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A Market of Contrasts: Prices Rise, Sales Slow Heading into Winter
As we head deeper into fall, the Rural Strathcona County acreage market is revealing a tale of two trends—significantly higher prices paired with cooling transaction volume. While fewer homes changed hands in October, the properties that did sell commanded premium prices, suggesting that motivated buyers are still willing to invest in high-quality rural real estate.
In this month’s report, we’ll explore how the October 2025 statistics compare to last year, why average sale prices have jumped so dramatically, and what these patterns mean as we close out the year.
📊 October 2025 Market Snapshot
Here’s how the market performed in October 2025 compared to October 2024:
| Metric | October 2025 | October 2024 | % Change |
| Sold Properties | 24 | 39 | -38.46% ↓ |
| YTD Sold Properties | 312 | 288 | +8.33% ↑ |
| Average Sale Price | $925,000 | $774,000 | +19.53% ↑ |
| YTD Avg. Sale Price | $893,000 | $789,000 | +13.17% ↑ |
| Average Asking Price | $1,080,000 | $909,000 | +18.76% ↑ |
| YTD Avg. Asking Price | $1,030,000 | $960,000 | +7.73% ↑ |
| New Listings | 32 | 43 | -25.58% ↓ |
| YTD New Listings | 455 | 483 | -5.80% ↓ |
| Days on Market (DOM) | 60 | 85 | -29.41% ↓ |
| Ask-to-Sell Ratio | 0.976 | 0.987 | -1.15% ↓ |
Bar graphs below are interactive
October saw just 32 new acreage listings in rural Strathcona County—a 25.58% decline from October 2024. This continues the trend of shrinking inventory heading into the colder months. Year-to-date, 455 listings have come to market compared to 483 in 2024, reflecting a 5.80% year-over-year drop. With fewer properties available, sellers with well-prepared homes may find themselves in a favourable position, particularly as buyer demand remains steady. For buyers, this reduced selection adds urgency to their search, especially for properties with desirable features like shops, treed lots, or proximity to Sherwood Park.
💵 Asking Prices: Seller Expectations Are Rising
Sellers were confident this October, setting an average list price of $1,080,000, an 18.76% increase from October last year. While final sale prices didn’t always match this enthusiasm, buyers were still paying within 97.6% of the asking price, according to the ask-to-sell ratio.
This means:
🔍 Sales Activity: Volume Drops but Momentum Remains
October saw a 38.46% drop in sales, with only 24 properties sold compared to 39 in October 2024. This is the steepest monthly year-over-year decline of the year—but it doesn’t reflect weakness in the market, just a slowdown in activity as winter approaches.
Despite the slower month, year-to-date sales are still up by 8.33%, with 312 rural properties sold so far in 2025. This is a strong overall performance and confirms that rural demand remains elevated over the long term.
💰 Pricing Power: Average Sale Price Surges 19.5%
While fewer acreages sold in October, those that did moved at an average price of $925,000, a 19.53% jump over October 2024. This significant increase speaks to:
On a year-to-date basis, the average sale price stands at $893,000, up 13.17% from 2024. That’s a substantial appreciation rate for rural Alberta real estate and a sign of lasting value in Strathcona County’s acreage market.
⏱️ Days on Market: Faster Turnaround for Well-Positioned Properties
The average time to sell an acreage dropped to 60 days, a 29.41% reduction compared to last year. This is an important signal that well-presented, well-priced properties are still moving relatively quickly
.
It also suggests that:
🧠 Buyer Insights: Act Now Before Winter Sets In
While sales volume has slowed, this is an ideal time for buyers who are pre-approved and ready to act:
Buyer Tips:
💼 Seller Insights: Less Competition, More Leverage
Despite fewer overall sales, sellers in October saw:
This is a great combination for confident sellers looking to sell before the holidays or prep for an early spring re-listing.
Seller Tips:
📈 Year-to-Date Performance Review
Let’s zoom out to see how 2025 has gone so far for rural Strathcona County acreages:
| YTD Metric | 2025 | 2024 | % Change |
| Properties Sold | 312 | 288 | +8.33% ↑ |
| Avg. Sale Price | $893,000 | $789,000 | +13.17% ↑ |
| Avg. Asking Price | $1,030,000 | $960,000 | +7.73% ↑ |
| Ask-to-Sell Ratio | 0.986 | 0.976 | +1.00% ↑ |
| New Listings | 455 | 483 | -5.80% ↓ |
| Days on Market | 67 | 73 | -8.22% ↓ |
The numbers show a strong rural market, outperforming 2024 across most categories—especially in pricing and sales volume. Inventory has tightened, but pricing strength and buyer motivation continue to drive momentum.
📌 What to Watch Heading into Winter
As we transition into Q4:
That said, rural acreages remain in demand, and Strathcona County continues to outperform neighbouring rural zones for both value and activity.
🏘️ Final Thoughts: Opportunity for Both Buyers and Sellers
October brought fewer deals, but stronger value. If you're planning to make a move before year-end, now is the time to act.
For Buyers:
For Sellers:
📞 Let’s Talk Acreages – Your Local Expert
Whether you’re buying or selling in Strathcona County, rural real estate requires local knowledge, strategic marketing, and personalized service.
Let’s connect today:
Christina Reid, REALTOR® – Century 21 Leading
📞 (780) 717-5267
📧 creid@chrisreidedmonton.com
🌐 www.chrisreidedmonton.com
Data provided by the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton and subject to change. Always consult with a real estate professional for the most current market information.
Looking to Buy or Sell Acreages in Strathcona County?
Whether you're a buyer eager to find your perfect rural retreat or a seller ready to capitalize on this favourable market, I’m here to help. Reach out to explore available properties or to discuss your goals.