04:08:11 August 22, 2025
Over the past few years, Alberta’s real estate market has seen its fair share of ups and downs. From booming urban centers like Calgary and Edmonton to quiet rural towns once overlooked, the landscape is evolving rapidly and those paying attention are noticing a key shift: growth is moving into smaller, more affordable markets.
Enter Drumheller.
Known for its breathtaking badlands, iconic dinosaur museum, and small-town charm, Drumheller has always had tourism appeal. But today, it’s catching the eye of a very different crowd: real estate investors, developers, and renters looking for modern, accessible housing options. With low land costs, increasing rental demand, and a renewed focus on infrastructure, Drumheller is quietly becoming one of Alberta’s most promising rental markets.
In this blog, we’ll explore why Drumheller is poised to become Alberta’s next hot spot for rental housing and why the smartest developers are getting in early.
Drumheller isn’t just a tourist town anymore. It’s a growing community at the center of a significant economic and demographic shift. Investors are increasingly exploring secondary and tertiary markets in Alberta and the reasons why they’re stopping to look at Drumheller are stacking up fast.
Compared to Calgary or Red Deer, Drumheller offers drastically lower land prices. A developer can purchase multiple acres of residential-zoned land in Drumheller for what a single city lot might cost in a major urban center. This cost efficiency doesn’t just improve margins. It makes entry-level development far more accessible to newer investors or small-to-mid-sized builders.
Example:
While an inner-city residential lot in Calgary may cost over $400,000, a multi-acre site in Drumheller can go for a fraction of that — often under $150,000, depending on location and zoning. That’s a game-changer.
Despite the rising demand, Drumheller’s rental housing supply is limited and aging. Many available units are older single-family homes or low-density apartments. Townhomes, duplexes, and modern rentals are in short supply — especially those tailored to small families, young professionals, or long-term renters.
This lack of inventory creates a clear opportunity:
Developers who build smart, functional, and affordable rental units now will likely enjoy low vacancy rates and strong long-term demand.
The broader trend in Alberta is a migration from cities to small towns. Affordability pressures, work-from-home flexibility, and a desire for better work-life balance are pushing more people to reconsider where they live. Drumheller checks the boxes:
✅ Scenic surroundings
✅ Lower cost of living
✅ Essential amenities
✅ Strong community
As cities grow more expensive, small towns with character — like Drumheller — become attractive alternatives. This trend is already visible in rising population data and real estate search trends across southern Alberta.
Drumheller’s local leadership understands the need for growth — and they’re not standing in the way. The town has shown increasing support for new developments, zoning flexibility, and public-private collaboration to expand housing options and boost the local economy.
For developers, this means:
Faster permitting processes
More cooperation on infrastructure support
An overall climate that encourages investment and innovation
Drumheller is just 90 minutes from Calgary. That proximity allows it to attract renters and buyers who want to stay connected to a major city while enjoying the affordability and peaceful lifestyle of a rural area.
This hybrid appeal is particularly attractive for:
Remote workers
Calgary retirees
Small families looking for more space
Investors seeking value in nearby satellite towns
For developers, this means:
Faster permitting processes
More cooperation on infrastructure support
An overall climate that encourages investment and innovation
Drumheller offers the perfect mix of affordability, opportunity, and demand. While big cities get saturated, this small town is opening its doors to a new wave of real estate growth — and those who get in early will see the biggest upside.
We plan, design, and build smart multi-unit townhomes across Alberta’s emerging markets.
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