Edmonton councillor seeks study on infill property values

Edmonton councillor Karen Principe has proposed a motion to the city council for a study on the effects of multi-unit infill housing on the value of surrounding properties. Principe, representing Ward Tastawiyiniwak, acknowledged other residents' concerns regarding waste management and parking issues associated with such developments.

Belgravia resident Felix Meier-Stephenson supports densification but raised concerns over the size of some developments. Meier-Stephenson stated, "We need densification, but there is such a thing as too much of it and in the wrong spot. I don’t think an 18-unit building fits this neighbourhood."

The city's zoning bylaw underwent a change in early 2024, allowing for denser infill development that includes properties ranging from sixplexes to 16-unit buildings. Dallas Moravec of Edmonton Neighbourhoods United, which opposes multi-unit infill development, commissioned a study examining the issue between January 2024 and September 2025.

The study, which controlled for housing characteristics, neighborhood factors, and market conditions over time, found that homes within 50 meters of multi-unit infill developments sold for an average of 7.4% less than comparable homes. The estimated average impact amounted to about $34,000 per sale, with losses ranging from $19,000 to $65,000. The study focused only on properties that underwent sales and did not account for homes that were listed but failed to sell or listings that expired, were terminated, or relisted.

Edmonton Neighbourhoods United is now collaborating with a statistician to conduct an updated analysis using more recent data, with the expectation of completing the work later in the month. Principe emphasized the importance of a transparent city report to provide residents with comprehensive information about the issue, stating, "It’s nuanced, but it would be nice to see for transparency and to give residents the information they're looking for because there are a lot of concerns."

However, there is no established timeline for when the city report could be finalized. Meier-Stephenson highlighted the community's desire for input on appropriate infill development in their neighborhoods, saying, "We’re not against infill, but we would like to have a say on what comes here and what is reasonable."