If he had a home as nice as these in Ithaca, Odysseus might not have sailed to war, or at least not taken 20 years to return home. Last month, CTV News Edmonton looked at some of the most expensive homes in the city. This month, after returning home, we journey far, again, back to the foreign shores of Troy - I mean Rural Sturgeon County. First though, we’ll look inside the wooden horse and find the data waiting to spring upon us. In July, home sales in the greater Edmonton area dropped compared to June and the previous year, down 7.6 per cent and 11 per cent respectively, according to the Realtors Association of Edmonton (RAE). There were also slightly fewer new listings, 4,258 for a drop of one per cent from June. The average price also fell by 1.8 per cent, landing at $475,079, though that is a 2.6 per cent rise from July 2025. By the end of the month, the total home inventory was sitting at 8,142, an increase of 0.9 per cent from June and up 17.9 per cent from July 2025. Homes also sat on the market for three more days on average compared to June. “A significant shift in numbers occurred in July, following seasonal trends as the spring market fervor has faded into the summer months,” said Darlene Reid, RAE board chair. “Decreased sales - despite ample inventory - softening prices, and longer days on market are strong indicators that demand is subsiding. “Numbers may rebound slightly through fall, but we’re unlikely to see activity reach the same volume again for the remainder of the year.” Part of the reason for the decrease in sales may also relate to mortgage rate, as a survey from Royal LePage shows nearly a third of borrowers in Alberta expect their monthly mortgage payments to increase on renewal. That number is less than the 38 per cent nationally, but 82 per cent of the Alberta respondents say an increase will put pressure on their household finances. “Interest rates remain an important part of the conversation, but they are only one piece of the affordability picture,” said Natosha Wareham-Bakker with Royal LePage. “Homeowners are taking a broader look at their finances and asking how much they want to dedicate to housing over the next several years. “For many, the goal is to ensure their housing costs leave room for the rest of their financial priorities.” Now, here’s a closer look at some of the most expensive homes for sale in Rural Sturgeon County in August. 5 - $1.6M home west of Bon Accord Starting off with the largest property on the list is this 2,563-square-foot bungalow west of Bon Accord. The moniker of largest property doesn’t refer to the home’s square footage, but the 79.89 acres of land the home sits on. The yard is surrounded by “mature trees and high-producing farmland.” Inside, the home has five bedrooms and three bathrooms. There is also a chef-inspired kitchen, media room, rec room and an oversized-four bay garage. The home, built in 2012, is located at 56229 Range Rd. 242 and the listing has been up for 93 days. 4 - $2.1M home in Pinnacle Ridge Estates Moving to familiar territory for these articles we find this 3,810-square-foot home in Pinnacle Ridge Estates northeast of St. Albert. Inside, the home has five bedrooms and six bathrooms. There is also space for a gym, rec room, media room or office space, depending on preference. There is also a three-car garage and a separate quad garage with an EV charger and a covered, heated patio in the back. The home was built in 2024 and located at 68 54403 Range Rd. 251. The listing has been up for 18 days. 3 - $3.1M home in Riverstone Pointe Moving just east we find this 4,067-square-foot home in Riverstone Pointe. Starting in the backyard, the 0.94-acre lot is landscaped with a waterfall, bridge and greenhouse, as well as a covered patio. Inside, there are five bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, as well as five fireplaces, a sunroom, butler’s pantry, a wet bar, wine room, a card-themed games room and a theatre. There is also the oversized garage that deceptively seems like a four-car off the bat, but there are car lifts that can store six more cars. The garage also has a games area with a suspended card table that can be lowered. The home, built in 2008, is located at 106 25015 Twp. Rd. 544A and the listing has been up for 51 days. 2 - $3.3M home in Riverstone Pointe Just down the road, literally, from the last home is this 5,204-square-foot, two-storey home in Riverstone Pointe. It has seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms, along with a chef’s kitchen, butler’s kitchen, office, gym, theatre, wine and cigar room, games area and an elevator. The backyard also has a covered, walkout patio, as well as covered terraces on the first and second floors. The home was built in 2023 and is located at 136 25015 Twp. Rd. 544A. The listing has been up for 32 days. 1 - $4.8M home northwest of Fort Saskatchewan Venturing further afield we find the final entry on this month’s list, which is actually composed of three homes northwest of Fort Saskatchewan. This property is the second largest in land size by a small margin at 77.5 acres. The main house has five bedrooms, a sun room, rec room, gym, a basement bunker and an indoor saltwater pool with a wet bar and tanning lights. The second house has five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a bar and a rec room. The third house has five bedrooms and two bathrooms. The property also has a large shop and a traditional barn with solar panels on the roof. The home is located at 55310 Hwy. 28A. The listing has been up for 124 days and says the property was built in 2023.
