As we move into 2026, the Fort McMurray real estate market is being shaped by one simple reality: supply has not kept up with demand.
We closed out 2025 with 1,224 residential sales, the highest annual sales volume Wood Buffalo has seen in over a decade. This level of activity matters because it created momentum that has carried directly into the new year.
At the same time, inventory has continued to tighten, with no new construction homes entering the market to relieve supply.
As of the beginning of 2026, there are approximately 260 active residential listings available across Fort McMurray. When you compare that number to last year’s average of over 100 sales per month, the imbalance becomes clear very quickly. There are far more buyers looking than there are homes available to purchase.
This is not a speculative market shift. It is basic supply and demand.
What Tight Inventory Means for Sellers
For homeowners, limited inventory creates an opportunity, but only when pricing and strategy are handled correctly.
When buyers have fewer options, well priced and well presented homes attract strong attention. Multiple offer situations are already happening and are expected to continue as long as inventory remains constrained.
This is not a market where low quality pricing strategies succeed. Overpricing still causes homes to sit, but underestimating demand can also leave money on the table. Sellers who have not reviewed their home’s market value recently should strongly consider an updated evaluation. The market conditions today are very different from even a year ago.
What This Market Means for Buyers
Buyers need to be realistic about the environment they are entering.
With only 260 active listings available, competition is unavoidable. Low ball offers are not effective in this type of market, particularly on homes that are priced correctly. Sellers have options, and buyers who come in significantly under market value are often overlooked in favour of cleaner, more competitive offers.
Preparation matters more than ever. Buyers who are pre approved, well informed, and ready to act are the ones who succeed. This is no longer a market where hesitation or testing the waters produces results.
Why Accurate Market Interpretation Matters
I am a full time real estate agent in Fort McMurray, and my job is to stay on top of the numbers daily. Sales volume, active inventory, pricing trends, and buyer behaviour all tell a story when you know how to interpret them together.
My role is not to create pressure. It is to provide clarity so clients can make confident decisions based on real data, not assumptions or outdated market perceptions.
Looking Ahead in 2026
Strong sales activity paired with historically low inventory has set the tone for the year ahead. This market rewards preparation, accurate pricing, and decisive action on both sides of the transaction.
If you are thinking about selling, buying, or simply want a realistic understanding of where your property fits in today’s market, I am always happy to have that conversation.
The strongest decisions start with understanding the numbers.
Written by Kate Arnold REALTOR® | Coldwell Banker United