Housing starts in the Calgary Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) increased 65 per cent for the month of June 2012 compared to June 2011.

"The gain in new construction was attributed to higher starts for both single-detached and multi-family units," said a Housing Now report from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

There were 1,936 residential units sold in Calgary in July representing a 21.3 per cent increase over 2011, a testament to the fact the city continues to buck national housing sale trends.

"Recent mortgage rule changes prompted much discussion of a national housing correction," said Ann-Marie Lurie, CREB® economist.