Ottawa’s real estate market continued its typical winter slowdown in February 2026, with overall home sales remaining well below the historical average for the month. However, the latest data from the Ottawa Real Estate Board reveals a more complex story than the headline numbers suggest.

While fewer homes changed hands compared to previous years, prices in several segments showed signs of stabilizing—or even rising—indicating that the market may be transitioning toward a more balanced environment as the spring season approaches.

Ottawa Home Sales in February 2026

In February, 780 residential properties were sold in Ottawa, representing a 6.8% decrease compared to February 2025. Although sales improved from January’s 610 transactions, they remained well below typical levels for this time of year.

Despite the slower pace, buyer demand has not disappeared. Many buyers remain active, particularly in lower price ranges, where affordability continues to drive competition. When homes are priced correctly, buyers are moving quickly to get the jump and make sure that they get their home. I am still seeing multiple offer situations. However, with more homes available and economic uncertainty still lingering, some buyers are taking more time before making purchasing decisions. Still the median days on market is 24 days.

Ottawa Home Prices: Stability Despite Lower Sales

Pricing trends in February reflected a market adjusting to higher inventory rather than experiencing widespread price declines.

• Average residential sale price: $662,773

• Year-over-year change: Down 1.0%

• Median sale price: $615,450

• Year-over-year change: Down 3.1%

These modest shifts suggest that prices remain relatively stable overall. Rather than a significant downturn, the market appears to be recalibrating after several years of rapid growth.

Another important indicator is the Canadian Real Estate Association MLS® Home Price Index (HPI), which measures price trends while adjusting for seasonal changes and differences in the types of homes sold.

In February, benchmark prices increased month-over-month across all major housing segments, including:

• Single-family homes

• Townhouses

• Condo apartments

• Composite benchmark prices

This signals that underlying property values may be beginning to strengthen again, even though winter sales activity remains subdued.

Condo Market Shows Early Signs of Recovery

The condominium apartment segment may be showing early signs of improvement after experiencing elevated inventory levels since late 2025.

Average condo prices increased month-over-month, while available inventory began to ease slightly. This suggests the market could be gradually absorbing the surplus of listings that built up over the past year.

If this trend continues, the condo sector could become more balanced as we move into the spring market.

Townhomes Lead Sales Activity

Among all housing types, townhomes experienced the strongest turnover in February.

Sales activity in this segment ran stronger than typical February levels, reflecting continued demand from buyers seeking affordability and space compared to condo apartments.

However, rising inventory in the townhome segment has begun to place some downward pressure on prices, indicating that buyers currently have more negotiating power.

Single-Family Homes Remain Stable

The single-family home market remained relatively stable in February.

While the total number of sales declined compared to last year, prices held steady overall. The data also suggests that lower-priced detached homes are attracting strong competition, reinforcing the ongoing role that affordability plays in shaping buyer activity.

Inventory Levels Give Buyers More Choice

Inventory levels increased compared to recent years, giving buyers more options when searching for a home.

• New listings: 1,582 (down 7.8% year over year)

• Active listings: 2,928 homes available at the end of February

• Year-over-year inventory increase: 11.1%

With more homes on the market, buyers are feeling less urgency, allowing them to evaluate properties more carefully before making offers.

However, improved sales activity and rising benchmark prices show that demand is still present and gradually absorbing available supply.

Months of Inventory by Property Type

Months of inventory is a key measure used to determine whether a market favors buyers or sellers.

February’s figures suggest Ottawa is operating in balanced market conditions:

• Single-family homes: 3.8 months of inventory

• Townhomes: 2.7 months of inventory

• Condo apartments: 5.6 months of inventory

Generally, 4–6 months of inventory indicates a balanced real estate market, where neither buyers nor sellers have a significant advantage.

Outlook for the Ottawa Real Estate Market in 2026

The February data reinforces a trend that first appeared in January: Ottawa’s housing market is entering a transition period.

While this winter has been slower than in recent years, several positive indicators are emerging:

• Month-over-month benchmark price increases

• Improving condo market absorption

• Strong townhome demand

• Stable detached home pricing

According to forecasts from CREA, housing demand is expected to gradually strengthen throughout 2026, particularly as borrowing costs begin to ease.

If this momentum continues into the spring, the current level of inventory could support increased sales activity without triggering the rapid price acceleration seen in previous market cycles.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

For buyers, the current market offers more choice and time to make informed decisions than in recent years.

For sellers, steady demand and gradually strengthening prices suggest that well-priced homes can still attract strong interest—especially in more affordable price ranges.

With spring approaching, many industry experts believe the next few months could become an important window for both buyers and sellers ready to make their move.

Ottawa’s residential real estate market has stepped into 2026 with a noticeable shift toward balance, creating opportunities for both buyers and sellers. After several years of fast-paced and highly competitive conditions, the market is now showing signs of stability, increased housing choice, and more realistic pricing expectations.

Here’s a closer look at what’s happening in Ottawa’s housing market and what it means if you’re thinking about buying or selling this year.

A More Balanced Ottawa Real Estate Market in 2026

Ottawa’s housing market is currently operating on more stable footing compared to recent years. Inventory levels have increased, giving buyers more options and reducing the intense competition that previously defined the market. At the same time, sellers are adjusting their pricing strategies to reflect current market conditions, which now reward accuracy and patience.

Benchmark home prices have declined slightly year-over-year across most housing categories. The softening is most noticeable in townhomes and condominium apartments, while detached homes have maintained stronger price stability. Overall, the January market data suggests Ottawa is moving toward a healthier, more balanced real estate environment rather than experiencing widespread downward pressure.

Tami Eades, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board, noted that the current market reflects a natural adjustment period. With increased selection for buyers and more realistic expectations from sellers, pricing is stabilizing without dramatic swings — a key indicator of long-term market strength.

Ottawa Housing Inventory Is Rising — But Not Oversupplied

One of the biggest factors influencing Ottawa’s real estate market is the increase in housing supply. In January 2026, new residential listings reached 1,522 properties, representing an 8.8% increase compared to the same time last year. Active listings rose to 2,673 homes, marking a significant 22.7% increase year-over-year.

While inventory remains higher than recent seasonal trends, the pace of growth has slowed. This moderation is helping prevent an oversupply of homes and is contributing to a more stable housing environment.

Ottawa currently sits at approximately 4.4 months of housing inventory, which is much closer to historical pre-pandemic averages. This level typically indicates a balanced market where neither buyers nor sellers hold a significant advantage.

What This Means for Ottawa Home Buyers

For buyers, the current Ottawa housing market offers increased flexibility and improved negotiating power. Higher inventory levels mean more property options, more time to make informed decisions, and greater opportunities to negotiate price, conditions, or closing timelines.

However, well-priced and desirable homes continue to attract strong interest. Buyers who are financially prepared and working with knowledgeable real estate professionals still have the best chance of securing the right property.

What This Means for Ottawa Home Sellers

Sellers can still achieve strong results in Ottawa’s current market, but pricing strategy has become more important than ever. Homes that are accurately priced for today’s conditions are continuing to generate steady buyer interest and successful sales.

Overpricing, on the other hand, can lead to longer days on market and reduced negotiating leverage. Sellers who focus on preparation, presentation, and competitive pricing are seeing the most success in 2026.

Detached Homes Showing Stronger Stability

While many housing types are experiencing moderate price adjustments, detached homes in Ottawa are demonstrating greater resilience. These properties continue to benefit from strong buyer demand, particularly among families seeking space, privacy, and long-term value.

Townhouses and condominiums remain attractive entry points for buyers, but these segments are experiencing slightly softer pricing as inventory options grow.

Ottawa’s Real Estate Outlook for 2026

The Ottawa housing market is not showing signs of distress — rather, it is transitioning into a more sustainable and predictable environment. Increased supply is improving accessibility for buyers while encouraging realistic expectations for sellers.

Balanced conditions like these typically support healthier long-term market growth, improved affordability, and reduced volatility. For both buyers and sellers, 2026 is shaping up to be a year that rewards preparation, professional guidance, and informed decision-making.

If you’re considering buying or selling a home in Ottawa and want to understand how these market trends affect your specific situation, connect with me — Click HERe to contact me.  

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the Ottawa housing market, you probably noticed things felt a little quieter toward the end of the year. That’s exactly what the latest market data shows — a typical December slowdown, softer sales activity, and steady prices wrapping up a year defined by balance and stability.

But don’t mistake “quiet” for “weak.” In fact, Ottawa’s real estate market ended 2025 in a stronger position than many might expect.

Let’s break down what happened, what it means for buyers and sellers, and where the opportunities are heading into 2026.

A Year That Defied the Usual Real Estate Rhythm

Unlike a typical year, 2025 didn’t follow Ottawa’s usual real estate pattern.

Spring arrived later than normal in terms of market activity. Instead of a big early-season rush, the market eased into motion. Summer stayed surprisingly steady, avoiding the usual mid-year slowdown. Then, as fall and early winter arrived, activity cooled again — giving the year an unconventional but consistent rhythm.

Despite the quieter November and December finish, total home sales in Ottawa ended 2025 up 1.3% compared to 2024, and total dollar volume increased 4.1% year-over-year. That points to a market driven by real demand — not urgency or speculation.

In other words, Ottawa’s market stayed grounded in fundamentals.

Ottawa Continues to Show Price Stability

While some larger Canadian cities experienced sharper price corrections, home prices in Ottawa remained broadly stable throughout the year. December data shows inventory levels dipping slightly, but still offering buyers more choice than in recent years.

With roughly 4.3 months of inventory, Ottawa sits in what’s considered a balanced market — not heavily favoring buyers or sellers.

This stability is one reason Ottawa continues to stand out as a resilient real estate market in Canada.

Detached Homes Lead the Way

Not all property types performed the same.

Detached homes remained the strongest segment in Ottawa. Sales were steadier, prices held firm, and buyer demand remained consistent.

Townhomes saw slightly higher inventory levels, meaning buyers have more options and sellers need to price strategically. While sales activity stayed reasonably resilient, mild pricing pressure is starting to appear.

The Condo Market: Softer, But Worth Watching

The Ottawa condo market remains the softest segment right now.

Apartment-style homes saw lower sales activity and higher months of inventory — nearing eight months, which is above balanced market conditions. As supply grows faster than demand, average condo sale prices declined year-over-year.

Ottawa hasn’t experienced the extreme condo oversupply seen in larger urban markets, but this segment is definitely one to watch closely in 2026.

For buyers, this could mean opportunity.
For sellers, preparation and pricing strategy matter more than ever.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers in 2026

For buyers, the current Ottawa market offers more choice, steadier pricing, and less pressure than in recent years. That means more time to make thoughtful decisions — especially in the condo and townhome segments.

For sellers, Ottawa’s stability is good news — but strategy matters. Detached homes remain in demand, while condos and townhomes require sharper pricing and strong presentation to stand out.

The Bottom Line

Even with a quieter end to the year, Ottawa’s real estate market in 2025 proved stable, balanced, and resilient. Sales and total dollar volume both outperformed 2024, showing steady underlying demand rather than market stress.

As Ottawa heads into 2026, buyers can expect more options, sellers can count on stable pricing (with the right strategy), and everyone benefits from a market that’s driven by real fundamentals — not panic or pressure.

Ottawa’s real estate market took a gentle step into winter this November, and the numbers tell an interesting story. Between cooler weather and a cautious economy, home sales slowed down compared to both October and last November. While the market is still considered balanced, there are definite signs that supply is beginning to outpace demand.

A Shift Toward More Supply

Active listings dipped slightly month over month, but something important happened: months of inventory (MOI) increased again. This signals that, even with fewer new listings hitting the market, homes are taking longer to sell — giving buyers more options and time to make decisions.

This softening is more noticeable than what we usually see in November. Normally, inventory rises a bit heading into winter, but this year the increase is stronger, especially in townhomes and apartments. With more properties available in these segments, buyers have more leverage, and sellers need to pay close attention to pricing and presentation.

What’s Ahead?

There’s some good news: recent interest rate cuts, and the most recent Bank of Canada December 10th announcement that they are holding the rate at 2.25%, may spark renewed buyer activity over the winter. Even though this time of year is traditionally quiet, lower borrowing costs could bring a boost of confidence back into the market.

Looking ahead, Ottawa appears to be setting up for:

• A steadier start to the new year, and

• A more active, energized spring market.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on the market, understanding these shifts helps you plan your next move with confidence.

Want to know more, explore your buying or selling options. Click HERE to book a conversation!

Despite ongoing economic uncertainty across the country, Ottawa’s real estate market continues to show remarkable resilience. As we moved through October, the capital experienced a steady, seasonal shift marked by healthier sales activity and stabilizing inventory levels—clear signs that Ottawa remains one of the most balanced and dependable markets in Canada.

Sales Activity: A Seasonal Boost, but Still Measured

In October, 1,177 homes were sold, an increase of 8.1% from September’s 1,089 transactions. Although this represents a slight 1.2% dip year over year, the month-over-month improvement reflects the typical fall momentum the region sees before heading into winter’s slower pace.

Prices Hold Strong as Demand Remains Solid

The average sale price in Ottawa climbed to $709,002, marking a 2.7% increase from September and a 5.7% rise compared to October 2024. This upward movement indicates that underlying demand remains healthy, even as buyers proceed with caution.

Inventory Levels Begin to Ease

Ottawa saw 2,405 new listings in October, a notable 15.1% decline from September 2025, though still 13.4% higher year over year. This seasonal drop is consistent with long-term market patterns.

More importantly, active listings decreased from 4,388 in September to 4,232 in October—a 3.6% reduction. While supply remains higher than in the previous few years, this fall decline suggests that inventory levels may be starting to stabilize within a balanced range.

The months of inventory metric eased from 4.0 to 3.6, indicating a modest tightening between supply and demand as the fall market settled.

Interest Rate Cuts Offer a Glimmer of Optimism

On October 29, 2025, the Bank of Canada issued its second consecutive rate cut, lowering the policy rate by 25 basis points to 2.25%. This move provides welcome relief to borrowers and may help fuel activity heading into the spring market.

However, the Bank signaled that this would likely be the final cut in the current cycle—meaning buyers and sellers are still navigating a cautious financial landscape.

Local Factors to Watch

The Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) continues to monitor the federal budget and workforce announcements closely. Given Ottawa’s large federal employment base, shifts in government spending or staffing often influence the local market.

A Balanced, Healthy Market Heading Into Year-End

Overall, Ottawa’s housing market remains stable, balanced, and fundamentally healthy. With steady prices, manageable inventory, and modestly improving demand, the city is entering the winter season on solid footing.

OREB President Paul Czan summarizes it well:

“Ottawa’s market continues to demonstrate balance and resilience. We’re seeing modest growth in sales activity, stable pricing, and a seasonal easing of elevated inventory levels. The recent rate adjustments provide optimism for the coming months, but economic uncertainty looms, and buyers and sellers remain cautious. The current environment points to a steady market rather than a rapid shift in either direction.”

As Ottawa moves toward the end of the year, the market appears poised for continued stability—making it a strong environment for both buyers and sellers who are prepared and informed.

Source: Ottawa Real Estate Board

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On September 17, the Bank of Canada made a move that’s got buyers and sellers paying attention — they cut their key policy interest rate by 0.25%, bringing it down to 2.5%.

The reason? Slowing global growth and easing inflation pressures. In plain English, the Bank wants to help keep the economy steady — and that small rate cut could open new doors for homebuyers who’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for a break.

So what does this mean for Ottawa’s real estate market? Let’s take a closer look.

🏡 Ottawa’s Market: Staying Strong Through the Fall Slowdown

September usually brings a bit of a seasonal slowdown — kids are back in school, families are busy, and the market takes a breather. But Ottawa showed its usual resilience this fall.

Here’s what’s standing out:

• Sales are still above 2024 levels, even though activity eased slightly.

• Prices remain stable despite more homes coming on the market.

• The rate cut could boost confidence for first-time buyers and bring a little extra energy to the market in the months ahead.

Paul Czan, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB), summed it up perfectly:

“September reinforced Ottawa’s resilience. Sales were nearly 2.4% higher than last year, and prices are holding steady despite more listings coming to market.”

He also noted that while single-family home sales are slowing a bit, townhomes are keeping things balanced. And although Ottawa’s housing mix continues to grow, there’s still a shortage of “missing middle” homes — like townhouses and smaller family-friendly options — that bridge the gap between condos and detached houses.

📊 Ottawa Market Snapshot (September 2025)

• Total sales so far this year: 11,025 — up 3.9% from this time in 2024

• Average sale price (September): $690,397 — up 0.3% year-over-year

• Year-to-date average price: $699,910 — up 2.7% from the first nine months of 2024

Overall, Ottawa’s market remains balanced — steady prices, steady demand, and cautious optimism as rate cuts begin to ripple through the economy.

💬 Want Market Info That’s Specific to Your Neighbourhood?

Curious about how your local market is doing — whether prices are rising, holding steady, or starting to shift?

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As summer winds down, Ottawa’s real estate market is showing plenty of life. Prices are trending upward, sales remain strong compared to recent years, and both buyers and sellers are gearing up for what’s typically one of the busiest times of the year — the fall market.

Home Sales 📊

• In August 2025, a total of 1,236 homes were sold across the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) region.

• That’s fewer than the 1,318 sales in July and 1,602 in June, but still represents a 12.1% increase compared to last August.

• The slowdown from June into August is normal, reflecting the seasonal shift from the busy spring to quieter summer months.

So far this year, Ottawa has seen 9,936 home sales — a 4.1% increase over the same period in 2024.

Prices 💰

• The average sale price in August was $686,536, up 3.6% from last year.

• The year-to-date average price sits at $700,828, about 3% higher than the first eight months of 2024.

• In total, the value of homes sold in August hit $850 million, which is a 16% jump from last year.

These numbers show that Ottawa’s housing sector continues to play a big role in fueling the local economy.

Listings & Inventory 🏠

• 2,121 new listings were added in August, an 8.6% increase compared to last year.

• There were 3,971 active listings at month’s end, up 13.3% from last year and a notable 37.1% higher than the five-year average for this time of year.

When we look at months of inventory (how long it would take to sell all current listings at today’s sales pace), Ottawa sat at 3.2 months. That’s unchanged from July and identical to last August.

👉 A 3.2-month supply is generally considered a balanced market, meaning demand and supply are keeping pace with each other.

The Big Picture 🌎

Ottawa is seeing renewed momentum, with buyers and sellers re-engaging after the slower summer pace. Prices are holding strong, sales are up compared to last year, and inventory has grown — giving buyers more choice.

At the same time, market watchers are mindful of outside factors like federal employment trends and U.S. trade policies, which could influence Ottawa’s economy in the months ahead.

✅ Takeaway for Buyers & Sellers

• Buyers: You’ll find more inventory than last year, but competition is still healthy. Be prepared to act quickly on the right home.

• Sellers: Strong prices and steady demand mean it’s still a great time to list, especially as the fall market ramps up.

Ottawa’s real estate market continues to reflect balance, stability, and opportunities for both sides of the transaction.