What’s Happening in the Ottawa Housing Market?
The average residential sale price in the Ottawa housing market decreased by 2.3 per cent across all property types between 2025 and 2026, declining from $715,905 to $699,346. The number of sales decreased by 7.3 per cent over the same period, falling from 7,732 to 7,166. The number of listings increased slightly by 0.88 per cent, rising from 15,426 to 15,562.
Looking ahead, average 2026 sale prices i Ottawa are expected to decline by approximately 0.5 per cent below 2025 levels, while the number of sales is expected to decline by approximately two per cent.
The Ottawa housing market is currently experiencing balanced conditions, but is expected to shift toward a buyer’s market. Centrally located, well-maintained detached homes continue to outperform, while townhomes, condominiums, rural properties, and some suburban areas are facing higher inventory levels, longer periods on the market, and greater downward pressure on prices.
Economic uncertainty is the biggest factor delaying first-time buyers. Buyers have more time and selection than in recent years, the fear of missing out has largely disappeared, and many are willing to wait for exceptional quality or value before making a purchase.
According to Joel Marshall of Ottawa-based REMAX Boardwalk Realty, the HST rebate has improved affordability for new construction and brought some buyers off the sidelines. However, it has primarily benefited buyers who already had the deposit, income, and credit required to qualify. In practice, its greatest impact has been among move-up buyers purchasing larger new single-family homes in suburban and satellite communities.
The HST rebate has also increased interest in new construction and prompted more questions about eligibility, timing, and closing procedures. At the same time, incentives offered on new homes are placing additional pressure on resale properties aimed at first-time buyers.
Buyers are least willing to compromise on a home’s age or condition. Compared with recent years, many have become less willing to consider condominiums, major renovation projects, or long commutes unless there is a significant price incentive.
According to Joel, the foreign buyer ban has had little impact on affordability or new construction development.
Frequently Asked Questions
How have home prices changed in Ottawa?
The average residential sale price in Ottawa decreased by 2.3 per cent between 2025 and 2026, declining from $715,905 to $699,346.
How have sales and listings changed in Ottawa?
The number of sales decreased by 7.3 per cent, from 7,732 to 7,166, while the number of listings increased slightly by 0.88 per cent, from 15,426 to 15,562.
What is expected for Ottawa home prices in 2026?
Average 2026 sale prices are expected to decline by approximately 0.5 per cent below 2025 levels.
What is expected for home sales in Ottawa in 2026?
The number of sales is projected to decline by between 1 and 3 per cent.
What type of market is Ottawa experiencing?
Ottawa is currently a balanced market but is expected to shift toward a buyer’s market. Buyers have more time and selection, while the fear of missing out has largely disappeared.
Which property types are performing best?
Centrally located, well-maintained detached homes continue to outperform, while townhomes, condominiums, rural properties and some suburban areas are facing higher inventory levels, longer periods on the market and greater downward pressure on prices.
What is the biggest factor delaying first-time buyers?
Economic uncertainty is the biggest factor delaying first-time buyers. Many purchasers are willing to wait for exceptional quality or value before making a decision.
How is the HST rebate affecting the Ottawa housing market?
According to Joel Marshall of Ottawa-based REMAX Boardwalk Realty, the HST rebate has improved affordability for new construction and brought some buyers off the sidelines. However, it has primarily benefited buyers who already had the deposit, income and credit required to qualify.
Who is benefiting most from the HST rebate?
The greatest impact has been among move-up buyers purchasing larger new single-family homes in suburban and satellite communities.
How has the HST rebate influenced buyer behaviour?
The rebate has increased interest in new construction and generated more questions about eligibility, timing and closing procedures. Incentives on new homes are also creating additional competition for resale properties aimed at first-time buyers.
What are buyers least willing to compromise on?
Buyers are least willing to compromise on a home's age or condition. Compared with recent years, many are also less willing to consider condominiums, major renovation projects or long commutes unless there is a significant price incentive.
Has the foreign buyer ban affected affordability or new construction development?
According to Joel Marshall, the foreign buyer ban has had little impact on affordability or new construction development.
