Banff Pedestrian Zone and Its Impacts on Real Estate

The Banff pedestrian zone has been trending in the news lately for its controversial impact on the community. While some residents are happy to see its return to Banff this summer, others are not as thrilled. The Banff pedestrian zone has long been a point of contention since its start during COVID-19. Originally, the pedestrian zone was put into place as a pilot project in 2020. This was to ensure that social distancing could happen safely during the initial heights of the pandemic. Four years later, this project remains in full effect, raising questions about its influence on the local real estate market. 

The presence of a car-free zone in downtown Banff can significantly alter the desirability of properties in the area. Thus, impacting property values and investment opportunities. To help you better understand the ongoing debate surrounding the pedestrian zone, and how it relates to the real estate market, we wrote this blog post.

Follow along below to learn more!

All About the Banff Pedestrian Zone

As mentioned above, the Banff pedestrian zone began in 2020 during COVID-19. The project served as a way to monitor physical distancing and maintain tourism in Banff during the pandemic. This pilot project was supported by many local businesses on Banff Avenue and frequent visitors. Each year between May Long Weekend and the end of Thanksgiving, Banff closes off Banff Avenue. This occurs between the 100 and 200 blocks and disallows all vehicle traffic.

When Banff Avenue is closed off during the summer, residents and tourists can access Banff’s main attractions on foot. It also reduces the number of cars in the area and makes Banff Avenue a central plaza for pedestrians. In 2023, Banff’s elected officials voted in favour of maintaining the pedestrian zone on an annual basis. Nearly two-thirds of business owners in Banff were in favour of this decision. Moreover, numerous residents were excited about the pedestrian zone’s annual return. This was mainly because it made the town more accessible and promoted greener ways of transportation. However, the decision to make the Banff pedestrian zone a yearly occurrence did not come without backlash.  

Many long-time residents have come forward since the onset of the pedestrian zone. They have noted their concerns about how it changes the dynamics of the community. While a major purported benefit of the pedestrian zone is less traffic, residents have clarified that the pedestrian zone is not effective in this regard. Instead, it diverts traffic to local side streets and residential areas where permanent residents live. This has caused unwanted noise and traffic to make tourist areas more appealing. As such, this year, a petition to cease the pedestrian zone has come about. The town is now preparing to rescind its 2023 decision at its May 13th meeting. 

How Does the Pedestrian Zone in Banff Affect Real Estate?

With the uncertainty of the Banff pedestrian zone hanging in the balance, questions have risen about how the local real estate market will be impacted in the event of its removal. One of the main impacts that we foresee will be a change in property value. The removal of the pedestrian zone will likely restore the quiet that is usually present during the off-season in Banff. However, it could also reduce property values that have been buoyed by the attraction of a pedestrian-friendly downtown area. 

For those who own the remaining short-term rental properties in Banff, the elimination of the pedestrian zone could take away some of the appeal that these investments hold. Banff’s pedestrian zone has quickly become a main attraction for tourists visiting the town. By getting rid of the pedestrian zone, some tourists may not return or participate in town activities in the same way that they once did. Conversely, properties that were less desirable for short-term rentals may become more attractive for long-term tenants seeking a quieter living environment.

As for commercial properties, ceasing the pedestrian zone will likely mark a major shift in how commercial businesses operate during peak season. Without the pedestrian zone, businesses that rely heavily on foot traffic from the pedestrian zone may need to adjust their strategies to attract customers. The return of vehicle traffic to Banff Avenue could mean that businesses need to focus more on traditional storefront advertising and parking accessibility to draw in customers. It’s also worth considering the impact on businesses that have invested in outdoor seating and other amenities specifically designed for the pedestrian zone. The removal of the pedestrian zone could result in these businesses needing to reevaluate their outdoor setups and potentially make costly adjustments to adapt to the new traffic patterns.

Contact us Today to Learn More!

If you are interested in learning more about the Banff pedestrian zone, get in touch today! 

Banff is an incredible area to live and work. Reach out today to learn more about all of the amazing opportunities that come with living in Banff. For more information, feel free to message us with any questions or concerns you have about living/working in this incredible area. Be sure to check back next month for more real estate-related content! We look forward to working with you! 

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How to Get the Best Sale Price for Real Estate for Sale in Canmore?

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When selling your home, it can be hard to find the right listing price. As a homeowner, you want to ensure that you get the best return on your investment. However, this can sometimes lead to biased feelings about what the price tag of your home should be. As you look toward selling your property, it’s critical that you find a price that is both accurate and satisfying. To help you achieve the best ROI, we wrote this article on how to maximize your profit. This way you can keep moving up on the property ladder! Follow along below to learn more about finding the best sale price for real estate for sale in Canmore.

Get the Best Value for Your Real Estate for Sale in Canmore With These Tips

When it comes time to list your real estate for sale in Canmore, it’s important to do your due diligence. Especially, if you have plans of purchasing a better home. Getting a thorough understanding of the current market will help you in your success as a seller. By taking the time to gather information about the current market trends, you’ll be able to craft a better listing strategy. From pricing to marketing, there’s a lot to keep in mind when selling your property. 

To get a better feel for the market, consider setting up a meeting with a qualified Canmore real estate agent. Alternatively, you could consult the expertise of a market analyst. Either way, meeting with an expert in the field can help you attain a deeper understanding of current real estate trends in your area. For example, average sale prices, comparable properties, sale-to-list price ratios, number of homes on the market, average days on the market, and so much more!

To get the best value for your home, it’s also a good idea to get a home inspection done. Enlisting a professional to complete a pre-listing home inspection can benefit the sale of your home. Not only does it convey a sense of transparency to buyers, but it also speeds up the selling process. This is because buyers won’t need to worry about potential issues and trust will be established from the get-go. Generally, you can expect to budget between $250-$700 depending on the size of your home and what you need to have inspected. Anything that can be seen and safely assessed is typically included in the inspection. For instance, most inspectors will cover the roof, appliances, electrical systems, plumbing, foundation, and interior features. 

Strategies for a Successful Listing!

Marketing is an essential part of selling your home. However, it’s important to recognize that marketing isn’t always about advertising and taking great photos. It’s also about how you prepare your home to be present in these campaigns. Effectively preparing your house is just as important as your digital marketing. Before you have listing photos taken or an in-person showing, it’s important to get your home in tip-top shape. Performing tasks like decluttering, re-landscaping and applying a coat of paint, can all do wonders for the look of your home. Many sellers also opt to stage their property when it comes time to list for an even better impression. 

Once your home is looking its very best, then you can start to think about physical marketing—for example, photography, videography, 3D tours, brochures and more. With increasing numbers of buyers beginning their search online, having high-quality digital assets to market your property is critical. Hire a professional photographer/videographer to get some unique shots of your property. This will help you stand out from the crowd on listing platforms. It’s also a good idea to write engaging descriptions so that you attract the attention of potential buyers. 

When you’re ready to put your home on the market, make sure that you price your property accurately from the start. Pricing too high or too low can detract interest from your listing. Work with a trusted real estate professional to help you determine the most appropriate price for your property. After all, a great price can make all the difference in how much you make off of your home. 

Contact us Today

If you are planning on selling real estate for sale in Canmore this spring, get in touch today! We are happy to help you achieve this year’s real estate goals. 

Canmore is an incredible area to own a property. Reach out today to learn more about all of the amazing opportunities that come with living in real estate in Canmore. For more information, feel free to message us with any questions or concerns you have about living in this incredible town. Be sure to check back next month for more real estate-related content! We look forward to working with you in the near future!

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Canmore Real Estate for Sale will Soon be Subject to Vacant Home Tax

Over the past few years, Canada’s cost of living has significantly increased. With the price of housing steadily on the rise and interest rates at all-time highs, affordability is a hot commodity. In Canmore, the average home price has gone up. So much so, that it is now rivaling major Canadian cities like Vancouver and Toronto. Because of this, the city is now looking for ways to tackle housing affordability and availability. In 2023, the Town of Canmore began to outline a housing action plan that would begin to find solutions to the housing crisis. More recently, recommendations were made to the town’s council on January 9th, 2024 about how to move forward. In this article, we will be going over some of the details about what’s to come for Canmore real estate for sale and housing affordability. Follow along below to learn more!

The Present Reality of Canmore Real Estate For Sale

Since the beginning of 2023, residents of Canmore have been grappling with a lack of housing availability and affordability. Locals note that many homes are often vacant during the weekdays. 2021 census data indicated that 26% of homeowners in Canmore did not live there full-time. However, it is difficult to pinpoint just how many part-time residents have homes in the town. 

While Canmore has long had the reputation of being a pricey place to settle, many individuals still choose to make it their home. Since 2006, the cost of owning a home in Canmore has gone up 65%. This is about 37% higher than the provincial average. This combined with the fact that more units are termed “tourist homes” than rental apartments, makes the situation even more challenging for permanent residents. In Alberta, the average full-time occupancy rate for housing is 92%. However, in Canmore this figure is substantially lower, sitting at 74%. 

According to CBC, “to keep up with population demands by 2030, a consultant calculated Canmore would need 2,156 units for full-time residents and 500 units to accommodate those with second homes in the town”. Evidently, there is much work to be done to meet the demand for housing and create more affordable opportunities for residents. 

Given this information, Canmore’s livability task force discussed several ways to help reach these goals.

Potential Solutions to Improve Affordability and Availability of Housing in Canmore

  1. Removing Tourist Home Designations

Tourism, while important to the town’s economy, has caused an imbalance in the housing market. This phenomenon is not unique to Canmore, as many other provinces have been dealing with similar issues. For example, in British Columbia, new rules surrounding short-term rentals (STRs) have been introduced to create more housing options for locals. In Canmore, removing the tourist home designation would prevent new tourist homes from being approved after a set date. However, existing tourist homes would remain with this designation. Anyone who continues to operate STRs in Canmore after the date would face a commercial tax rate, regardless of whether the home is being used personally. 

  1. Tax Tools to Support Locals

Another potential solution suggested by the tax force included introducing new tax tools to motivate people to live in their homes full-time. This would come in the form of a rebate program and those who do not qualify would face higher taxes. Officials note that higher tax rates would be introduced gradually so that the town can monitor how the real estate market responds. 

  1. Purpose-Built Rental Incentives

Finally, it was suggested that purpose-built rentals receive some kind of incentive to encourage the development of new projects. Purpose-built rentals are properties that are developed with the sole intention of offering each unit as a rental home. This sort of housing has become increasingly popular in recent years as more young people look to find flexible housing options. One of the proposed incentives was a grant or tax relief program that would exempt new purpose-built rentals from 75% of municipal residential property taxes for 10 years. However, this will come with some conditions. 

Get in Touch Today!

If you are planning on buying or selling Canmore real estate for sale, get in touch today! We are happy to help you achieve this year’s real estate goals. 

Canmore is an incredible area to own a property. Reach out to Alpine Realty today! Learn more about all of the amazing opportunities that come with living in real estate in Canmore. For more information, feel free to message us with any questions or concerns about living in this amazing town. Be sure to check back next month for more real estate-related content!

We look forward to working with you soon! 

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Vacation Homes for Sale in Canmore: 2024 Market Outlook

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Are you looking to buy or sell a property in Canmore in 2024? If you are, you must have all of the information before starting to chip away at this year’s real estate goals! Homes for sale in Canmore and Banff make great lifetime investments. With access to such incredible outdoor amenities and a strong sense of community, it’s no surprise that so many Canadians want to call these towns home. To help you get started with your new year’s real estate goals, we decided it would be best to provide you with a 2024 market outlook. Here, you will find key information about national trends, local insights, and a general idea of what to expect from the market this year. Follow along below to learn more!

Trends and Insights on the 2024 Canmore Real Estate Market

To get a complete understanding of the real estate market in Canmore in 2024, we must examine national trends and their impact on the local market. Recent market forecasts released from RE/MAX and Royal LePage have indicated that Canada will return to near-normal conditions in the months to come. Moreover, the Canadian aggregate home price is anticipated to rise by 5.5% year-over-year to $843,684.

As for interest rates, most experts predict that the Bank of Canada’s key lending rate will remain stable at 5% through the first half of 2024. During the second half of the year, it is expected that modest cuts will be made by the central bank. For this reason, several lenders are already offering discounts on fixed-rate mortgages. This year will likely mark the start of a general acceptance from Canadians towards the new normal for interest rates. For those looking to enter the market, 2024 could present more stability and affordability compared to previous post-pandemic years. 

Major housing markets in Alberta like Calgary and Edmonton are gearing up for a year of high demand. With home prices in provinces like Ontario and BC as high as they are, affordability is hard to come by. Because of this, 2024 will see numerous move-over buyers relocate to Albertan cities. Increased numbers moving to the province could bring more demand to recreational markets like Canmore and Banff. Inventory may become stringent as a result of the influx of new residents looking for places to call home and investors looking to capitalize on cheaper real estate. 

Buying and Selling Vacation Homes for Sale in Canmore in the New Year

Canmore’s epic location in the Rockies has long attracted those seeking a mountain retreat or second home. The town’s proximity to Banff is an added benefit that makes Canmore such an incredible destination. Whether you’re looking for a permanent home or a recreational property, Canmore has plenty to offer. In 2024, the demand for second homes and vacation properties is expected to remain strong. Nearly 40% of the Canmore housing market was made up of recreational properties in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Despite rising interest rates, buyers looking for vacation homes in Canmore have not been dissuaded. In fact, most buyers coming to purchase properties in the area are buying houses without financing. The continued demand for properties in Canmore has resulted in local home prices growing steadily. Canmore’s median home price for recreational detached properties is roughly $1.7 million. On the other hand, recreational condos are sitting just below $700,000.

At the end of 2023, Canmore’s Town Council approved a 7.6 percent increase in municipal tax for the new year. This was done to collect $77 million to run all municipally-led tax and utility-supported services in the area. Consequently, for homeowners who own a property in Canmore valued just under $1M, the annual tax increase would be approximately $150. Between new mid-single-digit interest rates and higher taxes, buyers should be wary of the cost of living. In markets like Canmore where properties are largely comprised of luxury vacation homes, affordability is hard to come by. 

Contact us Today!

If you are planning on buying or selling homes for sale in Canmore, contact us today! We are happy to help you achieve this year’s real estate goals. 

Canmore is an incredible area to own a property. Reach out today to learn more about all of the amazing opportunities that come with living in real estate in Canmore. For more information, feel free to message us with any questions or concerns you have about living in this amazing town. Be sure to check back next month for more real estate-related content and visit our social media page!

We look forward to working with you in 2024! 

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