Where Are Calgary's New Secondary Suites Popping Up?

Calgary’s housing scene is undergoing a serious transformation, and secondary suites are leading the charge. By mid-2025, over 20,000 secondary suites were registered in the city, marking a staggering 60 percent increase in just the past year. This surge is more than just numbers; it's a direct response to Calgary’s ongoing housing affordability challenges, where many families and individuals struggle to find affordable options.

Between 2022 and 2024, the number of new homes built with secondary suites more than tripled, driven by the City of Calgary’s streamlined permitting and incentive programs. These initiatives, part of the "Home is Here" Affordable Housing Strategy, offer up to $10,000 to $19,400 for qualifying homeowners to build and register legal suites. Permit completions peaked at around 4,900 in 2024, continuing strongly into 2025 with about 4,000 by mid-year. While established neighbourhoods see growth, new suburbs like Cornerstone, Saddle Ridge, and Livingston are booming, with applications in new communities jumping 114 percent in Q3 2023 compared to the previous year.

For Calgarians, this means more "invisible density," directly combating costly urban sprawl and its estimated $16 billion burden on taxpayers. While Calgary's rental market recently saw some moderation with vacancy rates increasing to 4.8% by October 2025 and rent prices stabilizing after rapid growth, the demand for affordable housing remains high. These suites offer crucial rental opportunities and potential income streams for homeowners, helping ease mortgage pressures in a city where housing affordability has significantly eroded. This evolving real estate landscape offers vital solutions for a city grappling with rapid population growth and the ongoing quest for housing solutions.