The Fort McMurray real estate market did something in July that deserves an explanation, because the headline number and the actual story point in opposite directions. Sales rose 33 percent year over year. Inventory dropped 21 percent. Every single property type gained value. And yet the overall average price came in flat, down 0.3 percent from July 2025.

That is not a contradiction. It is a mix shift, and understanding it is the difference between pricing your home correctly and leaving money on the table. Here is the full July 2026 Fort McMurray real estate market update, and what it means whether you are buying or selling this summer.

July 2026 Fort McMurray Market at a Glance

Data source: Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA), data supplied by Pillar 9. Reporting month: July 2026, released August 2026.

A note on two metrics you will see on other sites: the AREA public release does not publish average days on market or sale-to-list price ratio for Fort McMurray. I do not estimate numbers I cannot source, so they are not in this table. If you want those figures for a specific property type or neighbourhood, reach out and I will pull them from the board data directly.

What the July Numbers Actually Mean

Demand is up sharply. Supply is not keeping pace.

One hundred forty-four homes sold in July against 160 new listings. That is a sales-to-new-listings ratio of 90 percent, meaning nearly every new listing that came to market was absorbed by a buyer within the month. New listings were flat year over year at exactly 0 percent growth, while sales climbed by a third.

The result shows up in inventory: 343 active units, down from 434 a year ago.

With 2.38 months of supply, Fort McMurray is not a balanced market. It is a seller's market, and it tightened by 40 percent over the past twelve months.

The standard read on months of supply: under four months favours sellers, four to six is balanced, over six favours buyers. At 2.38 months, Fort McMurray is well inside seller territory. If every listing stopped coming to market tomorrow, the current inventory would be gone in roughly ten weeks.

The flat average price is a mix effect, not a value decline

This is the part that matters most, and it is where most market summaries get lazy.

The overall average price was $356,489, down 0.3 percent. But look at the property type breakdown below and you will see that detached, semi-detached, row, and apartment prices were all up, some substantially. Nothing lost value.

What changed is what sold. Apartment sales nearly doubled year over year, up 95 percent to 39 units. Apartments are the lowest-priced segment in Fort McMurray by a wide margin. When a much larger share of monthly sales comes from the most affordable property type, the blended average gets pulled down even as every individual segment appreciates.

If a market report tells you Fort McMurray prices were flat in July, it is reporting the mix, not the market. Your home did not lose value.

Fort McMurray Home Prices by Property Type, July 2026

Detached homes remain the backbone of the market with 81 sales and a 7 percent price gain. At 2.96 months of supply, this is the loosest segment in the city, and it is still a seller's market. See current single family detached listings.

Apartments are the story of the month. Sales up 95 percent, new listings up 55 percent, inventory down 24 percent, and a sales-to-new-listings ratio of 126 percent. That ratio above 100 percent means buyers absorbed more units than sellers brought to market, drawing inventory down even as supply increased. At 1.33 months of supply, the Fort McMurray condo market is the tightest segment in the city right now.

Row and townhouse properties posted the largest percentage price gain at 26 percent, with a 121 percent sales-to-new-listings ratio. With only 17 sales in the month, treat that price figure as directional rather than settled. Small samples move hard on a handful of transactions. The direction is real. The magnitude will smooth out over the next few months. Browse Fort McMurray townhomes.

Semi-detached posted 10 percent price growth on just seven sales, with inventory down 56 percent to 12 active units. Same caution applies on sample size, but 12 units of inventory citywide is genuinely thin. Semi-detached listings here.

Is It a Good Time to Sell in Fort McMurray?

Yes, and the data says so clearly. Two and a half months of supply, a 90 percent absorption rate, and price growth in every property type is about as favourable a combination as a seller gets.

But favourable conditions do not make preparation optional. In a market where 90 percent of new listings find a buyer, the ones that do not are almost always priced against the wrong comparables or presented poorly. The gap between a well-prepared listing and an unprepared one is not a few days on market. It is thousands of dollars and a price reduction conversation nobody wants to have.

Prepared looks like: a valuation built on your actual property type and neighbourhood rather than a citywide average, pre-listing repairs handled, professional photography, and a pricing strategy that accounts for the fact that your segment may be moving very differently from the headline number.

Start with a real number. Request a free home evaluation and I will price your property against comparable sales in your neighbourhood, not a blended average that includes apartment sales across town. You can also see what your neighbour sold for or review the full Fort McMurray real estate statistics page.

What Fort McMurray Buyers Should Know Right Now

Competition is real, and it is not evenly distributed.

Tightest segments: Apartments at 1.33 months of supply and semi-detached at 1.71. In these categories you are competing, and hesitation costs you the property.

Most breathing room: Detached at 2.96 months of supply. Still a seller's market, but you have room to inspect, negotiate, and think.

Two practical points. First, get your financing sorted before you shop. In a market absorbing 90 percent of new listings monthly, a pre-approval is not paperwork, it is your ability to act. Run your numbers with the mortgage calculator and connect with a broker through my professional network.

Second, if you are a first-time buyer watching apartment prices climb 8 percent while inventory drops, understand that waiting for a softer entry point has not worked in this market for a year now. The Fort McMurray buyers guide walks through the full process, and you can search current listings here.

Fort McMurray Year-to-Date, January Through July 2026

Year-to-date price growth by type: apartments +7%, semi-detached +6%, detached +4%, row/townhouse +3%.

The year-to-date pattern is cleaner than any single month: more sales, fewer listings, less inventory, higher prices. Seven months into 2026, demand has consistently outrun supply. Nothing in the July data suggests that reverses before fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Fort McMurray real estate market like right now? As of July 2026, Fort McMurray is a seller's market. There were 144 sales against 160 new listings, active inventory of 343 units is down 21 percent year over year, and months of supply sits at 2.38. Anything under four months of supply favours sellers. Prices rose in every property type, with the overall average at $356,489.

What is the average house price in Fort McMurray in 2026? The July 2026 average residential price was $356,489. By property type: detached $476,948, semi-detached $371,429, row/townhouse $273,847, and apartment $139,647. Year to date, the average across all residential sales is $379,668, up 3 percent from 2025.

Why is the Fort McMurray average price flat when prices are up? Because the mix of what sold changed. Apartment sales rose 95 percent year over year, and apartments are the lowest-priced segment. A higher share of low-priced sales pulls the blended average down even though detached, semi-detached, row, and apartment prices all rose individually.

Is it a good time to sell a home in Fort McMurray in 2026? The conditions are strong. Months of supply is 2.38, well into seller territory, and 90 percent of new listings were absorbed by buyers in July. Every property type gained value year over year. Sellers who price against their own segment and neighbourhood rather than the citywide average do best in this market.

Which property types are selling fastest in Fort McMurray right now? Apartments and semi-detached homes. Apartments sit at 1.33 months of supply with a 126 percent sales-to-new-listings ratio, and semi-detached at 1.71 months. Detached homes at 2.96 months of supply move more slowly, though that is still a seller's market.

Is Fort McMurray real estate a good investment in 2026? The July data shows tightening inventory and price growth across all segments, with the apartment category showing the strongest volume growth at 95 percent more sales year over year. Whether it fits your situation depends on your financing, timeline, and whether you are buying for rental income or appreciation. That is a conversation worth having with real numbers in front of you.

Where does this Fort McMurray market data come from? All figures in this update come from the Alberta Real Estate Association monthly statistics release for Fort McMurray, with data supplied by Pillar 9. AREA publishes regional statistics on the sixth of each month. You can view the full AREA statistics releases here.

Who should I call about buying or selling in Fort McMurray? Kate Arnold, REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker United. Active in the Fort McMurray market since 2016, specializing in residential, commercial, and rural properties across Wood Buffalo. Get in touch here.

Get a Real Number on Your Fort McMurray Home

Thinking about selling this summer or fall? The citywide average will not tell you what your property is worth. Your neighbourhood, property type, and condition will.

I will give you a precise, data-backed valuation specific to your home. No generic online estimate. No obligation.

Request Your Home Evaluation | Search Current Listings | Read the Sellers Guide

About Kate Arnold

Kate Arnold is a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker United in Fort McMurray, Alberta. She has been active in the Fort McMurray real estate market since 2016 and specializes in residential, commercial, and rural properties. Kate works with buyers and sellers who want clear, data-backed guidance on one of the most significant decisions they will make. Contact Kate today.

Data source: Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA), data supplied by Pillar 9. Fort McMurray monthly statistics, reporting month July 2026. Additional market context: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

For the latest numbers, see my ongoing Fort McMurray real estate market update.

Fort McMurray's May 2026 real estate market delivered one of the strongest demand signals of the year: sales jumped 25 percent year over year while inventory continued to shrink. The Fort McMurray real estate market is not slowing down. With 357 active listings serving 135 sales, months of supply dropped to 2.64, the lowest it has been in some time, and prices climbed across most property types. If you have been waiting to see how the spring market would land, the data is clear.

May 2026 At a Glance

Data source: Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA) / Pillar 9 | Published June 2026

What the Numbers Actually Mean

Twenty-five percent more sales year over year with five percent fewer new listings tells you exactly where this market stands: buyers outnumber available supply, and that gap is not closing.

Inventory fell 22.6 percent year over year to 357 active listings. For context, anything under four months of supply is considered a seller's market. Fort McMurray came in at 2.64 months in May, down 38 percent from May 2025. That is a compressed, competitive market by any measure.

With 2.64 months of supply and 61 percent of new listings going under contract, this is not a soft market. It is a supply-constrained one.

The sales-to-new-listings ratio of 61 percent means that for every 10 homes listed in May, six were sold. That pace of absorption is strong, and it is putting upward pressure on prices. The overall residential average hit $432,213, up 9.4 percent year over year.

What does this mean going into June? Conditions that favour sellers are not disappearing. New listings are trickling in slower than demand is absorbing them. Buyers who are pre-approved and ready to act are in the best position. Those still waiting for the market to "cool off" are continuing to wait against the data.

The Fort McMurray Housing Market vs. the Rest of Canada

The Fort McMurray housing market in 2026 is behaving differently than many Canadians expect when they hear "Alberta real estate." While markets in Calgary and Edmonton have drawn national attention, Fort McMurray's housing market has quietly tightened to one of the most competitive supply levels in recent years.

Here is what separates this housing market from others right now:

• Supply is genuinely constrained. 357 active listings against 135 monthly sales is not a balanced market. It is a market where buyers are competing, not browsing.

• Prices are rising because demand is real, not speculative. Fort McMurray's economy is driven by energy sector employment, and workforce demand has remained steady. People need housing here. That is not the same dynamic as speculative urban markets.

• Entry-level housing is moving fast. Apartments are up 53 percent in sales year over year. First-time buyers and investors are both active in this segment, and the pricing is still accessible compared to most Canadian markets.

• The rental market is tight too. Buyers who want to invest in this housing market are finding rental demand solid, which supports long-term hold decisions.

If you are trying to understand the Fort McMurray housing market before making a move, whether you are buying, selling, or relocating for work, the most important step is getting current data specific to your situation.

Search current Fort McMurray listings | Get a free home evaluation | Talk to Kate

Fort McMurray Home Prices in May 2026

• Detached: $532,614 (up YOY). The detached segment saw 94 sales in May, up 21 percent year over year. Demand for single-family homes remains the dominant force in this market. Browse available detached homes.

• Semi-Detached: $235,408 (up YOY). Only five semi-detached homes sold in May, so this average reflects a small sample. Semi-detached remains one of the more affordable entry points into the Fort McMurray market for buyers who want more space than a condo but need to stay under the detached price range. See semi-detached listings.

• Row/Townhouse: $401,950 (down YOY). Thirteen row sales in May, up 44 percent over last year. Townhomes are moving faster but pricing has softened compared to last year, which creates real value for buyers in this segment. Browse townhomes.

• Apartment: $139,693 (down YOY). Apartments saw 23 sales in May, a 53 percent increase year over year. Strong buyer activity at the lower price point, with pricing slightly off last year's levels. The best entry-level opportunity in the market right now. See condo listings.

• Overall Residential Average: $432,213 (+9.4% YOY)

The headline story on pricing: detached and semi-detached prices moved higher year over year. Row and apartment prices declined modestly. If you are a buyer, the apartment and row segments are where you find the most value right now. If you are a seller, detached homes are commanding strong numbers.

Is It a Good Time to Sell in Fort McMurray?

Yes, and the data backs it up clearly.

Inventory is down 22.6 percent year over year. Every new listing that comes to market is entering a pool with far fewer competing properties than a year ago. Sales are up 25 percent. Prices are up 9.4 percent overall. That is the definition of a seller's market.

That said, "good conditions" do not replace preparation. Sellers who price correctly, present their home well, and list with a clear strategy capture the full benefit of this market. Sellers who overprice or under-prepare still leave money on the table, even in a seller's market.

If you are thinking about listing this summer, start with a precise, neighbourhood-specific valuation rather than a generic estimate. Request your free home evaluation here. You can also review Kate's Marketing Strategy to understand what a properly marketed listing looks like in this market.

For a full picture of what comparable homes have sold for near you, check What Your Neighbour Sold For.

What Fort McMurray Buyers Should Know Right Now

The detached segment is the most competitive. Ninety-four sales in May with new listings down eight percent year over year means well-priced detached homes are not sitting long. If you are shopping for a single-family home, being pre-approved and ready to move quickly is not optional, it is essential.

The apartment segment is worth serious attention. Twenty-three sales in May, up 53 percent year over year, with pricing down modestly from last year. If your budget puts you in the condo or apartment range, this is one of the better windows you will find.

Row and townhome buyers are also seeing value. Pricing has softened while sales velocity has increased, which suggests buyers are finding good deals in this category before competition heats up further.

Regardless of which segment you are targeting, get pre-approved before you start serious searching. Kate's Professional Network includes local mortgage brokers who know the Fort McMurray market. Use the Mortgage Calculator to get an early sense of your numbers, and search current listings here. For a complete walkthrough of the buying process, review the Buyers Guide.

Year-to-Date Summary: January to May 2026

Year-to-date sales are running three percent behind 2025's pace, but that context matters: 2025 was a standout year for Fort McMurray sales volume. The more telling figure is that inventory is down 22 percent and months of supply has dropped 20 percent compared to the same period last year. The market is tighter and more competitive in 2026 despite a slightly lower transaction count. Prices reflect that: up four percent year-to-date. View historical Fort McMurray real estate statistics here.

What to Watch in June 2026

May closed strong, and the data heading into June points to more of the same. With months of supply at 2.64 and new listings running below last year's pace, buyers entering the summer market are not going to find a sudden windfall of inventory. A few things worth watching in June:

• Whether new listing volume picks up as sellers respond to higher prices

• How the detached segment holds its pricing as we move into the slower summer transaction pace

• Whether apartment and row absorption rates continue their upward trend

June market data will be published here in early July. If you want it delivered directly to your inbox the moment it goes live, sign up for the monthly Fort McMurray market report below.

Sign Up for the Monthly Market Report

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Fort McMurray real estate market like right now? Fort McMurray's market in May 2026 is firmly in seller's territory. Sales rose 25 percent year over year, inventory fell 22.6 percent, and months of supply sits at 2.64, well below the four-month threshold for a balanced market. The overall average sale price is $432,213, up 9.4 percent from May 2025. Demand is outpacing supply, and that dynamic is pushing prices higher.

Is it a good time to sell a home in Fort McMurray in 2026? Yes. Inventory is near multi-year lows, buyer activity is strong, and prices are up nearly 10 percent year over year. Sellers who enter the market properly priced and well-prepared are benefiting from serious competition. The window is open. Request a home evaluation to find out exactly what your property is worth in this market.

What are Fort McMurray home prices in 2026? As of May 2026: detached homes are averaging $532,614; row/townhouses are averaging $401,950; semi-detached homes are averaging $235,408; and apartments are averaging $139,693. The overall residential average is $432,213, up 9.4 percent year over year.

Which property types are selling the fastest in Fort McMurray right now? Detached homes are the most active segment by volume, with 94 sales in May and new listings down year over year, creating strong competition. Apartments are seeing the highest percentage increase in sales activity, up 53 percent year over year, with pricing at the most accessible level of any segment. Row homes are also moving faster than last year, up 44 percent in sales.

How long does it take to sell a house in Fort McMurray right now? With months of supply at 2.64 and a sales-to-new-listings ratio of 61 percent, well-priced homes in Fort McMurray are typically moving quickly. Overpriced listings still sit, but correctly priced properties in high-demand segments like detached homes are often receiving attention within the first week of listing.

Is Fort McMurray a buyer's or seller's market right now? It is a seller's market. Anything under four months of supply is classified as a seller's market, and Fort McMurray is at 2.64 months. Buyers are not without options, but they need to be prepared, pre-approved, and decisive. The inventory is not deep enough to accommodate long deliberation on well-priced properties.

Who should I call about selling my home in Fort McMurray? Kate Arnold with Coldwell Banker United has been active in the Fort McMurray market since 2016. She provides data-backed valuations, a clear marketing strategy, and direct, honest guidance through the entire transaction. Contact Kate here.

Get Your Free Market Evaluation

Thinking about selling this summer? Kate will give you a precise, data-backed valuation specific to your property and neighbourhood. No generic estimates. No obligation.

Request Your Home Evaluation | Search Current Listings

About Kate Arnold Kate Arnold is a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker United in Fort McMurray, Alberta. She has been active in the Fort McMurray real estate market since 2016 and specializes in residential, commercial, and rural properties. Kate works with sellers and buyers who want clear, data-backed guidance on one of the most significant decisions they will make. Contact Kate today.

Data source: Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA) / Pillar 9 | Published June 2026

Fort McMurray's spring market is active, and the biggest story in April 2026 is the lack of inventory.

The April 2026 market update is out. The short version: the market is busy. Spring has arrived and buyers are active. The challenge is the same one we have been dealing with all year. There simply aren't enough homes for buyers to choose from.

Sales were down 13.6% compared to April 2025. Before you read that as a softening market, keep reading. This is not a demand problem. It is a supply problem, and the numbers make that clear.

April 2026 at a Glance

• Total sales: 121, down 13.6% year over year

• New listings: 177, down 5.9% year over year

• Active inventory: 306 units, down 22.1% year over year

• Months of supply: 2.53, down 9.9% year over year

• Average days on market: 48 days

• Average residential price: $390,375, up 4.2% year over year

• Sales-to-new-listings ratio: 68%

For context: anything under four months of supply is considered a seller's market. At 2.53 months, we are well into that range.

Why Sales Are Down (And Why It Is Not a Red Flag)

Every time a monthly report shows a year-over-year sales dip, people wonder if the market is slowing down. April is no exception.

Here is my honest read: sales are lower because there are not enough homes for buyers to choose from. Not because demand has dried up. Demand is there. The buyers are there. But when inventory drops 22.1% year over year, there is simply less to buy. Fewer choices means fewer closings.

The sales-to-new-listings ratio tells you everything you need to know. In April, 68 out of every 100 homes that hit the market went under contract. That is not a slow market. That is a market with inventory challenges.

Days on market averaged 48 days in April, which is tracking faster than the same period last year. Correctly priced, well-prepared homes are not sitting.

Fort McMurray Home Prices in April 2026

Average prices by property type:

• Detached: $465,894 (down 3.6% year over year)

• Semi-detached: $393,000 (up 13.0% year over year)

• Row / Townhouse: $243,316 (up 12.4% year over year)

• Apartment: $121,931 (down 0.8% year over year)

• Overall residential average: $390,375 (up 4.2% year over year)

Prices have not jumped dramatically across the board, and I think that reflects something important about buyers in Fort McMurray right now. They are savvy. They are not going to overpay just because inventory is tight. What I am seeing is that buyers will pay a premium for the right home: turnkey, well-located, priced correctly from day one. The right home, the one that checks every box, is moving fast and for strong prices. Everything else is being scrutinized.

The segments where prices are climbing the most are semi-detached and row homes, which are also the most supply-constrained. Row homes had just 1.42 months of supply in April, with a 119% sales-to-new-listings ratio. That means more row homes sold in April than came to market. If you own a townhouse or semi-detached in Fort McMurray, you are sitting in a very strong position right now.

Is It a Good Time to Sell in Fort McMurray in 2026?

For a well-prepared, correctly priced home: absolutely, yes.

With inventory down 22% and months of supply sitting below three, sellers have real advantages this spring. There is less competition from other listings. Buyers are active. And the balance of power in negotiations is not stacked against you the way it is in a balanced or buyer's market.

That said, being in a seller's market does not mean any price will stick. Buyers in Fort McMurray are doing their homework. They know what things are selling for. They can spot an overpriced listing fast, and once a property starts accumulating days on market, you lose the leverage that the current conditions should have given you.

The sellers who are doing well right now are the ones who came prepared: pre-listing prep done, priced from actual comparable data, and ready to go on day one. If that sounds like how you want to approach this, I am happy to walk you through what it looks like for your specific property.

What Fort McMurray Buyers Should Know Right Now

Competition is real, especially for detached homes and row homes. With 2.45 months of supply in the detached segment and 1.42 months for row homes, you do not have the luxury of slow decision-making on a property you want. Search available properties here.

The apartment segment has the most room, with 4.92 months of supply. If you are flexible on property type and focused on getting into the market at a lower price point, this is worth looking at closely.

One thing has not changed: if you are not pre-approved, you are not competitive. Getting your financing confirmed before you start seriously looking is the baseline right now, not a nice-to-have. If you need a recommendation, I maintain a list of trusted mortgage brokers and specialists. Reach out and I'll point you in the right direction.

Year-to-Date Summary: January Through April 2026

Through the first four months of 2026:

• Total sales: 372 (down 11% year over year)

• New listings: 577 (down 13% year over year)

• Inventory: 282 units (down 22% year over year)

• Average price: $367,695 (up 1% year over year)

• Months of supply: 3.03 (down 13% year over year)

The year-to-date picture confirms the same pattern we saw in April. Fewer listings, fewer sales as a direct result, but prices are holding and ticking upward. The market has not cooled. It is constrained.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Fort McMurray Real Estate Market

What is the Fort McMurray real estate market like right now? Active, with a serious supply shortage. In April 2026, active inventory was down 22.1% year over year. There are only 2.53 months of supply available, which is firmly in seller's market territory. Homes are selling in an average of 48 days, and 68% of new listings are going under contract. Buyer demand is strong, but there simply are not enough homes available to meet it.

Is it a good time to sell a home in Fort McMurray in 2026? For a prepared, correctly priced home, yes. With inventory near historic lows and buyer demand holding steady, sellers have an advantage in the current market. The key is coming to market ready: realistic pricing based on current comparables, and a home that shows well. Overpriced listings still sit, even in a seller's market.

What are Fort McMurray home prices in 2026? In April 2026, the overall residential average price was $390,375, up 4.2% year over year. Detached homes averaged $465,894. Semi-detached averaged $393,000, up 13% year over year. Row and townhouse homes averaged $243,316, up 12.4% year over year. Apartments averaged $121,931, essentially flat year over year.

Which property types are selling the fastest in Fort McMurray right now? Row homes and semi-detached properties are the most competitive segments in April 2026. Row homes had a 119% sales-to-new-listings ratio, meaning more sold than came to market, with just 1.42 months of supply. Semi-detached is close behind. Detached homes are also moving well at 2.45 months of supply. Apartments have the most breathing room at 4.92 months, making them the most accessible entry point for buyers right now.

How long does it take to sell a house in Fort McMurray right now? Homes that are priced correctly and show well are selling in around 48 days on average in the current market. That is tracking faster than the same period last year. Properties that are overpriced or under-prepared are taking considerably longer, and risk losing the early buyer attention that drives the strongest results.

Who should I call about selling my home in Fort McMurray? Kate Arnold here, REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker United. I've been in the Fort McMurray market since 2016. If you're serious about selling and want to know where your home stands, I'll give you a straight answer and a solid plan. Book a time to chat.

Get Your Free Market Evaluation

Thinking about selling this spring? Kate will give you a precise, data-backed valuation specific to your property and neighbourhood. No generic estimates. No obligation.

[Request Your Home Evaluation] | [Search Current Listings]

About Kate Arnold

Kate Arnold is a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker United in Fort McMurray, Alberta. She has been active in the Fort McMurray real estate market since 2016 and specializes in residential, commercial, and rural properties. Kate works with sellers and buyers who want clear guidance on one of the most significant decisions they will make.

Data source: Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA) / Pillar 9 | Published May 2026 

Published: April 2026 | Kate Arnold, REALTOR® | Data Source: FMREB / Pillar 9

For the latest numbers, see my ongoing Fort McMurray real estate market update.

March numbers are in, and there is a lot to unpack. If you have been watching the Fort McMurray market closely, the data tells a clear story: buyers are moving faster, sellers are pricing sharper, and certain neighbourhoods and property types are genuinely hard to find right now. Here is what the official FMREB statistics show for March 2026 and what it means if you are buying or selling this spring.

March 2026: By the Numbers

Source: Fort McMurray Real Estate Board (FMREB) / Pillar 9

Buyers Are Deciding Faster

The single most telling number in this month's report is days on market. In March 2026, the average property sold in 46 days compared to 64 days in March 2025. That is a 28% improvement in pace, and it matters more than almost any other metric for both buyers and sellers right now.

Alongside that, the sale-to-list price ratio tightened to 97.16% from 96.1% a year ago. Sellers are getting closer to their asking price, and the gap between what a home is listed for and what it sells for is narrowing. Properly priced homes are not sitting. They are moving, and they are moving well.

Homes priced correctly are selling in 46 days on average and closing within 3% of list price. Accurate pricing from day one is the most valuable tool a seller has right now.

New Listings Down, Inventory Even Tighter

New listings in March came in at 160, which is down 20% year-over-year. Fewer sellers are coming to market compared to this time last year, which means buyers are competing for a smaller pool of available homes.

Total inventory sits at just 290 active listings, down 24.1% from March 2025. With only 2.87 months of supply, Fort McMurray is holding firmly in seller's market territory. The rule of thumb for a balanced market is 4 to 6 months of supply. We are not there.

If you have been thinking about listing and waiting for the right time, this spring window is it. With both new listings and total inventory declining, your property faces less competition than in a more saturated market, and motivated buyers are actively searching with fewer options to choose from.

Prices by Property Type

The headline average residential price of $368,560 is essentially flat year-over-year (+0.1%), but the story varies significantly by property type.

Detached homes: The average sale price sits at $464,278, and year-to-date the detached benchmark is $472,598, unchanged from this time last year. Detached homes remain the most stable and in-demand segment of the Fort McMurray market. If you own a detached home, you are holding value.

Semi-detached: Up 3% year-over-year at $380,500. Strong relative performance in this segment.

Row/Townhouse: Average price of $239,889, down 4.9% year-over-year. More affordable entry point for buyers, and a softer segment for sellers. Pricing strategy is especially important here.

Apartments: The standout. Average price of $157,252, up 36.7% year-over-year. Apartment demand is real and growing, driven by first-time buyers, investors, and newcomers entering the market at an accessible price point.

Detached home values are holding firm year-over-year. For homeowners in this segment, the market is supporting strong equity positions heading into spring 2026.

In-Demand Neighbourhoods Right Now

Certain areas are seeing consistent buyer interest this spring. If you are searching in any of the following neighbourhoods, move with intention because well-priced listings are not lasting long.

Abasand — An established neighbourhood with character homes, mature lots, and strong community appeal. Buyers looking for detached homes with value are active here.

Beacon Hill — One of Fort McMurray's quieter, well-established communities. Consistent demand from buyers who want a traditional neighbourhood feel.

Parsons Creek — A newer north-end development with modern builds and family-friendly infrastructure. Demand here is driven by buyers seeking newer construction. [Add link to Parsons Creek neighbourhood page when live]

Stone Creek — A premium pocket attracting buyers at the higher end of the market. Strong activity in the $600,000-plus range. [Add link to Stone Creek neighbourhood page when live]

Wood Buffalo Way area — Consistent buyer interest in this corridor. [Add link to Wood Buffalo neighbourhood page when live]

Saprae Creek Estates — Acreage living within reach of the city. Buyers seeking space, privacy, and triple-car garages or shop-ready lots are actively looking here.

Anzac — The rural market south of the city continues to attract buyers looking for acreages, larger lots, and a different pace of life. Inventory here is very limited, which means well-priced rural properties are moving quickly.

Searching in one of these areas? Browse current listings: [View all Fort McMurray properties.]

What Buyers Are Looking For

Beyond neighbourhood, certain property types are seeing disproportionate demand right now. If you own one of the following and are considering selling, you are in a strong position.

Condos and apartments: With apartment prices up 36.7% year-over-year and months of supply tightening in this segment, condo demand is real. First-time buyers and investors are competing for well-located units. Affordability in the sub-$200,000 range is driving urgency.

Homes with suites: Legal suites and mortgage helpers are among the most requested features from buyers right now. With rental costs high in Fort McMurray and buyers increasingly cost-conscious, a home that helps offset carrying costs commands a premium.

Homes priced above $700,000: The upper end of the market is more active than the headline average suggests. Buyers in this range are looking for quality finishes, newer construction, and properties that justify the price. Inventory is limited and qualified buyers are ready.

Triple-car garages: A consistent top request, particularly from buyers who have work vehicles, recreational equipment, or simply want the flexibility. Homes with triple-car garages or large heated garages sell at a premium in this market.

Acreages: Rural properties in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, including Saprae Creek Estates, Anzac, and surrounding areas, are seeing strong interest with very limited supply. If you own acreage and have considered selling, call me. The buyers are there.

What the RMWB Census 2025 Tells Us About Housing Demand

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo released its Census 2025 results in January, and the findings are directly relevant to anyone buying or selling here right now.

The total population of the RMWB came in at 107,740, a 1.6% increase from 2021 and the first period of growth the region has seen in a decade. Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo That headline number matters, but the story underneath it matters more for real estate.

Since 2021, the permanent resident population has grown by over 11%, while the number of temporary workers living in camps or short-term accommodations has dropped by more than 22%. Work camps declined from 68 facilities to 25. Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo That is a fundamental shift in the character of this community. Fewer transient workers, more permanent residents. More people buying homes, not bunking in camps.

Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo remains a young, working-age community, with 43% of residents between the ages of 20 and 44. The largest age cohort has shifted from the 35 to 39 range in previous census cycles to 40 to 45 in 2025 Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, which points to a population that is settling in, not passing through. People continue to move here from across Canada, with family connections, available housing, and employment all cited as top reasons for relocating. Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo

What this means for the housing market is straightforward. A growing permanent population, with fewer temporary workers cycling in and out, creates sustained, year-round demand for residential real estate. These are people who need homes, not camp beds. Combined with inventory that sits 24% below year-ago levels, the census data reinforces what the March numbers already show: this market is not short of buyers. It is short of homes.

The shift from a transient workforce to a permanent, family-rooted population is one of the most significant long-term drivers of housing demand Fort McMurray has seen in years. The Census 2025 data confirms it.

My Read on the Market

March confirmed what I have been seeing on the ground. Buyers are serious, they are moving quickly, and they know what they want. Sellers who price accurately and present their homes well are getting strong results. Those who overprice or under-prepare are sitting longer than they need to.

The combination of tight inventory, rising sale-to-list ratios, and improving days on market points to a spring season with real momentum. If you have been on the fence about listing, the window is open now.

If you want to know what your specific home is worth in this market, I will give you a data-backed answer with no pressure attached. [Request your free evaluation: Home Evaluation.]

Get Your Free Market Evaluation

Thinking about selling this spring? Kate will give you a precise, data-backed valuation specific to your property and neighbourhood. No generic estimates. No obligation.

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About Kate Arnold

Kate Arnold is a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker United in Fort McMurray, Alberta. She has been active in the Fort McMurray real estate market since 2016 and specializes in residential, commercial, and rural properties. Kate works with sellers and buyers who want clear, data-backed guidance on one of the most significant decisions they will make.