Seller’s Market)