Year: 2026

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OREB Urges Bill 97 Implementation as a Critical Step to Protect Tenants and Support Rental Housing Stability

New Report Shows Renovation Evictions Well Under 1%, Questions Costly Licensing By-law

Ottawa, ON – (May 19, 2026) — The Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) is calling on the Province of Ontario to move forward with the implementation of tenant protection measures under Bill 97, the Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act, warning that a growing patchwork of municipal renoviction licensing by-laws risks creating inconsistency, confusion, and unintended consequences across the province’s rental housing system.

As municipalities, including Toronto, Hamilton, Ottawa, Guelph, and Kitchener consider or implement their own local licensing regimes, OREB cautions that differing rules, processes, and compliance requirements are beginning to fragment Ontario’s housing policy framework. This emerging patchwork increases administrative burden, creates uncertainty for housing providers operating across jurisdictions, and risks discouraging the investment needed to maintain and expand rental supply.

“A patchwork of municipal by-laws with different rules in every city, creates confusion, drives up costs, and undermines confidence in the housing system,” said Tami Eades, President of OREB. “A clear, consistent, province-wide framework under Bill 97 is the right approach to protect tenants while ensuring we continue to support investment in rental housing.”

That recommendation is central to OREB’s newly released report Toward Balance: Recommendations to Protect Tenants and Prevent Bad-Faith Renovictions in Ottawa, that finds a proposed municipal renoviction licensing by-law is not supported by the available evidence and risks undermining housing supply and reinvestment. OREB’s report finds that renovation-related eviction notices in Ottawa represent less than one per cent of the city’s rental housing system annually, with an estimated 0.019 per cent of rental dwellings impacted each year based on an average of approximately 28 N13 notices annually over the 2017 to August 2023 period across more than 147,000 rental units.

An N13 notice is a formal document a rental property owner in Ontario can give a tenant when they need the unit vacant to carry out major work or changes. The report highlights that while concerns around bad faith renovictions are valid, existing data cannot distinguish between legitimate renovation activity and improper conduct.

“Ottawa needs policies that protect tenants from bad faith conduct while also supporting the reinvestment required to preserve rental housing affordability, quality, and supply over the long term,” Eades said.

Ottawa’s Aging Rental Housing Stock

Ottawa faces a significant housing challenge in the form of an aging rental housing stock requiring ongoing reinvestment. According to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, more than 47,000 or 32% of all rental units in Ottawa require repairs, including over 11,500 units in need of major repairs. The state of Ottawa’s rental housing stock underscores the importance of enabling timely renovation of units. It also provides an explanation of the increase in N13 notices by rental property owners.

Without timely repairs and continued construction, Ottawa faces a growing threat to both the quality and availability of rental homes. “If you make it harder, slower, and more expensive to renovate and reinvest in housing, it presents a barrier to investment and ownership of rental housing,” said Nicole Christy, OREB CEO. “The outcome is predictable: projects get delayed, repairs are deferred, and fewer homes get built. That’s a recipe for a weakened rental housing stock in Ottawa.”

A Better Path Forward for Ottawa

Rather than pursuing a costly and duplicative municipal licensing regime, OREB is calling on the City of Ottawa to build on its reputation as a leader in progressive, balanced, and data-driven housing policy by advancing a made-in-Ottawa approach that delivers real results.

The report recommends that the city:

  • Avoid a stand-alone municipal licensing regime and prioritize provincial action and targeted local supports.
  • Improve access to the Landlord and Tenant Board, including faster timelines and better enforcement;
  • Expand tenant education and support, ensuring renters understand their rights and how to access them;
  • Leverage existing municipal tools, including permits, inspections, and property standards, to ensure safe and compliant renovations; and
  • Establish a clear data collection and monitoring framework to better understand local conditions before introducing new regulatory systems.

“Ottawa has an opportunity to lead,” said Christy. “A balanced approach that protects and educates tenants while supporting housing reinvestment will deliver better outcomes than a costly and complex licensing system that may not address the root of the issue.”


Download the report here.

About OREB

The Ottawa Real Estate Board represents over 4,000 real estate professionals in the Ottawa region and is a leading voice on housing policy, market trends, and consumer protection. Through research, advocacy, and collaboration, OREB works to advance policies that support a strong, fair, and sustainable housing system.

Community Development Worker 

Job Purpose 

OREB is looking for a motivated summer student to join our Government and Community Relations team as a Community Development Worker. If you are interested in housing, public policy, community engagement, and how professional associations work with government and community partners, this role offers practical, hands-on experience in a busy and meaningful environment. 

The Community Development Worker will directly support the Manager, Government and Community Relations with research, stakeholder outreach, meeting and event preparation, briefing materials, and day-to-day coordination. You’ll gain exposure to how OREB builds relationships with government, community organizations, housing partners, members, and other stakeholders to support informed housing policy, advocacy, and community-focused real estate solutions in the Ottawa region. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

1. Communications Content (40%) 

  • Track municipal, provincial, and federal policy developments related to housing, real estate, affordability, planning, community issues, and other topics relevant to OREB’s work. 
  • Assist with preparing briefing notes, backgrounders, meeting materials, correspondence, and stakeholder updates. 
  • Help gather information from public sources, government websites, reports, consultations, and member input to support advocacy and government relations work. 
  • Support the Manager, Government and Community Relations in preparing for meetings with elected officials, government staff, community partners, and housing stakeholders. 
  • Maintain organized records of policy issues, stakeholder priorities, meeting notes, and follow-up items. 

2. Community Engagement and Stakeholder Coordination (40%) 

  • Assist with research, writing, proofreading, and formatting of materials related to government relations, community engagement, and public affairs. 
  • Help prepare agendas, speaking notes, summaries, event materials, presentation content, and follow-up communications. 
  • Monitor relevant housing, real estate, municipal, community, and public policy news to help identify trends, opportunities, and emerging issues. 
  • Support day-to-day administrative tasks, including scheduling support, file organization, document preparation, and project tracking. 
  • Contribute to a well-organized and responsive Government and Community Relations function by helping keep projects, events, and stakeholder activities on track. 

Qualifications 

Canada Summer Jobs eligibility requirements (must be met): 

• Applicants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or individuals with refugee/protected status. 

• Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada. 

• Candidates cannot be concurrently employed in more than one Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ)-funded position at any given time. OREB will verify eligibility prior to hiring and throughout the term. 

• To qualify under the CSJ program, the successful candidate’s start date must fall within the eligible hire period noted above. 

Experience 

  • Currently pursuing education in public administration, political science, communications, community development, urban planning, public policy, social sciences, stakeholder relations, or another related field, with a minimum of one year of relevant work, volunteer, academic, or community experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Skills 

  • A strong interest in housing, community development, government relations, public policy, advocacy, or stakeholder engagement. 
  • Solid writing, research, editing, and note-taking skills, with strong attention to detail. 
  • Professional judgment, diplomacy, discretion, and comfort interacting with a range of stakeholders, including members, community partners, government representatives, and the public. 
  • Strong organization and time management skills, with the ability to track details, manage follow-up items, and support several priorities at once. 
  • Curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn how a professional association supports its members and contributes to housing and community conversations in the Ottawa region. 
  • Comfort using Microsoft Office tools, online research, spreadsheets, contact lists, and basic project tracking tools 

Salary Range

  • $20/hr; 35 hours per week for a maximum of 280 hours.

Term

  • 8-week term contract, starting between June 1st , 2026 and July 6th, 2026 and ending August 28th, 2026.

Eligibility

This is a job funded by the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program. As such, we are only accepting applications for candidates matching funding eligibility outlined below.

Candidate Eligibility

  • Candidates must be between 15 and 30 years old.
  • Candidates must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person with refugee status granted. International students and individuals in Canada on a work, youth, or visitor visa/permit are not eligible for the program.
  • Candidate must not be concurrently employed in more than one CSJ-funded position at any given time.

Working conditions

  • Normal office environment. No unusual hazards. Generally, deals in routine conversations and interactions.

Physical requirements

  • This job requires a mix of sitting, standing and moving, with a balance between computer-based work and verbal communication. Physical effort is low intensity more than 2 hours per day.

Mental requirements

  • This job requires a balance between computer-based work and verbal communication. The candidate is regularly required to balance priorities between different stakeholders. Mental effort is low intensity.

Direct reports

None

How to Apply

To apply, please send your cover letter and resume to chike@oreb.ca.

Spring Activity Builds as Ottawa Market Remains Balanced

Market Overview

Ottawa’s housing market continued its seasonal rebound in April, with activity picking up month-over-month, following a slower winter. Inventory levels, which have been rising since late summer 2025, remain elevated, but stable. The spring increase in new listings has added to this supply, giving buyers more choice and flexibility.

The broader economic backdrop remains mixed. The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) recently revised its 2026 forecast downward, citing a weaker-than-expected start to the year and renewed inflation pressures, partly driven by rising energy costs. As a result, expectations for both sales and price growth have been tempered, with only modest gains now anticipated nationally.

Interest rate expectations have shifted. Earlier concerns that inflation could lead to rate increases contributed to more cautious buyer behaviour over the winter. With rates now holding steady, that immediate risk has eased. While borrowing costs remain above pandemic-era lows, they are more in line with long-term norms. A more stable rate environment may help reduce hesitation and support a gradual improvement in activity as buyer confidence strengthens.

“We’re seeing the market find its footing after a slower winter,” said OREB President Tami Eades. “April’s activity reflects a market that is gradually regaining momentum. Buyers are beginning to re-engage, and more listings are helping to keep conditions balanced across most segments.”

Residential Market Activity

In April, 1,336 homes were sold, down 1.9% year over year, but up from 1,075 in March.

New listings rose sharply to 3,258 units (+19.3%), pushing active listings to 4,535 units (+17.2%).

With listings continuing to outpace sales, the sales-to-new-listings ratio came in at 41.0%, consistent with balanced market conditions. Homes are taking slightly longer to sell, with median days on market increasing to 21 days, up from 18 days in April 2025.

Year to date, 3,839 homes have been sold, down 4.4% compared to the same period in 2025. While activity remains below last year’s levels, recent trends suggest that the 2026 market may be gradually strengthening.

New listings total 8,933 units (+8.5%), while active listings have increased 16.0%.

Prices and Market Balance

Home prices held steady in April. The average sale price was $712,184 (+0.8% year over year), and the median price was $650,000, unchanged from April 2025. Year-to-date, the average price stands at $683,303, and the median price is $630,000, both showing little change compared to the same period last year.

The MLS® Home Price Index provides additional context, indicating that benchmark prices have begun to stabilize following earlier declines. Most segments recorded modest month-over-month gains, apart from condo-apartments, which continue to lag. This aligns with the broader trend of price stabilization observed over recent months.

Market balance continues to be shaped primarily by supply. Active listings reached 4,535 units in April, up 17.2% year over year, while new listings also posted strong gains.

With a sales-to-new-listings ratio of 41.0% and 3.4 months of inventory, Ottawa remains in balanced territory. Compared to recent years, conditions are less competitive, with buyers benefiting from increased choice, and sellers facing more competition.

Months of Inventory:

  • Single Family: 3.1
  • Townhome: 3.0
  • Apartment: 4.9

Regional Market Comparison

Market conditions across Ottawa’s subareas continue to vary.

Ottawa Centre appears relatively stable from a pricing standpoint, but activity has eased. Sales are lower compared to recent years, while inventory has increased, resulting in slower absorption. This is largely due to the area’s higher concentration of condo-apartment units, which has been the softest segment of Ottawa’s market for several months.

Suburban markets across the east, south, and west remain generally balanced. Sales-to-new-listings ratios and inventory levels are within typical historical ranges, although sales activity has moderated in some areas, and supply has trended higher. Among these, the western suburbs stand out as the strongest segment, with more consistent sales activity, and slightly tighter inventory conditions.

Rural markets continue to operate at a slower pace, with higher inventory levels, and longer selling times compared to suburban areas. This results in more buyer-friendly conditions, along with greater variability in pricing data due to lower transaction totals.

Overall, while Ottawa’s market remains balanced at a high level, local conditions vary. Suburban areas are the most stable, with the west currently leading in activity. Central areas are seeing more moderate demand, while rural markets continue to experience slower absorption, contributing to a more varied regional landscape. Those interested in exploring these dynamics further can access the non-HPI report in the monthly stats package here.

Looking Ahead

Ottawa’s spring market continues to build momentum, with activity improving from the slower pace seen earlier this year. While sales have yet to fully offset the winter slowdown, recent gains suggest the market is beginning to regain ground as the season progresses.

Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, Ottawa continues to demonstrate relative stability. Prices have remained in a narrow range, and demand, while measured, continues to support balanced conditions rather than any sharp shift in either direction.

Inventory will remain a key factor to watch. Supply levels have been elevated for several months and continue to build through the spring, giving buyers more choice and increasing competition among sellers. If this trend persists, however, higher inventory could begin to place downward pressure on pricing and influence seller expectations in the months ahead.

April 2026

Media contact

Melanie Coulson
Director of Strategic Communications & Engagement
613-225-2240 ext. 247| melanie@oreb.ca

Spring Momentum Builds as Ottawa Market Begins Catching Up with Supply

Market Overview

Ottawa’s housing market showed clearer signs of early spring momentum in March, with sales activity strengthening after a prolonged, slower winter market. While transactions remain below typical March levels, the pace of improvement has accelerated, particularly in the single-family segment.

Inventory continues to rise, but stronger sales are keeping pace with new supply. This is leading to a gradual tightening in market conditions, reflected in declining months of inventory, and more consistent absorption across all segments.

Pricing trends also suggest a market that is beginning to firm. The MLS® Home Price Index recorded a second consecutive month of gains across most property types, indicating strengthening underlying values as the spring market takes shape. Overall, Ottawa remains in balanced territory, with momentum building as demand re-engages.

“March’s activity is a clear sign that Ottawa’s market doesn’t move in dramatic shifts,” said Tami Eades, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB). “What we’re seeing is a measured, steady return to activity. Inventory is up, sales are improving, and pricing is firming without overheating. We expect a more active and stable market in the months ahead.”

Residential Market Activity

In March, 1,075 residential properties sold in Ottawa, down 4.7% year over year. This marks an improvement from February’s 6.8% decline, and signals strengthening demand as the spring market takes hold.

While sales remain slightly below recent March levels, they are now within range of prior years:

  • 2025: 1,128
  • 2024: 1,158
  • 2023: 1,072

Total dollar volume of sales reached $744.5 million in March, down 3.8% year over year.

Year-to-date, 2,474 homes have sold, a 5.7% decline from 2025, while dollar volume sits at $1.66 billion (-6.5%). Despite this, March showed stronger momentum than earlier in the year, driven in part by single-family homes, which recorded 562 sales, unchanged year over year, and well above February’s 358.

This increase in activity helped absorb supply. Months of inventory declined to 3.3 in March from 3.8 in February, indicating that while buyers still have choice, sales are keeping better pace with new listings.

Prices and Market Balance

Home prices in Ottawa remained relatively stable in March. The average residential sale price was $692,584, up 0.9% from March 2025, while the median price was $642,000, down 0.5% year over year.

Year to date:

  • Average price: $670,360 (-0.9%)
  • Median price: $625,000 (-1.1%)

These figures represent an improvement compared to February.

While headline prices show modest movement, the MLS® Home Price Index points to firmer underlying trends. Benchmark prices rose month over month in the composite, single-family, and apartment segments, while townhomes remained stable. Because the HPI adjusts for the mix of homes sold, it provides a clearer view of true price movement, and suggests values are beginning to firm.

Supply continued to build:

  • New listings: 2,452 (+7.5%)
  • Active listings: 3,578 (+10.3%)

The sales-to-new-listings ratio was 43.8%, keeping Ottawa in balanced market territory.

Months of Inventory:

  • Single-family: 3.0
  • Townhomes: 2.8
  • Apartments: 5.5

This indicates tighter conditions in detached and townhome segments, while apartments continue to face higher supply, and more price pressure.

Looking Ahead

March data suggests Ottawa’s spring market is taking shape, with improving sales, firmer pricing signals, and more effective absorption of inventory. While activity has not fully returned to long-term averages, the pace of recovery is strengthening.

Rising benchmark prices, and declining months of inventory point to gradually tightening conditions within an overall balanced environment.

CREA’s 2026 outlook anticipates strengthening demand as borrowing conditions ease. Ottawa’s recent performance is beginning to align with that trajectory, with early signs of a typical spring pickup now emerging. If current trends continue, the market is likely to see steady momentum in the months ahead, without a sharp shift in balance.

Recent federal and provincial announcements represent one of the most significant aligned housing policy efforts in recent years, and will likely spur activity in Ottawa’s housing market.

March 2026

Media contact

Melanie Coulson
Director of Strategic Communications & Engagement
613-225-2240 ext. 247| melanie@oreb.ca

OREB STATEMENT ON INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING LINKED TO DEVELOPMENT CHARGE REDUCTION

OTTAWA, ON – The Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) welcomes today’s joint federal–provincial announcement under the Canada–Ontario Partnership to Build, which introduces a new infrastructure funding initiative tied to reductions in municipal development charges. This represents a meaningful step toward addressing one of the most significant barriers to housing supply in Ontario. 

Through a proposed $8.8-billion cost-shared program over the next decade, the Governments of Canada and Ontario have committed to supporting housing-enabling infrastructure, while prioritizing funding for municipalities that reduce development charges by 30 to 50 percent for at least three years. This approach recognizes the critical role that upfront government-imposed costs play in limiting housing construction and affordability. 

In Ottawa, development charges on new single-detached homes can exceed $60,000, costs that are passed on to buyers and can limit the feasibility of new projects, especially missing-middle housing. The recent federal–provincial announcement to reduce these charges is a positive step, aligning with OREB’s long-standing advocacy to improve affordability and support new housing supply.

The City of Ottawa has signalled strong support for advancing this initiative. As a city focused on improving housing supply and affordability, Ottawa is well-positioned to work collaboratively with the other orders of government to implement measures that reduce development charges and unlock new housing supply.   

When combined with the proposed enhanced GST New Housing Rebate, the reductions in development charges will directly lower the cost of building and purchasing a home, particularly for entry-level and missing-middle housing. Together, these measures represent an important step toward closing the affordability gap and allowing more projects to proceed.  

OREB will continue to advocate for practical policy solutions that reduce costs, accelerate housing delivery, and improve affordability for residents across Ottawa. 

OREB Welcomes Pro-Housing Measures in the 2026 Ontario Budget

OTTAWA, ON – The 2026 Ontario Budget comes at a critical time for Ottawa’s housing market, as pent-up demand, persistent supply shortages, rising development, and ownership costs continue to impact affordability, limit mobility for Ontarians, and restrict available housing at certain price points and inventory types.   

The Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) welcomes the removal of the full 13 per cent HST on qualifying new home purchases through a combined provincial and federal rebate from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, subject to federal legislation. Eligible buyers could receive up to $130,000 in relief, with full benefits applying to homes valued up to $1 million.  

By lowering upfront costs, this time-limited rebate is expected to provide short-term relief for homebuyers, support move-up activity, and encourage additional housing supply. It represents a meaningful step toward reducing upfront barriers at a time when many households continue to face barriers to entering or moving within the housing market.  

OREB also welcomes the province’s investment in housing-enabling infrastructure, alongside the $1.2 billion Building Faster Fund to support municipalities delivering new homes, and continued investments in supportive housing. These measures are essential to unlocking supply.  

The province’s commitment to work with the federal government to support municipalities that reduce development charges is also a crucial step, as these costs remain a key driver of housing affordability.  

Together, these measures reflect the coordinated, multi-level government approach OREB has consistently called for and builds on sustained advocacy from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA), and partners across the real estate and homebuilding sectors.  

OREB recognizes the leadership of Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy and Premier Doug Ford and will continue to advocate on behalf of REALTORS® for practical, permanent solutions that reduce costs, accelerate housing supply, and deliver meaningful progress for consumers in Ottawa and across Ontario.  

RCREB Members Vote in Favour of Merger with Ottawa Real Estate Board

Renfrew County Real Estate Board (RCREB) Members voted today in favour of merging with the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB), marking a significant step toward a more unified and strengthened real estate community across the region. 

This decision reflects a forward-looking vision and a path we’ve been on since 2024. It recognizes the value of scale, collaboration, and enhanced capacity to serve Members in an evolving industry. This vote reflects thoughtful consideration and strong Member engagement throughout the process 

In coming together, we are positioning REALTORS® for greater support, stronger advocacy, and expanded opportunities. 

Over the coming months, our organizations will work closely to prepare for a smooth and thoughtful transition. This includes aligning systems, engaging Members, and ensuring continuity of the services and support REALTORS® rely on every day. Members can expect regular updates throughout this process as key milestones and timelines are confirmed. 

While the official merger date is still being finalized, our focus is clear: to deliver a seamless transition and create an organization that provides meaningful value from day one. 

We want to thank all Members who participated in this process. Your engagement, questions, and perspectives have been essential in shaping this outcome. 

“This is about building something stronger together,” said Tami Eades, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. “Our goal is to ensure every REALTOR® benefits from enhanced support, stronger advocacy, and the opportunities that come with a more unified organization.” 

“Our Members approached this decision with care and thoughtfulness,” said Nicole Walters, President of the Renfrew County Real Estate Board. “Today’s vote reflects our commitment to looking ahead and embracing a future that brings greater resources and enhanced opportunities to all Members.” 

Together, we are shaping a stronger, more connected future for organized real estate in our region. 

Tami Eades, President 
Nicole Christy, Chief Executive Officer 
Ottawa Real Estate Board 

Nicole Walters, President 
Robyn Voisey, Executive Officer 
Renfrew County Real Estate Board 

OREB Responds to Federal GST Rebate for First-Time Home Buyers

Ottawa, ON – The Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) acknowledges that Bill C-4, the Making Life More Affordable for Canadians Act, has received Royal Assent, bringing into law key affordability measures, including a GST rebate for first-time home buyers.

The measure removes GST on new homes up to $1 million for first-time buyers and reduces it on homes between $1 million and $1.5 million. This is a targeted step to support market entry, but emphasizes that broader action is required to address ongoing affordability challenges.

OREB continues to advocate for co-ordinated action across all levels of government, including advancing a provincial HST rebate and expanding tax relief on newly built homes to support housing supply and improve affordability, alongside measures to streamline development approvals.

Media contact

Melanie Coulson
Director of Strategic Communications & Engagement
613-225-2240 ext. 247| melanie@oreb.ca

Ottawa’s Housing Market Shows Early Signs of Transition as Winter Activity Remains Subdued

Market Overview

Ottawa’s residential market continued its winter slowdown in February, with overall sales remaining well below the five-year average of 990 transactions for the month. The slowdown, however, is not uniform across segments, and the data tells a more nuanced story than the headline numbers suggest.

Average condo apartment prices rose month over month while inventory measures eased, signalling what may be an early shift in a segment that has carried elevated supply since late 2025. Townhomes saw the most turnover of any segment, with sales activity running stronger than typical February levels even as rising inventory placed downward pressure on prices. The single-family market remained comparatively stable, with pricing holding relatively steady despite a drop in total sales. The data suggests significant competition for listings at lower price points.

With CREA forecasting a gradual strengthening in demand throughout 2026, we can likely expect continued balanced market conditions even as we approach a more active spring market.

“Benchmark prices moved higher in February across every segment, and demand remained active where affordability allows, creating a more balanced environment,” said Tami Eades, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. “Buyers are gaining a little more breathing room to make thoughtful decisions, while sellers continue to see consistent momentum. The conditions that kept many buyers cautious over the past year are gradually shifting. Spring is shaping up to be a meaningful window for those who are ready to act.”

Residential Market Activity

In February, 780 residential properties sold in Ottawa, down 6.8% from February 2025. Activity improved from January’s 610 transactions, though sales remained 21.2% below the five-year February average of 990 and 17.8% below the ten-year average of 949. This makes the current winter one of the slowest of the past decade. Even so, demand has not disappeared. Buyer activity remains present, particularly at lower price points, with elevated inventory and ongoing affordability considerations contributing to longer decision timelines.

Pricing trends reflected this environment. The average residential sale price in February was $662,773, down 1.0% year over year, while the median price declined 3.1% to $615,450. Both movements remain modest in scale and are consistent with a market adjusting to elevated supply rather than one experiencing broad-based downward pressure. With months of inventory easing to 3.8 from January’s 4.4 as seasonal sales activity increased, Ottawa continues to operate in balanced territory.

The MLS® Home Price Index provides important context. Benchmark prices remain below year-ago levels, but February recorded month-over-month increases in the composite, single-family, townhouse, and apartment benchmarks compared to January. Because the HPI controls for seasonality and changes in the mix of sales, these gains reflect genuine upward movement in market valuation rather than simply the typical increase in pricing that accompanies the approach of the spring market. This suggests that, despite a slower-than-usual winter, pricing momentum is beginning to firm across segments.

Prices and Market Balance

New listings in February totalled 1,582, down 7.8% from February 2025 but up from January’s 1,522. Active listings reached 2,928 units at month end, an increase of 11.1% year over year and well above levels seen in recent February periods.

The broader inventory base is giving buyers more properties to consider at any given time, which is reducing urgency. At the same time, improved sales activity and rising month-over-month benchmark prices indicate that underlying demand remains present. Inventory is higher than seasonal norms, but it is being absorbed in a way that is keeping pricing and overall market balance steady.

Months of Inventory:

  • Single Family: 3.8
  • Townhome: 2.7
  • Apartment: 5.6

Looking Ahead

February’s data reinforces what January initially indicated: Ottawa is in a period of transition. This winter has been slower than the past few years, but the combination of firmer month-over-month HPI benchmarks, improving apartment absorption, steady townhome turnover, and relatively stable detached pricing suggests that demand is stable. Buyers continue to operate with more time and more choice than in recent years.

CREA’s 2026 outlook anticipates gradually strengthening demand as lower borrowing costs work their way through the market. Ottawa’s recent results are consistent with that view. If momentum continues to build into spring, the current inventory base should support a more active market without generating the sharp price acceleration that has defined previous cycles.

February 2026

About the Ottawa Real Estate Board

The Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) is a non-profit association representing more than 4,000 member REALTORS® in the National Capital Region. OREB advocates for policies that promote housing affordability, protect consumers, and support a fair and efficient real estate marketplace.

Media contact

Melanie Coulson
Director of Strategic Communications & Engagement
613-225-2240 ext. 247| melanie@oreb.ca

Balanced Conditions Define Ottawa’s Housing Market in January

Market Overview

Ottawa’s residential market entered 2026 on a balanced footing. Inventory levels remain higher than in recent years, giving buyers more choice, while sellers continue to adjust to conditions that reward accurate pricing and patience. Benchmark prices are down year over year across all housing types, with softer conditions most evident in townhouses and apartments. Detached homes continue to show greater price stability. Overall, January’s data points to a market that is operating more evenly, rather than one under broad-based pressure.

“What January is showing us is a market that’s adjusting in a healthy way,” said Tami Eades, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. “We’re seeing more choice for buyers, more realism on the selling side, and pricing that’s responding to those conditions without sharp swings. That kind of balance is a sign of stability, not stress.”

Residential Market Activity

In January, 610 residential properties sold in Ottawa, reflecting a typical post-holiday slowdown while also signalling a steadier start to the year. Sales were 5.6% lower than a year ago but remained within the range of long-term January norms. This points to demand that is still present, even as buyers continue to proceed cautiously amid ongoing affordability considerations.

Pricing activity also reflected seasonal conditions rather than renewed weakness. The average residential sale price was $641,436, down 4.5% from January 2025, a change consistent with winter market dynamics and a more price-sensitive buyer pool. Recent interest rate reductions have begun to ease pressure at the margins. January’s data suggests their impact is appearing first in buyer engagement rather than completed transactions.

The MLS® Home Price Index provides further context. In January, the composite benchmark price declined modestly month over month, with single-family, townhouse, and apartment benchmarks all posting small decreases.

Prices and Market Balance

Supply conditions continue to vary significantly by property type. Overall, new listings totalled 1,522 units, up 8.8% year over year, while active listings reached 2,673. This is an increase of 22.7% from last January. Although inventory levels remain elevated compared to recent seasonal norms, growth has slowed, helping to prevent a buildup of excess supply.

With months of inventory at 4.4, Ottawa’s market is operating closer to long-term, pre-pandemic averages. This level of supply is providing buyers with more choice and negotiating flexibility, while still allowing well-priced homes to attract solid interest. Rather than putting sharp downward pressure on prices, current inventory levels are supporting a more balanced market.

Property Type Breakdown

As noted above, differences in market performance by property type continued to shape Ottawa’s market in January.

Single-Family Homes

Detached homes remained the market’s most stable segment, even as winter conditions weighed on overall activity. In January, 276 single-family homes sold, down 13.8% year over year. Supply levels remained comparatively balanced at 4.3 months of inventory, supported by 1,177 active listings, and 663 new listings, essentially flat year over year. 

Prices softened modestly. The average sale price was $793,874, down 3.6% year over year, while the median price held at $750,000, unchanged from last January. Together, these indicators suggest that detached home pricing is adjusting in an orderly manner. The single-family benchmark price also edged lower year over year, marking a shift from the modest gains seen late last year; the decline remains limited. 

Townhomes

Townhome sales rose to 215 units, up 6.4% year over year, while new listings increased sharply to 487, up 45.8% from January 2025 and well above December’s 176 new listings. Active listings climbed to 708, a 67.0% increase year over year. 

As supply increased, leverage has shifted modestly toward buyers. Months of inventory rose to 3.3, and pricing reflected this adjustment. The average townhouse sale price was $536,106, down 3.3% year over year, while the median price declined 3.4% to $560,000. The townhouse benchmark price was down 3.2% year over year, but rose 1.0% compared to December. 

Apartments

The apartment segment showed a constructive month-over-month shift in January, marking a contrast to late 2025. In January, apartment-condo sales increased to 95 from 78 in December, and months of inventory decreased to 6.8 from 7.9, an indication of stronger absorption.  

At the same time, supply expanded meaningfully. New listings rose to 312 from 144 in December, and active listings increased to 647 from 617. In other words, January brought a sizeable seasonal influx of condo listings, but improved sales activity helped prevent a further deterioration in market balance.  

Pricing in this segment remains the most sensitive anywhere across the Ottawa market. The average apartment sale price was $388,307, down 12.1% from January 2025 and lower than December’s $401,465. While condo pricing continues to adjust, January’s combination of higher sales and lower months of inventory suggests that conditions may be starting to stabilize. 

Months of Inventory:

  • Single Family: 4.3
  • Townhome: 3.3
  • Apartment: 6.8

Looking Ahead

January’s data reflects a familiar winter pattern, with slower sales and cautious buyer behaviour shaped by seasonal factors and ongoing economic uncertainty. At the same time, there are early signs that market conditions are beginning to firm. The apartment segment, in particular, showed improving absorption, with lower months of inventory alongside higher sales and dollar volume.

Townhome activity held up, while detached trends remained steady, reinforcing a market that is segmented by property type but remains largely balanced overall.

This picture aligns with CREA’s outlook for 2026, which anticipates improving conditions as lower interest rates gradually draw more sidelined demand back into the market. January supports a credible case for a stronger spring market if rate reductions continue to ease affordability pressures.

January 2026

About the Ottawa Real Estate Board

The Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) is a non-profit association representing more than 4,000 member REALTORS® in the National Capital Region. OREB advocates for policies that promote housing affordability, protect consumers, and support a fair and efficient real estate marketplace.

Media contact

Melanie Coulson
Director of Strategic Communications & Engagement
613-225-2240 ext. 247| melanie@oreb.ca