Edmonton Among Few Cities on Track for Housing Affordability by 2035
- Wayne Hillier
- Jun 20
- 3 min read
By Wayne Hillier, Real Estate Investing Masters
June 20, 2025 | Edmonton, AB
In a new national housing report, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) reveals that Edmonton stands out as one of the few major Canadian cities projected to meet its housing needs by 2035 without requiring additional construction beyond current projections.
The CMHC’s “Canada’s Housing Supply Shortages: A New Framework” estimates that Canada will need to build between 430,000 and 480,000 new homes annually over the next decade to restore affordability to 2004 levels. But the challenge isn’t equal across the country and Edmonton is in a uniquely stable position.
Edmonton's Housing Supply: Stable and Sustainable
Unlike many of its big-city counterparts, Edmonton does not currently face a significant housing shortfall. According to CMHC, if current construction trends continue, the city is on pace to produce enough housing by 2030 and 2035 to meet its growing population's needs while maintaining a healthy level of affordability.
“No additional supply is required beyond what is currently projected, as sufficient market housing is expected to be built in the region to maintain affordability by 2035,” the report notes.
This contrasts starkly with cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, which are projected to need a 30–70% increase in home construction to make a meaningful impact on affordability.
Source: CMHC, June 2025
Why Edmonton Is Different
So what’s behind Edmonton’s stronger performance?
Lower Land Costs: Compared to other major CMAs, land acquisition in Edmonton is relatively affordable.
Zoning Reform: The City of Edmonton’s recent push for missing middle housing and flexible zoning has supported increased densification.
Developer Incentives: Ongoing incentives for infill and multi-family projects are encouraging steady new housing starts.
This proactive approach has allowed Edmonton to keep pace with demand while avoiding the overheated conditions seen in other markets.
How Will This Affect Real Estate Investors?
For real estate investors, this is very good news.
Reduced Risk of Overpaying
With a steady supply of new housing, investors are less likely to face the extreme bidding wars and runaway prices seen in cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
Consistent Rental Demand
As Edmonton continues to grow, new housing will be absorbed steadily, supporting strong rental demand in both ownership and rental markets.
Favourable Market Conditions
While other cities struggle with affordability and policy uncertainty, Edmonton offers predictable conditions and investor-friendly laws.
Opportunity for Long-Term Strategy
Investors can build sustainable portfolios here with properties that cash flow, appreciate, and remain in demand over the long haul.
Canada is in the midst of a historic housing challenge, but Edmonton is proving to be a model of balance and long-term planning. With no urgent shortfall, investor-friendly policies, and steady growth, Edmonton continues to be a top market for real estate investors who value sustainability over speculation.
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About the Author
Wayne Hillier is one of Canada’s trusted experts in real estate investing education, specializing in Alberta’s thriving markets. Based in Edmonton, Wayne has over a decade of experience building a high-performing rental portfolio and coaching investors to achieve strong cash flow, sustainable wealth, and creative financing success. As co-founder of Real Estate Investing Masters, Wayne is a respected real estate investing coach and mentor, dedicated to helping Canadian investors confidently scale their portfolios. He is also the host of The Real Estate Investing Morning Show, Canada’s #1 daily podcast for real estate investing education.
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