How long of a shadow does referendum cast on Edmonton real estate?

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeLifeHomes How long of a shadow does referendum cast on Edmonton real estate? Upcoming vote to pursue separation may create uncertainty this fall for Edmonton’s real estate market. Author of the article: By Joel Schlesinger  •  for the Edmonton Journal Published Sep 10, 2026 Last updated 3 hours ago 3 minute read Join the conversation The pending vote is likely to affect the decisions more of out-of-province homebuyers, who may wait to see the outcome, says Edmonton realtor Tom Shearer. PHOTO BY SHAUGHN BUTTS /Postmedia Article content The fall vote on whether Albertans want to pursue another vote on separating from Canada is likely not a significant headwind for Edmonton’s resale real estate market in the coming weeks, says a veteran local realtor. Article content Still, the uncertainty from the referendum may cause a few prospective buyers and sellers to wait until after the results of the October 19th vote are known, says Tom Shearer, broker/owner of Royal LePage Noralta Real Estate in Edmonton. Article content Article content Article content “It (the referendum) may be an excuse for some to stay where they are, though I wouldn’t say it’s the key driver behind decisions of buyers and sellers right now.” Article content Headline News Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content The pending vote is likely to affect the decisions more of out-of-province buyers, who may wait to see the outcome, he adds. Article content Yet other factors are likely affecting inter-provincial migration, a key driver of demand in Edmonton in recent years, more than the referendum, he adds. Article content “The short and dirty answer is there isn’t anything pushing people out of Ontario and British Columbia as much as there was because those markets are seeing prices soften.” In Toronto, the average price of a home has decreased more than 20 per cent from the market peak in 2022. In turn, Canada’s largest market has seen slight upticks in sales in recent months as buyers see greater affordability and less need to move away, Shearer says. Article content In contrast, Edmonton’s resale market has been cooling. In July, home sales were down nearly eight per cent month over month and 11…