The average residential sale price in the Ottawa housing market has increased by 2.2 per cent year-over-year across all property types between January 1 and July 31, 2025, from $681,305 to $695,209. The number of sales increased by 3.1 per cent for the same time period from 8,434 to 8,704. The number of listings increased by 14 per cent (from 11,102 in 2024 to 12,909 in 2025).
Trends in the Ottawa Housing Market
Average sales prices across all property types are projected to climb by about 1.5 per cent through the end of 2025. This moderate increase reflects a market that is gradually gaining momentum after a period of softer activity. The number of sales is also expected to rise, by about 4.5 per cent, driven largely by pent-up demand from buyers who have been waiting for more favourable conditions to enter the market.
The Ottawa housing market ended Q4 2024 in a balanced market, with expectations of finishing the year showing positive sales growth. Inventory has reached its highest level in the past five years, while prices have edged down slightly. With pricing down slightly, and inventory at its highest level in the past five years, expect a more balanced market.
Young and middle-aged couples are the primary drivers of sales in the region, a trend expected to continue through the rest of the year. Young couples, in particular, represent the largest share of buyers looking to enter the Ottawa market. Many are drawn by the city’s relative affordability compared to larger urban centres, and its strong employment base – especially in government and innovation. It also has the appeal of safe, family-friendly neighbourhoods. For those starting families or planning for the future, Ottawa offers an optimal balance of lifestyle, career opportunities and housing choices that’s hard to find elsewhere. That said, economic uncertainty remains the region’s biggest challenge.
Ottawa’s housing market remains balanced, with an improved selection of active listings and 3.2 months of inventory overall. Residential properties are largely holding their prices, while the condominium market is seeing some price softening with 5.5 months of inventory available. Consumer confidence remains a challenge, and buyers are highly selective as affordability pressures persist. With mortgage payments already stretching budgets, many buyers are prioritizing move-in-ready homes, leaving little room in their finances for renovations.
There is noticeable growth in the neighbourhood of Kemptville, just South of Ottawa. It has a retirement community, built around a golf course with bungalows which are attracting a lot of empty nesters. In addition, there is also an oversupply of rental condominiums in the downtown core. Multi-family townhouses are currently the fastest-growing segment of the market. They appeal to a broad range of buyers, including first-time homebuyers, families seeking more affordable options, and retirees looking for homes with luxury finishes and lower maintenance requirements.
Given current economic conditions, the average age of first-time homebuyers in Ottawa is on the rise. Most are now 30 years old or older when purchasing their first home, and family assistance has become the norm rather than the exception. It is estimated that up to roughly 75 per cent of first-time buyers are relying on financial support from their relatives for a downpayment to enter the market.
In Ottawa, there has been no noticeable increase in conditional sales containing escape clauses. While conditional offers remain part of the market, the use of escape clauses continues to be relatively uncommon, reflecting that most transactions are proceeding under standard terms despite cautious buyer behaviour and elevated inventory levels.
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