Affordable Growth or Premium Returns?
 A Deep Dive into Red Deer and Fox Creek Hotels Market.

This report offers an in-depth analysis of the real estate market dynamics in Red Deer and Fox Creek, focusing on key metrics such as market sale price per room, Average Daily Rate (ADR), and occupancy rates. Through a comparative lens, the report highlights the unique characteristics and investment opportunities in both markets. Red Deer emerges as a stable, growth-oriented market with affordability as its hallmark, while Fox Creek presents a premium yet variable landscape, offering the potential for high returns. Whether you’re an investor seeking steady long-term growth or aiming for higher stakes, this report provides essential insights to help guide your investment decisions in these distinct Alberta markets.

Market Sale Price Per Room

Red Deer Market Trends; Stability with Growth Potential:

  • Minimum Value: $74,256 in December 2022
  • Maximum Value: $122,396 in June 2015
  • Median Value: $97,129 in May 2019

Affordable Market: The minimum value of $74,256 in December 2022 suggests that Red Deer offers more affordable options, which could be attractive to buyers looking for lower entry points into the market.

Fox Creek Market Dynamics; Premium Market with High Variability:

  • Minimum Value: $94,404 in December 2022
  • Maximum Value: $158,753 in June 2015
  • Median Value: $125,211 in August 2019

Potential for High Returns: With the maximum value reaching up to $158,753 in June 2015, Fox Creek represents a market where high returns are possible. However, the variability also implies the need for careful consideration to maximize returns.

Comparison Between the Two Markets:
  • Diverse Market Segments: Red Deer and Fox Creek cater to different market segments. Red Deer is more affordable, as seen in its lowest value of $74,256 in December 2022, while Fox Creek is more premium, with its highest value of $158,753 in June 2015.
  • Investment Considerations: Investors may consider Red Deer for more predictable investments, especially noting its lowest value of $74,256 in December 2022. Fox Creek might appeal to those willing to take on more risk for potential high returns, as indicated by its peak value of $158,753 in June 2015.
 
Long-Term Market Implications:
  • Red Deer as a Steady Growth Area: The stable range, with the minimum of $74,256 in December 2022 and the maximum of $122,396 in June 2015, indicates potential for steady long-term growth.
  • Fox Creek as a Dynamic Investment Opportunity: The significant changes, particularly the peak value of $158,753 in June 2015, suggest that Fox Creek is a more dynamic market with opportunities for those who can navigate its variability effectively.
 
ADR (Average Daily Rate)

Red Deer:

  • Highest ADR: $129.08 in November 2023.
  • Lowest ADR: $79.51 in April 2020.
  • Average ADR: $105.49.

Fox Creek:

  • Highest ADR: $153.30 in February 2015.
  • Lowest ADR: $120.11 in December 2020.
  • Average ADR: $134.48.

Red Deer:

  • Seasonal Fluctuations: The ADR for Red Deer shows notable seasonal fluctuations. The peak in November 2023 suggests a strong market during the late fall, possibly due to seasonal events or business activities in the area.
  • Recovery Post-Pandemic: The ADR in Red Deer has recovered significantly since the low point in April 2020. This recovery trend could indicate a resilient market, making it a potentially stable investment post-pandemic.
  • Growth Potential: Given the steady rise to $129.08 in November 2023, Red Deer seems to have growth potential. Buyers looking to invest might consider the timing of their entry to maximize returns, focusing on periods before the typical peak season.

 

Fox Creek:

  • Stability and High Demand: The consistently higher average ADR in Fox Creek at $134.48 compared to Red Deer suggests a stable and potentially high-demand market. This stability is appealing for buyers seeking long-term investments with reliable returns.
  • High-Peak Durations: The ADR peaked at $153.30 in February 2015, indicating that the area might attract specific seasonal business or tourism activities. Buyers should investigate what drives these peaks (e.g., local events, industries) to align their investments accordingly.
  • Post-Pandemic Resilience: Despite the lowest ADR of $120.11 in December 2020, the market in Fox Creek rebounded relatively well. This resilience makes it a strong candidate for buyers concerned about market stability during economic downturns.

 

Comparative Insights:

  • Market Positioning: Fox Creek, with a higher average ADR, is positioned as a more premium market compared to Red Deer. Buyers looking for luxury or higher-end property investments might prefer Fox Creek, whereas those interested in more affordable options or value-based investments might find Red Deer more appealing.
  • Diversified Investment: Investors may consider diversifying their portfolio by investing in both regions. Red Deer offers potential growth opportunities, especially post-pandemic, while Fox Creek provides stability and a consistently higher ADR.

 

Occupancy Rate

Red Deer

  • Highest Occupancy Rate: 68.8% in June 2014.
  • Lowest Occupancy Rate: 8.2% in April 2020.
  • Average Occupancy Rate: 43.3%

Fox Creek:

  • Highest Occupancy Rate: 81.9% in November 2014.
  • Lowest Occupancy Rate: 19.0% in April 2020.
  • Average Occupancy Rate: 55.2%

Red Deer:

  • Seasonal Fluctuations: The occupancy rate in Red Deer shows notable fluctuations. The peak in June 2014 suggests strong market activity during early summer, potentially driven by local events or increased travel.
  • Impact of Economic Conditions: The significant drop to 8.2% in April 2020 indicates the market’s sensitivity to broader economic conditions, possibly due to the pandemic. However, this could also present opportunities during recovery phases.
  • Investment Timing: Given the historical peak in June, investors might consider timing their entry before the summer months to maximize returns, especially if similar patterns are observed.

 

Fox Creek:

  • High Demand Periods: Fox Creek’s peak occupancy of 81.9% in November 2014 suggests a strong demand in the late fall, possibly tied to seasonal or industry-specific activities in the region.
  • Resilience Post-Economic Downturn: Despite a low of 19.0% in April 2020, the market in Fox Creek has shown resilience, indicating potential stability for long-term investments.

 

Comparative Insights:

  • Market Positioning: Fox Creek, with a higher peak occupancy rate, appears to be in a more stable and high-demand market compared to Red Deer. Investors seeking consistent returns may find Fox Creek appealing, while those looking for growth potential during recovery phases might prefer Red Deer.
  • Diversified Strategy: Investors may benefit from a diversified strategy, balancing the growth potential in Red Deer with the stability and higher demand periods in Fox Creek.

 

In summary, the real estate markets of Red Deer and Fox Creek present distinct opportunities for investors with varying risk appetites and investment strategies. Red Deer, with its steady growth and affordability, is an attractive option for those seeking predictable returns and a stable entry point. Conversely, Fox Creek’s premium market offers the potential for higher returns, albeit with greater variability, making it suitable for investors willing to navigate its dynamic landscape. By understanding the unique characteristics of each market, investors can make informed decisions, whether they choose to focus on stability or pursue higher returns. Ultimately, the choice between Red Deer and Fox Creek depends on individual investment goals and risk tolerance, with both markets offering valuable opportunities in Alberta’s real estate sector.

Date Source:- Costar

Author- Gurveen Bindra

As a Commercial Real Estate Associate at Royal LePage Commercial, this blog is where I share insights and advice on navigating the world of commercial real estate. My goal is to provide you with the expertise and support you need, whether you’re buying, selling, or investing in hotel or industrial properties.

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