As Calgary continues its transformation into a diversified and future-ready economy, commercial real estate (CRE) investors are finding new momentum across the city. From revitalized downtown districts to booming industrial parks, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Calgary’s CRE landscape. Whether you’re an investor, developer, or business owner, identifying the right submarket is crucial to maximizing your returns.
1. Downtown Calgary: The Comeback Story
Downtown Calgary is undergoing a major revitalization. Once characterized by high vacancy and limited demand, it’s now the focus of city-driven redevelopment, including the new Calgary Event Centre, numerous office-to-residential conversions, and improved transit connectivity. Investors are showing renewed interest in Class A office space and mixed-use properties that offer long-term stability and value appreciation.
2. The Beltline: Calgary’s Premier Mixed-Use District
The Beltline remains one of Calgary’s most desirable neighbourhoods for CRE investment. Located just south of the downtown core, it offers a thriving mix of residential, office, and retail developments. Businesses benefit from high foot traffic, urban density, and a strong demographic of young professionals. With its live-work-play appeal and continued infrastructure investment, the Beltline is ideal for those seeking retail storefronts, boutique offices, or mixed-use opportunities.
3. East Village & Inglewood: Culture Meets Commercial Growth
East Village and Inglewood are fast becoming cultural and commercial destinations. Creative office spaces, independent retail, hospitality concepts, and art-focused development are turning these historic neighbourhoods into thriving investment hubs. Supported by residential growth and tourist appeal, these areas are ideal for forward-thinking investors and brands looking to make a unique statement.
4. Calgary’s Industrial Powerhouses: Southeast and Northeast
In 2025, Calgary’s industrial market is its top-performing CRE sector. Industrial property values have increased by 5%, driven by strong demand from logistics, warehousing, and e-commerce businesses. Areas like Southeast Calgary, Foothills Industrial Park, and the Balzac logistics hub continue to see high occupancy and rising rents. If you’re looking for dependable cash flow and long-term tenants, industrial is where to look.
5. Suburban Logistics & Tech Corridors
The rise of online retail and urban sprawl has made suburban corridors increasingly attractive. Submarkets like Balzac, Shepard, and Eastlake Industrial are booming with cold storage, distribution centers, and last-mile delivery facilities. Additionally, areas surrounding Downtown and Sunalta are seeing growth in tech and data center investment, including the $750M CAL-3 eStruxture data facility. These locations offer high-value long-term lease potential and stable returns.
6. Mixed-Use Developments: Where Function Meets Lifestyle
Citywide, mixed-use developments are trending. Investors are capitalizing on urban nodes that integrate residential, office, and retail under one roof. Whether in Beltline, University District, or Seton, these developments are aligned with demographic preferences for walkable, amenity-rich environments—perfect for retail, wellness, hospitality, and coworking spaces.
7. Retail Is Back—Stronger Than Ever
Calgary’s retail sector is rebounding, with the retail availability rate dropping to 2.8%—one of the lowest among Canadian metros. From high-traffic corridors like 17th Ave SW to suburban power centres like Sage Hill, retailers are eager to sign leases in locations with high visibility and growing populations. Expect rising rents, quick absorption, and fewer concessions in these prime zones.
8. Investment Considerations & Risks
While Calgary CRE offers compelling returns, investors should be aware of:
- Sector concentration: Avoid overexposure to one property type.
- Interest rate fluctuations: Financing may be more expensive than previous years.
- Zoning and permitting: Especially for major developments or conversions.
- Oversupply risk: Particularly in niche sectors like data centers.
Final Thoughts: Where Should You Invest in 2025?
Whether you’re looking to acquire a retail condo in a growth corridor or secure an owner-user property in an up-and-coming district, Calgary’s commercial real estate market offers opportunity at every turn.
Top picks for 2025:
- Retail: Beltline, East Village, Sage Hill, 17th Ave SW
- Office: Downtown Core (Class A only), Mission, Inglewood
- Industrial: Southeast Calgary, Northeast Airport area, Balzac
- Mixed-Use: University District, Seton, Currie Barracks
Calgary is a city on the rise—with population growth, tech talent, and municipal investment fueling its momentum. Now is the time to explore the right submarket and secure your next strategic CRE investment.
Need help finding the right property?
At Leaseco Realty, we specialize in helping businesses and investors navigate the Calgary commercial real estate market with confidence. Contact us for personalized guidance, market insights, and curated leasing opportunities across the city.