2025 Ottawa Real Estate Year in Review: A Balanced Market Setting Up a Strong 2026
Ottawa’s housing market in 2025 was less about dramatic headlines and more about steady, healthy activity. A bit more buying and selling than last year, modest price growth, and noticeably more choice for buyers all helped move us toward a genuinely balanced market—setting the tone for a strong 2026 for buyers, sellers, and investors across both urban and rural areas.
📌 The Big Picture: What Actually Happened
✔️ 13,000+ homes sold — a small but meaningful increase over 2024, showing demand remains steady.
✔️ Average sale price just under $700K — with gentle, low single-digit growth (a calm contrast to pandemic spikes).
✔️ Inventory improved — months of inventory settled around 3–4, offering more breathing room and reflecting a healthier, more sustainable market.
🌱 Seasonal Trends: From Spring Rush to a Calmer Fall
🌸 Spring & late spring:
Still the busiest periods, with strong listing activity and engaged buyers — especially families and move-up purchasers.
🍂 Late summer & fall:
Inventory built up, days on market rose, and buyers gained more negotiating power, particularly in the condo segment.
For many, 2025 felt more normal: still competitive, but without the intense bidding wars of 2021–2022.
🏘️ Segment Snapshots: Detached, Townhomes & Condos
🏡 Detached Homes
Strong demand from families and upsizers. Prices often landed in the mid- to high-$800Ks, with modest year-over-year growth.
🏠 Townhomes
A standout performer. Prices generally sat in the high-$500Ks, attracting first-time buyers and investors looking for value.
🏢 Condos
Higher inventory and longer days on market created more selection and negotiating space for buyers and investors.
✨ Key takeaway: Ottawa isn’t one big market — it’s many smaller ones. Your experience depends on the property type and neighbourhood.
What This Meant for Buyers, Sellers & Investors in 2025
🛍️ Buyers:
More selection, less pressure, and better opportunities in condos and certain freehold pockets.
🏡 Sellers:
Well-priced, well-prepared homes still sold — but strategy, presentation, and realistic pricing mattered in a 3–4 MOI market.
📈 Investors:
Townhomes and family-oriented areas remained strong, while condos offered attractive entry points and negotiation room.
🔭 Looking Ahead: Why 2026 Could Be a Strong Year
With steady sales, modest price growth, and improved inventory, Ottawa is heading into 2026 with stability — not a boom, not a downturn.
A balanced market means more opportunities for:
➡️ Upsizing or downsizing
➡️ First-time buying
➡️ Rural relocations
➡️ Investment purchases
➡️ Strategic timing without extreme competition
📞 Want a Personalized 2026 Game Plan?
If you’re buying, selling, or investing in 2026 — reach out any time. I’m happy to put together a personalized update and help you plan your next move.
