In May 2024, Calgary’s City Council made a bold move to address the city’s growing housing affordability crisis. By passing blanket rezoning changes, the Council opened the door for the construction of duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes in areas previously zoned for single-family homes. This marks a pivotal shift in Calgary’s housing landscape, aimed at increasing housing density and supply in a bid to combat skyrocketing home prices and meet the demands of a growing population.
The City of Calgary has long grappled with a housing shortage that has driven prices up, particularly in sought-after single-family neighborhoods. As the city’s population continues to expand, the need for affordable housing has become more pressing. Urban sprawl has led to increased costs for infrastructure and services while pushing people further away from the city center. These new rezoning changes are designed to curb this trend by promoting higher density living within established neighborhoods.
What Does Rezoning Mean for Calgary?
Before the May 2024 changes, many neighborhoods were restricted to single-family homes, limiting the types of housing that could be built and contributing to a lack of affordable options. With the new rules, developers and homeowners now have the flexibility to build duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes in these areas. This means that land previously reserved for one home can now accommodate multiple housing units, effectively increasing the number of available homes in established neighborhoods without requiring new developments in outlying areas.
By allowing a wider variety of housing types, Calgary is taking a significant step toward creating more inclusive, affordable communities. These changes reflect a growing recognition that cities need to evolve to accommodate different family sizes, income levels, and living preferences.
The Benefits for Homebuyers and Renters
For homebuyers, this policy shift means more choices in desirable areas of the city. The ability to buy a duplex, triplex, or fourplex offers flexibility for multigenerational living, the opportunity to generate rental income, or simply a more affordable entry into homeownership in neighborhoods that were previously out of reach.
Renters will also benefit from the increased supply of rental units that are expected to become available as more multi-family homes are built. This could help alleviate the pressure on rental prices, which have surged in recent years due to limited supply and high demand.
Why Investors Should Take Note
These rezoning changes present a significant opportunity for real estate investors. In the past, investing in Calgary’s low-density neighborhoods often meant being limited to single-family homes, which come with higher price points and less potential for rental income. Now, investors can look to develop duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes in prime areas, increasing the potential return on investment.
For investors already holding property in previously single-family areas, this change opens the possibility of redeveloping properties to add value and attract higher rents. For those looking to enter the market, now is the time to act as the rezoning changes could increase competition for properties with redevelopment potential.
A Step Toward a More Sustainable Calgary
Beyond addressing affordability, these changes are also part of a broader effort to promote more sustainable urban growth. By encouraging higher-density housing, the city aims to reduce urban sprawl, which can strain resources and contribute to environmental challenges such as increased carbon emissions from commuting. Higher-density neighborhoods make it easier to provide public services, transit, and amenities efficiently, creating a more sustainable and livable city for all.
What’s Next for Calgary?
The rezoning changes passed in May 2024 are a game-changer for Calgary’s real estate market. As more duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes are built, the city’s housing stock will become more diverse and affordable, making it a more attractive place to live, work, and invest.
For those looking to make the most of this opportunity, now is the time to explore Calgary’s evolving housing market. Whether you’re a homebuyer, renter, or investor, these changes are shaping the future of housing in Calgary—and you won’t want to miss out.
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