If you’re trying to get a sense of the Fort McMurray real estate market, one of the most important indicators is inventory, especially when it comes to detached homes in the Urban Service Area. And right now, inventory levels are showing a clear story:
Many neighbourhoods do not have much for buyers to choose from.

Current Detached Home Inventory by Neighbourhood

(Urban Service Area, without condo fees. Information from Pillar 9 as of November 24, 2025)

What This Means for Buyers

“Most Fort McMurray neighbourhoods are sitting below ten detached homes for sale. Buyers have fewer options than they might expect.”

When buyers enter the Fort McMurray real estate market, they often assume there will be a wide selection of detached homes across every neighbourhood. This data shows the opposite. Several communities currently offer very limited choice.

Neighbourhoods such as Abasand, Dickinsfield, Prairie Creek, Stone Creek, Waterways, Wood Buffalo and Grayling Terrace all have fewer than ten detached homes available. If you are shopping in these areas, you may be competing with other buyers who are focused on the same few listings.

Communities like Eagle Ridge and Parsons Creek have slightly more selection but remain well below historic norms for this time of year.

The only neighbourhoods with broader options are Thickwood and Timberlea, which typically carry more volume and a wider variety of property types.

What This Means for Sellers

“Low inventory naturally creates stronger visibility for well priced and well presented homes.”

If you own a detached home in a neighbourhood with low inventory, your listing has a better chance of attracting attention quickly.

1. Less competition means your home stands out more

With fewer properties available, buyers focus faster and more seriously on the homes that do hit the market.

2. Buyers may move more quickly

When inventory is tight, buyers are often more decisive and intentional, especially in neighbourhoods they have been waiting to purchase in.

3. Values tend to remain steadier in low supply zones

Low supply supports pricing. Even when overall sales volumes shift, homes in tight inventory pockets often maintain consistent interest.

4. It may be a favourable time to test the market

If you have been thinking about selling, entering a market with limited competition can be advantageous.

Why Inventory Levels Matter in Fort McMurray

“Real estate in Fort McMurray is hyper local. Two streets apart can have completely different supply and demand conditions.”

Fort McMurray does not behave like Calgary, Edmonton or other large markets. Local neighbourhood supply, relocation patterns, industry employment and affordability all play big roles in shaping demand.

This is why understanding micro inventory is so important. A city wide number will never tell the full story.

Common Questions Buyers and Sellers Ask

How many detached homes are for sale in Fort McMurray right now?

Most neighbourhoods currently offer between four and fifteen detached homes, with only Thickwood and Timberlea showing larger inventory.

Is it a good time to sell my home in Fort McMurray?

If your neighbourhood has fewer than ten detached homes listed, you are entering the market with strong positioning. Low supply can mean more attention on your home.

Which neighbourhoods have the most inventory?

Thickwood and Timberlea, which makes sense, as these are larger areas.

Which neighbourhoods have the least?

Grayling Terrace, Prairie Creek, Waterways, Abasand and Stone Creek are all extremely low at the moment.

Final Thoughts: A Changing Market Needs Local Data

“If you want an accurate picture of your home’s value, you need neighbourhood level data, not city wide averages.”

Detached inventory is tightening across many areas of Fort McMurray. For both buyers and sellers, understanding these neighbourhood specific trends is key to making confident decisions.

If you would like a custom report for your street or neighbourhood, I would be happy to walk you through the numbers and explain how current inventory affects your property.

Curious about your home’s value or how competitive your area is today? Reach out anytime.

Written by Kate Arnold REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker United

In Fort McMurray, many homes on the market are vacant due to work relocations, early possession of a new home, or sellers moving out before listing. A vacant home can show beautifully, but it also requires thoughtful preparation and consistent attention, especially during winter.

Cold temperatures and heavy snowfall mean a vacant property needs preventative care to stay protected and ready for showings.

Start With Your Insurance Policy

One of the most important steps is to check your insurance policy before your home becomes vacant. Most providers have specific requirements to keep coverage valid.

Requirements may include:

• Scheduled check-ins every 48 to 72 hours

• A written or digital log documenting each visit

• Confirmation that the home is secure

• Monitoring the furnace and indoor temperature

• Keeping records, photos, or timestamps

Because every policy is different, contacting your insurance provider ensures that you understand what is required and how to properly document it. This is one of the simplest ways to prevent problems and maintain peace of mind.

Helpful resource: Insurance Bureau of Canada vacancy information — https://www.ibc.ca/

Temperature Monitoring and Furnace Care

Fort McMurray winters can reach extreme lows. A furnace failure can cause indoor temperatures to drop quickly, so ensuring reliable heat is essential.

Preventative tips:

• Keep the thermostat at or above 17 degrees Celsius

• Have the furnace serviced before winter

• Replace filters before the home becomes vacant

• Ask about remote monitoring devices (many HVAC companies offer them)

• Have your designated check-in person confirm the temperature at each visit

These small steps help maintain a safe and stable environment inside the home, and can help avoid costly damages.

Safe Access: Snow Removal and Exterior Maintenance

Buyers, appraisers, inspectors, and agents all need safe access to the property. A vacant home should still feel accessible, cared for, and welcoming.

Snow removal guidelines:

• Clear driveways, walkways, and front steps

• Apply ice melt where needed

• Keep exterior lights on timers

• Clear decks and side paths where buyers or inspectors may access

If you cannot maintain this yourself, many Fort McMurray companies offer snow removal and vacant-home winter services.

Year-Round Diligence for Vacant Homes

Even outside winter, vacant homes benefit from consistent upkeep. This helps protect the property and ensures strong first impressions when buyers arrive.

General year-round guidance:

• Check for leaks around plumbing fixtures

• Run taps and flush toilets to keep plumbing active

• Maintain ventilation and airflow

• Keep the yard tidy and maintain curb appeal

• Remove flyers, mail, and packages regularly

• Ensure smoke and CO detectors are working

• Maintain the mechanical systems as needed

A cared-for home shows better and helps support a smooth sale.

How Proper Vacant Home Maintenance Helps Your Sale

A vacant home that is well-maintained feels comfortable and safe during showings. Buyers notice when a property is looked after, and it reflects positively on the overall presentation.

Consistent maintenance helps:

• Protect your insurance coverage

• Prevent avoidable issues

• Ensure safe access

• Strengthen buyer confidence

• Support a smooth and successful sale

Proactive care is one of the simplest ways to support your listing and present your home at its best.

Here To Guide You Through the Process

Vacant homes are common in Fort McMurray’s market, especially in winter. With the right systems in place, they can be shown safely and sold successfully. As a full-time REALTOR, I provide guidance on preparing your home, maintaining strong presentation, and connecting you with trusted professionals when additional help is needed.

If you are planning to list a vacant home or have questions about winter preparation, I am always here to help!

Written by Kate Arnold | REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker United