Calgary's multi-family sector continues to surpass single-family growth

It's déjà vu for Calgary's condominium market, which is on pace to outperform the city's single-family homes sector in sales growth for the second consecutive year.

After the first eight months of the year, condominium apartment and townhouse sales have totaled 3,388 and 2,685 units respectively, representing a combined jump of nearly 20 per cent. Single-family sales, meanwhile, have increased by a more modest 6.9 per cent.

Strong gains in Calgary's condominium apartment and townhouse sectors sparked a 3.4 per cent year-over-year growth in residential resale housing sales activity for August.

A total of 2,267 units exchanged hands in the city during the month, compared to 2,192 during the same period in 2013. The condominium apartment and townhouse sectors saw the biggest gains, increasing by nearly 14 and 20 per cent, respectively, for total monthly sales of 790 units.

Calgary market is hot, hot, hot

Unlike Calgary's weather for most of this year, the city's condo market is scorching hot, said Matthew Boukall, director of residential advisory services with industry analyst Altus Group.

"We're coming off the best year we've had last year and demand remains strong," he said. "There's a lot of pent-up demand for new housing. So from an inventory perspective we're basically absorbing product as it's coming to market. We don't have an oversupply situation whatsoever."

Bill 13 to enhance protection for owners, improve condo communities

Alberta condo owners can expect easier access to information and quicker dispute resolutions thanks to new amendments to the province's condo property act.

Improved disclosure and governance were among the amendments tabled after the Alberta Government introduced Bill 13: The Condominium Property Act.

In a release from the Alberta Government, condo owners will soon have more protection with the introduction of Bill 13: The Condominium Property Amendment Act.

"Buying a condo is an affordable option for Albertans entering the housing market and is often their first real estate experience," said Doug Griffiths, minister of Service Alberta. "After careful review and discussion with stakeholders and Albertans, our government will update the Condominium Property Act to make it easier for owners and builders to understand their responsibilities on the sale of condos."

In a bustling Calgary real estate market, condos have become the talk of the town.

Compared to February 2012, combined condo apartment and condo townhouse sales in Calgary this February increased by 11 per cent. The boost in condo sales, in part, can be attributed to a tightening market on homes $500,000 and less available in the city.