Last Updated on July 9, 2024 by CREW Editorial
Investing in Grande Prairie real estate offers significant advantages. With its thriving economy, steady job growth, picturesque surroundings, and affordable real estate, the city appeals to residents, businesses, and remote investors. There are many reasons to take advantage of the excellent real estate investment opportunities this often-overlooked city provides.
Robust Economy
Grande Prairie serves as the bustling economic hub of Northwestern Alberta, buoyed by thriving industries such as energy, forestry, and agriculture. This robust economic foundation creates an environment for growth potential and offers many opportunities for both businesses and individuals alike. The city fosters a culture of entrepreneurship, innovation, and openness to fresh concepts.
Initiatives like the Business Visitation Program or the Revitalization Strategy for the Richmond Industrial Area help to keep the business sector and the overall economy growing. This is proving successful, according to Invest Grande Prairie Statistics. After years of consistent growth, Grande Prairie boasts a thriving economy. Positioned favourably with elevated wages, ample disposable income, and an affordable real estate market, the city offers abundant opportunities for expansion and diversification.
The steady influx of employment opportunities sustains locals and attracts new residents, bolstering the demand for real estate investments.
Grande Prairie’s real estate market stays resilient and stable even as other factors change. Thanks to its diversified economic base and prudent investment strategies, the city has weathered challenges and emerged stronger, instilling confidence among investors regarding the sustainability of their real estate ventures in the long run.
Rising Population and Housing Demand
With a growing population fueled by both natural growth and inward migration, Grande Prairie experiences consistent housing demand. This demographic trend, coupled with the city’s robust economic performance, translates into sustained pressure on the housing market, driving property values higher and ensuring a steady stream of rental income for investors. The population increased from 66,720 in 2020 to 68,350 in 2022.
According to Grande Prairie & Area Association of REALTORS® Market Statistics, in February 2024, there were 92 sales and 107 new listings. This generated a high sales-to-new-listings ratio of 86%, effectively stabilizing inventory levels and preventing inventory from growing larger than the previous month. Because of this low inventory compared to sales, supply has dropped to under three months; this is significantly lower than typical February levels. Only 221 units were available, over 40% below the typical inventory for February, indicating a tight market. Despite the tighter market, houses remain affordable at an average price of $321,826.
Market by Property Type
In February 2024, for detached homes, there were 68 sales and 84 new listings, leaving 2.52 months of supply, compared to a year ago. The average price of detached homes increased 13% over the previous year to $376,487. Other property types are even more affordable.
Semi-detached homes saw ten sales with nine new listings; prices averaged at $238,680. Row homes witnessed six sales and four new listings, with an average price of $148,817. Finally, for apartments, there were 11 sales, ten new listings, at an average price of $168,786.
According to John Krol of Royal LePage, “These statistics indicate a favourable environment for prospective buyers and investors. The limited inventory coupled with increasing prices signals a competitive market, and while it might make buyers nervous of the competition, it’s a good sign that there is a growing interest and properties will retain value.”
Varied Investment Options
Grande Prairie offers a multifaceted real estate market, catering to a wide range of investment preferences. Whether you’re inclined towards residential properties, commercial ventures, or industrial spaces, there’s something to suit every investor’s appetite. With a diverse portfolio of options ranging from single-family homes to multi-unit developments, the city presents ample avenues for investors to diversify and maximize returns.
Each neighbourhood has a unique character and offers different real estate opportunities. In the vibrant downtown core, historic buildings such as the Grande Prairie Museum, housed in the historic Gurvinder House, or the Prairie Art Gallery located in the former Central School building, sit alongside modern developments, offering a blend of urban living and commercial opportunities.
Westgate is an ideal setting for single-family homes and townhouses, catering to those seeking a quieter suburban lifestyle. Summerside, on the city’s southeast outskirts, features newer constructions and spacious properties, appealing to those looking for expansive living spaces and proximity to nature trails and parks. Hillside offers a mix of housing options, including apartments, duplexes and some infill housing, attracting renters and first-time buyers with its affordability and convenient access to amenities.
John Krol notes, “From the established residential markets to the up-and-coming developments of new neighbourhoods, Grande Prairie offers investors a blend of stability and growth potential.”
A realtor experienced with the Grande Prairie market can guide investors on suitable neighbourhoods for the types of investments they are interested in.
Strategic Location
Situated strategically amidst the natural beauty of Alberta’s landscapes, Grande Prairie enjoys proximity to key transportation routes and major urban centers. This advantageous location not only enhances connectivity but also augments the city’s appeal as a prime destination for real estate investments. Access to transportation arteries facilitates seamless trade and commerce, fostering economic resilience and driving property values upward.
Growing Tourism
Tourism is thriving. Grande Prairie’s location along the Alaska Highway and its proximity to the Rockies naturally draw tourists looking for adventure and scenic beauty. This positioning ensures a steady flow of travellers into the city, contributing to its tourism potential.
Grande Prairie provides options for wilderness tourism, with its proximity to rugged nature and the availability of outdoor adventures. Additionally, with its well-connected airport, Grande Prairie serves as a pivotal stopover for travellers embarking on adventure tourism further north.
The city boasts modern facilities, such as its competition-level pool, ski hill, and golf courses, which enhance the visitor experience. These amenities are appealing to locals and visitors. The city’s investment in sports facilities has led to it hosting several regional, national, and international sporting events. This not only boosts the local economy but also increases the visibility of Grande Prairie as a destination for sports tourism, increasing demand for residential and commercial properties in the area.
Remote-Investor Friendly
Grande Prairie has a conducive environment for real estate investment, characterized by favourable regulations, stable market conditions, and supportive local governance. The city’s pro-business stance and commitment to sustainable development initiatives encourage investor confidence, laying the groundwork for long-term prosperity and growth in the real estate sector.
However, a key advantage is that the Grande Prairie real estate market is manageable at a distance, not requiring investors to be hands-on and present.
Angie Peters of Royal LePage notes that, “While being considered a gateway to the more remote north, its modern and reliable municipal infrastructure and amenities mean long-distance investors do not have to take any special measures to ensure properties are adequately protected and serviced.”
This means that investors can benefit from diversifying their portfolio into an area that offers niche wilderness and sports tourism, as well as many other features, in a robust and diverse economy, without facing the challenges that often accompany this.
A professional property management service like Royal LePage’s, however, helps ensure investment properties are running smoothly with little to no effort from the investor. These services oversee investment properties on behalf of their owners, handling everything from tenant relations and maintenance issues to financial management and administrative tasks.
Whether you are local or not, Grande Prairie stands out as an investment opportunity not to be overlooked, offering investors a promising landscape for maximizing returns and securing stable investments in the northwest Alberta market.
