Calgary Real Estate FAQ (2026)

Technical Standards for Seton, RMS, and South Calgary Investment

1. What is the Calgary Residential Measurement Standard (RMS)?
The Residential Measurement Standard (RMS) is the mandatory methodology established by RECA to ensure all Calgary real estate listings are measured consistently. It protects consumers by ensuring that a detached home’s exterior footprint or a condo’s interior "paint-to-paint" area is reported accurately within a 2% margin of error, allowing for transparent price-per-square-foot comparisons.

2. Why does my Seton condo square footage differ from the condo plan?
In Seton and across Calgary, "Registered Size" on a condo plan often includes non-livable titled areas like balconies, storage lockers, and even underground parking stalls. However, the RMS only counts the finished interior living area. At Gravity Realty Group, we emphasize this distinction so buyers understand exactly how much livable space they are purchasing compared to their legal title.

3. What defines a "legal bedroom" in a Calgary basement?
To be legally classified as a bedroom in a Calgary basement, the room must meet the National Building Code (Alberta Edition) for life safety. This includes a permanent heat source and a secondary emergency exit, typically an egress-compliant window providing an unobstructed opening of at least 0.35 m² with no dimension smaller than 380mm.

4. Can I sell my Calgary home if it has Poly-B plumbing?
Yes, you can sell a home with Poly-B piping, but in 2026, it is a significant point of negotiation. Many insurance companies in Alberta now refuse coverage or charge massive premiums for Poly-B homes due to leak risks. We recommend a proactive approach, either replacing the lines or offering a credit to the buyer to ensure the deal doesn't collapse during inspection.

5. What is the "Zero-Click" impact on Calgary real estate searches?
Zero-click searches occur when Google provides the answer directly on the search results page. To stay competitive, your property listings must use high-authority "Snippet" content. We optimize our guides to answer these quick questions, driving more organic traffic to Gravity Realty Group by establishing ourselves as the primary source of technical Calgary market data.

6. Why is Seton considered a "Core" investment area in South Calgary?
Seton is designed as an "Urban District," offering a true work-live-play environment centered around the South Health Campus and the world's largest YMCA. For investors, Seton provides a high-density, high-demand rental market where proximity to major employment hubs ensures low vacancy rates and strong long-term capital appreciation for both condos and townhomes.

7. Are windowless bedrooms legal in Seton condo developments?
Many modern high-rise condos in Seton feature "internal" bedrooms without windows. This is legally permissible under the Alberta Building Code only if the entire suite is protected by a fire sprinkler system. These rooms must still feature mechanical ventilation and audible fire alarms, making them a safe and compliant option in modern high-density urban living.

8. What are the condo fees in Seton typically covering?
In Seton, condo fees generally cover professional management, common area maintenance, snow removal, landscaping, and insurance for the building's exterior envelope. Depending on the development, some fees also include heat and water. We always review the "Condo Doc" package to ensure the reserve fund is healthy and that no special assessments are looming.

9. How do iGUIDE measurements benefit Seton condo sellers?
Using iGUIDE LiDAR technology for Seton condo listings eliminates measurement errors that often occur with traditional tape measures. By providing 3D virtual tours and precise floor plans, we build immediate trust with out-of-town investors who are looking to purchase property in South Calgary without a physical walkthrough, leading to faster, firm offers.

10. Is Seton a good place for first-time homebuyers in Calgary?
Seton is a premier choice for first-time buyers due to its diverse range of price points, from apartment condos to mid-range townhomes. The community's walkable design and massive amenity base mean residents rarely need to commute for essentials, making it an ideal location for young professionals looking to build equity in a vibrant South Calgary neighborhood.

11. What is the "Appraisal Gap" and how do I avoid it?
An appraisal gap occurs when the bank's appraiser values a home lower than the agreed purchase price, often due to square footage discrepancies. We mitigate this risk by providing the appraiser with a professional iGUIDE RMS report upfront, proving the home's technical value and ensuring the buyer's financing remains secure.

12. Should I legalize my basement suite before selling in Calgary?
Legalizing a secondary suite significantly increases your property’s "Real Market Value" and pool of potential buyers. A legal suite requires independent heating, fire-rated drywall, and egress windows. In 2026, buyers are willing to pay a premium for "turn-key" mortgage helpers that are fully compliant with City of Calgary bylaws.

13. How does the 2026 interest rate environment affect Calgary investors?
While rates have stabilized in 2026, investors must focus on "Cash Flow over Appreciation". We help our clients identify properties with high rent-to-price ratios, such as multi-unit townhomes in Seton or legal suites in Mahogany. Precise measurement and compliance ensure you are maximizing rentable area and avoiding costly retrofits.

14. What is the impact of "Above-Grade" vs. "Below-Grade" on my ROI?
In Calgary, only above-grade square footage is used for the primary RMS total. While a finished basement adds value, it is valued at a lower rate per sq ft than the main floor. Investors should focus on properties with high above-grade square footage to maximize their appraisal value and long-term equity growth.

15. Why is "Topical Authority" important for my property’s online listing?
Google prioritizes content that demonstrates Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T). By linking your listing to our deep-dive technical resources on RMS and Legal Bedrooms, we signal to search engines that your property is represented by experts, attracting more qualified buyers to your home.

16. What are the window well requirements for basement egress?
A basement egress window must open into a well that provides at least 760mm (30 inches) of clear space in front of the window. This space is critical to ensure a safe exit for occupants and access for emergency responders. If the well is deeper than 1.1 metres, it must include a permanent ladder to meet the Alberta Building Code.

17. Does a room need a closet to be called a bedroom in Alberta?
No, a closet is not a legal requirement for a bedroom according to the Alberta Building Code or RECA standards. While most buyers expect a closet, the legal definition of a bedroom is focused entirely on life safety, ventilation, and egress. For unique layouts, adding a wardrobe is a sufficient substitute for a built-in closet.

18. How do you measure a home with vaulted ceilings under RMS?
When measuring a home with vaulted areas, the square footage of the "empty air" is subtracted from the upper floor total. Only the actual floor area that you can stand on counts toward the RMS size. Our LiDAR systems calculate these architectural voids with 100% accuracy, preventing the inflation of marketable area.

19. What is the "7-Foot Rule" for ceiling heights in Calgary?
To be included in the primary RMS square footage, a room must have a minimum floor-to-ceiling height of 2.13 metres (7 feet). If a room has sloped ceilings, at least 50% of the required floor area must meet this height, and any area with a height of less than 5 feet is excluded entirely from the calculation.

20. Can a "Den" be converted into a legal bedroom in a Calgary condo?
Converting a den in a condo involves checking the building’s fire suppression system and ventilation. In many Seton condos, if the den is protected by the building's sprinkler system and meets mechanical ventilation codes, it may be possible to re-classify it, but you must consult the condo bylaws and a measurement expert first.

21. Why is the 2% RMS variance so important for Calgary sellers?
RECA allows for a 2% variance in measurements to account for human error and tool differences. However, if your listing exceeds this threshold, you could be held liable for misrepresentation. iGUIDE technology stays well within this margin, providing a "Liability Shield" that protects our sellers from post-contract disputes or price renegotiations.

22. What are the ventilation requirements for windowless sleeping rooms?
In suites where a bedroom lacks an exterior window (such as sprinklered condos), the Alberta Building Code requires mechanical ventilation. This usually involves a system that ensures a constant exchange of fresh air, preventing the buildup of CO2 and ensuring the room remains healthy for long-term habitation by residents.

23. How does "Geo-Relevancy" improve my home's search ranking?
Geo-relevancy refers to how closely your content is tied to a specific location like "South Calgary" or "Seton". By creating hyper-local content that addresses the specific measurement and compliance issues of these neighborhoods, we ensure Google ranks your property higher for buyers searching for homes in those exact areas.

24. Should I worry about "Poly-B" in a newer Seton condo?
No, Poly-B piping was primarily used in homes built between the late 1970s and late 1990s. Modern developments in Seton utilize PEX or other advanced plumbing materials that do not carry the same leak risks or insurance challenges, making newer South Calgary communities safer for maintenance and insurability.

25. What is the value of a "Digital Twin" (iGUIDE) for a Calgary listing?
An iGUIDE "Digital Twin" is a 100% accurate virtual replica of your home. In the 2026 market, this technology is the gold standard for transparency. It allows buyers to plan renovations and furniture placement before they buy, effectively ending any disputes about property area and ensuring a smooth, conflict-free closing.

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