Find the best mortgage rate in Alberta

Our rate tables allow you to view the most current mortgage rates in Alberta instantly, all in one place. By comparing the rates and products offered by the Big 5 Banks, top mortgage brokers, smaller banks and credit unions, you can find the best mortgage to suit your needs and save thousands of dollars.

Alberta at a glance

• Population: 4.5 million 
• Average Household Income: $93,835
• Percentage of Homeowners: 72%
  

June 7, 2023: Bank of Canada announcement highlights

On June 7, 2023, the Bank of Canada announced that it would be hiking its target for the overnight rate by 0.25%, bringing it up to 4.75%. 

• Canadians with variable-rate mortgages and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) will see their rates rise almost immediately after just a few short months of much-needed stability. 
• Canadians with fixed-rate mortgages won’t feel the effects of this rate hike right away, but can expect higher rates upon renewal at the end of their current mortgage terms. 
• Anyone looking to get a fixed-rate mortgage should obtain a pre-approval as soon as possible to protect themselves from further rate increases. 
• Rising variable rates mean that the mortgage stress test criteria will become even tougher. Use our mortgage affordability calculator to see how much you can qualify for. 
• In its latest announcement, the Bank explained its rationale for hiking rates, highlighting factors such as April’s stronger-than-anticipated inflation figures and surprisingly robust GDP growth in the first quarter of 2023. It reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to bringing inflation down to its target of 2%, and indicated that another rate hike at its next announcement on July 12 is possible if inflation and other key metrics do not trend in the right direction.
  

Alberta housing market: June 2023 update

On June 15, 2023, the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) released the May data for Alberta’s real estate market activity. The numbers show that home buyer demand remains below last year’s levels, with a total of 8,898 sales, a year-over-year decline of -5.9%. Over the short term, though, sales were up strongly for the spring market, rising 8% over April.

The number of newly-listed homes remains well below 2022 levels, with 12,297 properties brought to market, marking a -16.2% decline. Compared to April, however, new supply rose 7.5%, reflecting the influence of the busier spring market. That’s put upward pressure on the average Alberta home price, which rose both on a monthly (0.7%) and annual (2.7%) basis, at $465,198.

According to CREA, the Alberta housing market is lingering on the edge of sellers’ market conditions, with a sales-to-new-listings ratio (SNLR) of 59.7% - that’s up 4.3% from the previous month, indicating conditions are tightening quickly. CREA considers a ratio between 40 - 60% to represent a balanced housing market, with above and below that threshold reflecting sellers’ and buyers’ markets, respectively.

Alberta home sales and price forecast

Alberta’s housing market experienced enormous gains over the course of the pandemic, with many out-of-province buyers locating to wild rose country due to its comparably affordable home prices. However, that demand unwound considerably once the Bank of Canada started increasing interest rates in early 2022. According to forecast updated by the Canadian Real Estate Association in April, these year-over-year sales declines are expected to continue through 2023, with a total of 75,278 sales forecast for the year, a drop of -10.4%. However, activity is expected to pick back up in 2024 with a total of 81,190 sales, an increase of +7.9%.

The average Alberta home price is expected to perform similarly, to end 2023 relatively flat to the year prior at $444,570 (-0.6%), before increasing to $450,921 (+1.4%) in 2024.

How do I get the best mortgage rate in Alberta?

Alberta’s lucrative oil and gas industry, among other draws, beckons thousands of Canadians to move there every year. As such, it’s no surprise that it’s also home to a thriving mortgage industry, with numerous lenders vying for your business. In addition to the Big 5 Banks and other national banks and credit unions, Alberta is home to a number of its own financial institutions headquartered there, including ATB Financial, Canadian Western Bank and Servus Credit Union. Numerous smaller banks, credit unions and mortgage brokerages are also players in the Alberta market. The best mortgage rates in Alberta are in the table above, updated in real-time.

However, the lowest rate is not always the best rate for you - your ideal mortgage is one that meets your needs and best fits your financial situation. Be sure to shop around between lenders and consult with a mortgage broker. They can help you navigate the different mortgage products available, and can provide you with expert, personalized advice on the pros and cons of each, all at no cost to you.

What factors affect your mortgage rate?

It’s great to see the lowest rates on offer in Alberta, but the rate you’ll actually qualify for is likely to be different than the lowest advertised rates. Some personal factors that influence your personal rate are:

• Your down payment: Every Canadian home purchase requires a cash down payment. The minimum is from 5% to 20% depending on the purchase price. If your down payment is less than 20%, you’ll have what’s called an insured mortgage, and you’ll be charged for mortgage default insurance. This covers your lender if you don't make your payments. While this costs you more, your bank will probably offer a lower rate, because your insurance reduces the risk.
• Your amortization period: You won’t be able to get insurance on a mortgage with an amortization period of over 25 years, so you’ll be charged a higher rate. That said, most mortgages in Alberta have amortization periods of 25 years or less.
• The purpose of the property: Your mortgage rates will be different if you plan to live in the new home. Rates are generally higher for mortgages on rental or investment properties.
• Mortgage type: You’ll be offered a higher rate if your mortgage is a refinance, rather than buying a new home or renewing your mortgage.
• Credit score: The best rates typically come from A lenders, which includes big banks and many credit unions. However, A lenders often won’t work with you if you have bad credit. If your credit forces you to borrow from a B lender, expect a higher rate.
  
  

Historical trends in Alberta mortgage rates

Alberta mortgage rates rise and fall, as do rates across Canada. Check out this interactive chart showing the lowest mortgage rates in Canada over the last few years to get a sense of where we are today.

Source: Ratehub Historical Rate Chart

Alberta land transfer tax

Unlike other provinces like Ontario and British Columbia, Alberta doesn’t have a land transfer tax. This makes the closing costs associated with buying a house in Alberta significantly lower than in other provinces.

In Ontario and BC, land transfer taxes add between 0.5% and 2.0% to the cost of every home, which can quickly get into the tens of thousands of dollars.

Alberta first-time home buyer programs

With no land transfer tax in Alberta, there aren’t any first-home buyer tax rebates at the provincial level. However, first-time home buyers in Alberta can access a range of federal government programs, including the first-time home buyer tax credit and the first-time home buyer incentive.

Read about those programs in our guide to Canadian first-time home buyer programs.

Sources:

1. Alberta.ca
2. CREA
3. Statistics Canada
4. AREA