Retirement should be about peace of mind, not worrying about whether your savings will last. For many retirees, investing in real estate has become the perfect balance between security and steady income. In Calgary and surrounding communities, the opportunities for retirees to invest in property have never been stronger.
At Green Casa, we understand that every stage of life requires a different investment strategy. For retirees, it’s not about chasing risky returns; it’s about building stability, generating reliable cash flow, and protecting wealth for the next generation.
Why Calgary Stands Out for Retiree Investors
- Affordability Compared to Other Cities
Calgary’s average home price (~$577,000) is about half that of Toronto or Vancouver, while incomes remain high. This makes entry into the market easier for retirees looking to diversify their portfolio. - Strong Rental Demand
With Alberta welcoming over 200,000 new residents in 2023 alone, Calgary’s rental vacancy rate has plunged to near-record lows. This means reliable tenants and minimal downtime, perfect for investors who want peace of mind. - Landlord-Friendly Laws
Alberta has no rent control, allowing retirees to adjust rental rates in line with market demand. For those relying on rental income in retirement, this flexibility is a significant advantage.
Investment Options Retirees Should Consider
1. Multi-Family Properties
- Provide a consistent monthly income by spreading risk across multiple tenants.
- Inner-city communities like Renfrew, Killarney, and Mount Pleasant are ideal spots, offering strong rental demand from professionals and families.
2. Single-Family Rentals in Growing Towns
- Towns outside Calgary, like Airdrie, Cochrane, Chestermere, Strathmore, and Okotoks, are booming with young families seeking affordable homes.
- Retiree investors can enjoy steady rental income with lower maintenance costs.
3. New Build Investments with CMHC MLI Select
- Retirees who want long-term stability should explore new build rentals that qualify for CMHC’s MLI Select financing.
- This program allows for up to 50-year amortizations and 95% financing, making it easier to scale investments with less upfront capital.
- Energy-efficient or accessible properties also lower operating costs and attract reliable, long-term tenants.
4. Commercial Properties
- For retirees looking for diversification, small commercial investments (office spaces, retail units, or mixed-use buildings) in Calgary and surrounding towns offer higher returns.
- These properties are less volatile and often have longer lease agreements, ensuring stable cash flow.
5. Passive Investments with Property Management
- Not every retiree wants to be hands-on. Partnering with Green Casa means enjoying the benefits of property ownership without the day-to-day hassle.
- We handle everything: tenant screening, maintenance, and rent collection, while you focus on enjoying retirement.
The Human Side of Retiree Investments
For retirees, investing isn’t just about numbers; it’s about security, freedom, and legacy.
- A retired couple in Chestermere might choose to invest in a duplex, living in one unit and renting the other for extra income.
- Another in Airdrie could buy a new build fourplex, financing it through MLI Select, and leave it as a wealth-building asset for their children.
- Or, a retiree in Renfrew may opt for a smaller multi-family property that generates consistent rental income, funding travel and lifestyle goals in retirement.
Final Thoughts
For retirees, Calgary and its surrounding communities represent more than just real estate; they represent stability, growth, and peace of mind. Whether it’s a single-family rental, a new build in an up-and-coming community, or a multi-family asset managed by Green Casa, the opportunities are vast.
At this stage of life, your investments should work harder so you don’t have to. That’s where we come in. Green Casa ensures your retirement investments are not only profitable but also stress-free.
