OTTAWA, ON – Ottawa is facing a housing affordability crisis affecting residents across the city. Young families are being priced out of neighbourhoods where they work and grew up; seniors are unable to downsize within their own communities, and both homebuyers and renters are struggling to find housing that meets their needs at a cost they can afford. OREB’s REALTORS® work every day with buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants, and see first-hand how limited housing choice and rising costs affect both those seeking housing and those working to provide it.
The Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) welcomes city council’s decision to adopt the Zoning By law, intended to address Ottawa’s housing affordability challenges.
The new zoning by-law is good for home buyers and sellers. It will increase housing supply and expand the range of attainable housing options across the city. The new by-law provides the regulatory foundation needed to deliver more homes in the locations where people want and need to live. It also supports mixed use and transit-oriented development, reduces unnecessary barriers such as minimum parking requirements in urban areas, and creates greater certainty for housing investment.
The new zoning by-law is also good for landlords and tenants. It modernizes zoning rules, providing greater certainty for investment in more affordable rental housing. This will give renters more choice and reduce pressure on the cost of rental housing.
OREB acknowledges that zoning reform is not easy. Across Ontario, municipalities have announced ambitious housing policies only to retreat or dilute them in the face of local opposition. Ottawa’s decision to adopt the new Zoning By law demonstrates leadership and alignment with its Official Plan, housing targets, and long-term economic interests.
OREB is proud to have been one of the leading advocates for the new zoning by-law. Notably, OREB made the new zoning by-law a key component of its delegations to city committees, a priority issue during its recent days of action, a focus of our opinion editorials over the past year, and recent research we commissioned with Abacus Data.
OREB appreciates the leadership shown by Mayor Sutcliffe, Members of Council, and City staff, and looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively to support policies that expand housing opportunities for Ottawa residents.
82 per cent of residents say housing-related issues will be important in determining who they support in the 2026 municipal election
Ottawa, ON — With just nine months until the 2026 municipal elections, housing affordability and the cost of living will continue to be the most pressing issues for Ottawa residents, according to new public opinion research from Abacus Data released today by the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB). The poll is among the largest surveys of Ottawa residents since the 2022 municipal election, with 1,000 responses.
Cost of living a major concern
According to the survey, more than one in three residents (37 per cent) say cost of living is the most important issue facing Ottawa today, followed by housing affordability (19 per cent), LRT confidence and transit reliability (11 per cent), and homelessness and encampments (10 per cent). Cost of living was identified by 63 per cent of residents as a priority issue that candidates running in the 2026 Ottawa municipal election should be focused on, followed by housing affordability (53 per cent), transit reliability (37 per cent), and the city budget and taxes (32 per cent).
“People are struggling to make ends meet, and they want action to help make life more affordable,” said Tami Eades, president of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. “A home is the biggest cost in most families’ budgets, so the number one thing the city can do to ease the cost-of-living crisis is to help generate more attainable housing. With an election happening in October, it’s clear that candidates need to be focused on housing.”
Residents want more action on housing
The research shows housing affordability will likely be a major issue for voters heading into the 2026 municipal election. More than three-quarters of residents (77 per cent) say housing in Ottawa is unaffordable, while only five per cent believe housing is affordable today. Over the past year, 51 per cent say affordability for homebuyers has worsened, and 59 per cent say affordability for renters has declined even as rents have begun to come down, highlighting continuing pressure across both ownership and rental markets.
Housing is also set to play a decisive role at the ballot box. Eighty-two per cent of residents say housing-related issues will be important in determining who they support in the 2026 municipal election, underscoring the central role housing policy will play in shaping the next council’s agenda.
The survey also highlights how rising housing costs are reshaping long-term housing decisions for Ottawa residents. Among homeowners, nearly one in four (24 per cent) say they plan to give or pass their home on to their children or family members, rather than sell it on the open market. These findings underscore the growing concern that housing has become increasingly difficult to afford for the next generation, with intergenerational transfers seen by many families as one of the few remaining pathways to homeownership.
“For many families, housing affordability has become a generational issue,” said Nicole Christy, CEO of OREB. “Parents are passing up the opportunity to add tens of thousands of dollars to their retirement savings so that their kids have a shot at the Canadian dream. Homeownership should be attainable for everyone, not just those whose parents can afford it.”
Transit and other issues
Beyond housing, the survey highlights a range of issues shaping voter priorities heading into 2026. Public safety, homelessness, and downtown conditions remain key concerns, with 76 per cent of Ottawa residents saying they are concerned about the future of downtown, including vacancies, safety, and economic activity. Confidence in major city projects is also mixed. More residents oppose Lansdowne 2.0 (37 per cent) than support it (27 per cent), and 43 per cent view the project as an unnecessary financial burden, reflecting sensitivity to large-scale spending decisions.
Transit reliability continues to be a major issue, with 37 per cent identifying it as a priority for candidates in the 2026 municipal election, and reliability and service disruptions cited as the top problems facing OC Transpo. At the same time, voters remain cautious about municipal finances. Forty-three per cent of residents say they would prefer to keep taxes as low as possible, even if services do not improve, signalling limited appetite for tax increases and a strong focus on value for money.
About the survey
The Ottawa Real Estate Board–Abacus Data State of Housing Survey was conducted from Dec. 10 to 22, 2025, among 1,000 residents of the City of Ottawa. Results are accurate to within plus or minus 2.77 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
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
Ottawa’s housing market closed out the year with a typical December slowdown in activity.
Sales softened further, reinforcing the cautious tone that emerged this fall. Inventory levels declined, while prices remained broadly stable. Despite a quiet finish in November and December, annual sales in 2025 ended 1.3% higher than in 2024 by total sales, and 4.1% higher than 2024 by total dollar volume, pointing to a year defined by balance and overall stability.
The year followed an unconventional seasonal pattern, beginning with a delayed spring, transitioning into a steady summer that avoided the usual mid-year dip, and then moderating again through the fall and early winter.
Ottawa continues to show resilience compared with the price corrections seen in some larger Canadian markets. December data suggests a market that is holding steady, offering buyers more choice while maintaining generally steady conditions. That said, market performance continues to vary meaningfully by property type, with the condo segment remaining the softest area of the market.
“Even with a quieter finish to the year, Ottawa’s housing market showed real stability in 2025,” said Tami Eades, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. “Sales and dollar volume both surpassed 2024 levels despite more moderate conditions through the fall. That balance points to a market driven by fundamentals, not pressure.”
Residential Market Activity
In December, 587 residential properties sold, down 32% from November but consistent with typical December activity when excluding the unusually strong pandemic markets of 2020 and 2021. Since 2018, average December sales (excluding those two years) have been 583 units. While the slowdown reflects normal seasonal patterns, it also points to continued buyer caution.
On the supply side, new listings declined as expected, and active listings fell from 3,628 in November to 2,544 in December, reflecting the usual holiday-season slowdown. Even so, inventory levels remain elevated compared with recent December norms, continuing the trend seen throughout the fall of increased choice for buyers.
Since 2022, Ottawa has seen a multi-year trend across all market segments toward higher year-end inventory levels. While seasonal absorption typically limits a sharp buildup of listings in December, it has not fully offset the higher volume of inventory entering the market earlier in the year. Year-to-date active listings in December 2025 were 19% higher than last year, 45% higher than 2023, and 89% higher than in 2022. Months of inventory rose to 4.3, higher than last December and closer to long-term, pre-pandemic averages.
Prices and Market Balance
Prices remained relatively stable in December. The average residential sale price was $658,943, essentially unchanged from December 2024. This follows November’s modest year-over-year increase and reflects a market where prices are being supported, but not driven higher.
The MLS® Home Price Index offers additional context. The composite benchmark price has declined month over month since the summer, yet still finished 2025 slightly above 2024 levels overall. This suggests price adjustment is occurring gradually at the benchmark level, even as averages prices continue to be influenced by the mix of homes sold.
Overall, the market remains balanced. Buyers have more leverage than in recent years, while sellers continue to benefit from steady demand and relatively resilient pricing.
Property Type Breakdown
Market conditions continue to vary meaningfully by property type.
Single-Family Homes
In December, detached homes continued to outperform townhomes and condos. Prices remained comparatively stable, with supply balanced with 4.3 months of inventory. The single-family benchmark price posted a 0.4% year-over-year increase, underscoring the resilience of this segment. Limited availability and consistent demand continue to support detached homes, which remain the anchor of Ottawa’s market stability.
Townhomes
Townhomes continue to adjust as inventory levels remain slightly elevated. Sales activity has been more resilient than in the apartment segment, though pricing pressure is becoming more apparent. The townhouse benchmark price declined 3.7% year over year, the average sale price fell just 1.4%. This gap suggests that softness has been more pronounced at the benchmark level than in actual transactions. Sales mix and sustained interest from first-time buyers, who continue to view townhomes as a more accessible entry point, have helped support average and median prices.
Apartments (Condos)
The apartment segment remains the softest part of the Ottawa market, with December data reinforcing trends seen in November. Sales activity remained subdued, while months of inventory climbed to nearly eight, well above balanced levels.
The apartment benchmark price declined on a year-over-year basis, reflecting growing supply relative to demand. While Ottawa has not seen the level of condo oversupply present in larger urban markets, the trajectory remains one to monitor closely.
Months of Inventory:
Single Family: 4.3
Townhome: 2.8
Apartment: 7.9
Looking Ahead
As Ottawa enters the new year, December’s data suggests that any improvement in activity is likely to be gradual rather than immediate. Interest rate relief has helped support confidence, but buyers continue to move carefully, keeping a close eye on broader economic conditions. A period of modest ups and downs within an overall theme of stability appears likely for 2026.
While close monitoring of the oversupplied condo apartment segment remains important, the broader message for REALTORS® and consumers is consistent: Ottawa’s housing market remains stable, segmented by property type, and increasingly shaped by fundamentals rather than urgency.
OTTAWA – The Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) has consistently advocated for full compensation for REALTORS® impacted by the actions of iPro Realty and the mishandling of trust fund accounts.
RECO’s province-appointed Administrator, Jean Lépine, confirmed in an updatetoday that all affected consumers have now been fully reimbursed, and the insurer’s program manager has reviewed 1,000 of the 2,500 REALTOR® claims currently on file, and with that visibility, feel comfortable starting paying out commissions at 50% of total amount owing on transactions that have closed or are closing, beginning Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
While this progress is welcome and a strong step in the right direction, it does not yet go far enough. REALTORS® continue to face financial uncertainty for work that has already been completed in good faith. Many haven’t received payment for months.
OREB will continue to press for timely and full compensation for all affected REALTORS®, swift action and significant consequences for others who breach the public’s trust, and for meaningful reforms to ensure accountability and prevent similar failures in the future.
Like the public, our members must have confidence that the regulatory and insurance framework they are required to participate in will protect them when bad actors undermine the system.
Ottawa eased into a slower market rhythm in November, shaped by early winter weather and a cautious economic environment. Sales declined from October and fell below November 2024 levels. Although active listings dipped month over month, months of inventory (MOI) rose again after tightening earlier in the fall. The market remained broadly balanced, but the data shows a tilt toward higher supply, with November’s seasonal slowdown more pronounced than usual.
Recent rate cuts offer some optimism for renewed buyer engagement through the typically quiet winter months, setting the stage for a steadier start to the new year and a more energized spring. At the same time, elevated inventory in the townhome and apartment segments warrants ongoing attention to ensure clients understand the current dynamics.
November Snapshot: Home Sales in Ottawa
November total sales: 880, down from 1,177 in October 2025
18.2 per cent lower than November 2024
Year-to-date sales remain 1.5 per cent ahead of this point in 2024
Average sale price: $680,496, up a little more than 2 per cent year over year
Year-to-date average: near $700,000, 3 per cent higher than a year ago
Gains are largely driven by single-family sales, which continue to climb
Single-family homes averaged $825,827 in November 2025, up 4.8 per cent compared with November 2024 and up 4 per cent year-to-date
Supply Continues to Build
While inventory typically climbs in November, the increase this year is more pronounced. Active listings reached 3,721, and months of inventory rose to 4.2, a meaningful shift from last year’s tighter conditions. That additional choice is influencing pricing and buyer behaviour across property types. Townhomes averaged $542,607 in November, down from both October and last year’s year-to-date figures. Apartments face the most supply pressure: condo MOI climbed above seven and sales were down by more than a third year over year. Prices in this segment have held up better than townhomes on an annual basis, but the volume of available product signals a softer environment than the stable average sale price suggests.
Ottawa’s apartment market is particularly important to watch in light of Toronto’s experience. Toronto is working through one of the most significant buildups of condo inventory in recent memory, putting clear pressure on prices. Ottawa is not in the same position, but the increase in apartment inventory is real. REALTORS® will want to monitor this segment closely through the winter, especially if listings continue to rise faster than sales. Nearly 70 per cent of new home starts this year are concentrated in rental and condo projects, creating a substantial pipeline of multi-unit supply coming online in the coming years. While these starts influence the long-term rather than the immediate picture, they remain a key factor to watch. Toronto’s condo supply challenges emerged over several years as resale listings accumulated alongside an influx of new completions.
Residential Market Activity: Big Picture
Total 2025 home sales to date: 13,075
Increase in home sales compared with 2024: 1.5 per cent
Average sale price in November: $680,496
Increase in sale price from 2024: 2.2 per cent, down more than 4 per cent from October*
Year-to-date average home price: $699,635, a 3.0 per cent increase over the first 11 months of 2024
Total value of homes sold in November: $599 million (16.5 per cent decrease year over year)
Year-to-date sales: more than $9 billion, a 4.6 per cent increase over 2024
New residential listings in November: 1,458, down 39 per cent from October but 10 per cent higher than November 2024
November active listings: 3,721, a 12 per cent decrease from October but 31.3 per cent higher than 2024
*Prices typically decrease from October to November. A 4 per cent drop is notable as it is larger than usual.
This active listing indicator is trending higher than each of the past five years, indicating this is more than the cyclical supply buildup associated with late fall and early winter.
Months of inventory (MOI), a key measure of supply, rose overall from 3.6 in October to 4.2, reflecting what remains a generally balanced market. Though it is worth noting that the disparity in MOI between property types.
Months of Inventory
Single-family: 4.0
Townhome: 3.1
Apartment: 7.3
OREB is working to resolve a discrepancy in the November HPI data. It will be distributed as soon as possible.
The Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) welcomes the federal government’s new housing partnership with the City of Ottawa, announced today under the Build Canada Homes program.
The $400-million joint investment will deliver up to 3,000 mixed-income and affordable units, including 2,000 homes on federal lands supported by modern building methods, faster approvals and innovative financing. This announcement represents a meaningful step toward improving housing supply and affordability in the nation’s capital.
We are particularly encouraged that one of the first Build Canada Homes partnerships is happening here in Ottawa.
“This city and this partnership is a model for how we want to build homes across the country,” Prime Minister Mark Carney said Monday, when he made the announcement at the Mayor’s Breakfast event with Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.
Housing solutions must serve the full spectrum of needs in our community, from supportive and affordable housing to purpose-built rental and attainable ownership.
This approach aligns with OREB’s long-standing call for policy tools that expand choice, accelerate construction and reduce barriers to bringing more homes to market. Measures such as streamlined permitting, reduced development-related fees and collaborative public-private delivery models will help ensure that more Ottawa residents can find stable, appropriate housing that meets their needs.
This demonstrates both the urgency of our local housing challenges and the potential for real leadership and innovation in responding to them. OREB looks forward to working with all levels of government, industry partners and community organizations to help ensure these new homes reflect local housing needs and contribute to a more diverse, resilient and sustainable housing market for Ottawa residents.
OREB congratulates Build Canada Homes CEO Anna Bailão, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, and Prime Minister Carney for their leadership in advancing this initiative for Ottawa.
The Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) supports the Government of Ontario’s decision to appoint an administrator to oversee the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) and its Board of Directors to ensure the regulator is carrying out the pledged reforms. We look forward to working with Jean Lépine as he takes on the role of administrator to RECO in the coming days.
OREB has consistently maintained that strong, transparent, and accountable regulation is essential to maintaining confidence in real estate transactions. This decision by the provincial government reflects the seriousness of the situation and will help restore public confidence.
We will continue to advocate for a regulatory environment that strengthens consumer trust, supports high professional standards, and safeguards the reputation of our industry. We remain committed to constructive, solution-focused collaboration throughout this period of oversight and reform.
Housing affordability remains one of the most urgent challenges facing residents across the City of Ottawa. Families are struggling to enter the housing market, young people increasingly doubt they will ever be able to buy a home in the communities they grew up in, and rental housing is becoming less secure and more expensive for many.
The passage of the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025 (Bill 60) is a welcome attempt by the Province of Ontario to speed up Ontario’s housing and infrastructure system by reducing lengthy delays across multiple government processes, including at the Landlord Tenant Board (LTB).
For years, systemic delays and backlogs at the LTB have undermined confidence in the system for both tenants and rental property owners and made the Ontario rental system difficult to navigate and unfair for many. OREB supports measures to speed up hearings, make dispute resolution more efficient, target chronic and high-risk tenancy issues, and restore confidence in the rental market to unlock more rental housing.
In addition, OREB supports measures in Bill 60 aimed at addressing the impact of development charges and other barriers standing in the way of building more affordable housing. High and unpredictable growth-related costs are passed on to buyers and renters, making it harder for families to find homes they can afford. Bill 60 takes important steps to bring more consistency and transparency to how municipalities calculate, administer, and report on development charges. Improving predictability around DCs is a critical step toward lowering the cost of building homes for families, seniors, and renters.
As part of our association’s recent 2025 Days of Action at City Hall, OREB advocated for lower development charges, stronger protections for tenants and rental property owners, and a general city zoning by-law focused on affordability, certainty, and supply. These remain core OREB priorities and we will continue working closely with provincial and municipal partners to ensure Ottawa does not fall further behind on housing affordability.
While Bill 60 is an important step forward, the Bill does weaken some tenant protections. OREB will closely monitor the implementation of the Bill to ensure that it does not lead to unwarranted evictions, reduced appeal rights, or greater housing instability for renters. LTB reform is long overdue, and although Bill 60 represents an initial step, more work is needed to restore affordability and ensure balanced protections across the rental housing system.
OREB will continue to encourage the province to pursue measures that increase housing supply, strengthen overall confidence in the housing system, improve affordability and reduce costs for homebuyers. This includes expanding the HST rebate to all homes.
OTTAWA, ON — Ottawa’s market continues to be resilient despite broader concerns about economic uncertainty. In October, Ottawa’s housing market experienced a modest, seasonal increase in sales activity accompanied by a reduction in the elevated inventory levels seen in recent months. This points to a stable yet cautious phase for the region as we move into the typically slower winter season.
Last month, a total of 1,177 homes were sold, up 8.1% from 1,089 in September 2025, but down slightly year over year with a 1.2% decrease compared to October of 2024. The average sale price climbed to $709,002, an increase of 2.7% month over month and 5.7% higher than the same period last year, suggesting that underlying demand remains resilient.
Ottawa saw 2,405 new listings in October, a 15.1% decline from September 2025, but 13.4% higher than October 2024. This seasonal drop off in new listings between September and October has been a consistent pattern over the past decade. More notably, active listings fell from 4,388 in September to 4,232 in October, a 3.6% decrease. While inventory levels remain higher than in recent years, this familiar fall decrease in active listings suggests that the trend towards elevated supply levels may be starting to stabilize, still within a balanced market range. Reinforcing that trend, the months of inventory measure eased from 4.0 to 3.6, indicating a modest tightening in the balance between buyers and sellers as the fall market settled.
The Bank of Canada’s second consecutive rate cut on Oct. 29, 2025, lowered the policy rate by 25 basis points to 2.25%, providing additional relief to borrowers and some optimism for an active spring market. However, the bank tempered expectations for further easing, noting in its statement that this is likely the final cut in the current cycle. The Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) is monitoring the newly released federal budget and workforce announcements, as cuts in either area have historically affected Ottawa’s housing market given the city’s large federal employment base.
Overall, Ottawa continues to display a pattern of measured balance, modestly improving demand, steady prices, and a market environment that remains fundamentally healthy as it heads toward year-end.
“Ottawa’s market continues to demonstrate balance and resilience,” said OREB President Paul Czan. “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, watching how broader economic factors play out. The current environment points to a steady market rather than a rapid shift in either direction.”
Residential Market Activity
Year to date, 12,197 homes have sold, a 3.3% increase over the first 10 months of 2024. The total dollar volume through October reached $8.55 billion, up 6.5% year over year, while the average year-to-date price stands at $700,869, a 3.0% increase year over year.
Looking at the bigger picture, there have been 12,197 home sales so far this year, a 3.3% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
The average sale price for all sold listings in October was $709,002, up 5.7% from last year and 2.7% higher than September.
The year-to-date average price now stands at $700,869, a 3.0% increase over the first ten months of 2024.
Altogether, the total value of homes sold in October was approximately $834.5 million, a 4.5% year-over-year increase, and sits just under $8.5 billion year to date, a significant 6.5% increase over the same period of time in 2024.
On the listing side, there were 2,405 new residential listings added in October, down 15.1% from September but still 13.4% higher than last year.
Active listings totaled 4,232, a 3.6% decrease from September but 21.3% higher year over year.
The months of inventory, a key measure of supply, eased from 4.0 in September to 3.6, reflecting a slightly tighter balance between supply and demand within what remains a generally balanced market.
MLS® Home Price Index (HPI)
The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) composite benchmark for Ottawa was $622,700 in October, down 0.7% month over month but up 0.7% year over year, continuing the trend of moderate, sustainable price movements rather than volatility.
By property category:
Single-family: $692,400 up 0.3% compared to 2024
Townhouse: $456,300 up 6.6% compared to 2024
Apartment: $402,900 up 0.1% compared to 2024
For media inquiries, please contact:
Melanie Coulson,Director of Strategic Communications & Engagement
Ottawa, ON — The Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) welcomes the housing investments in Canada Strong: Budget 2025, as several measures align with the Board’s ongoing calls for coordinated action to expand housing supply.
OREB acknowledges the federal government’s efforts to boost housing supply through Build Canada Homes, including a $1 billion investment for transitional and supportive housing for those experiencing homelessness, and a recommitment to invest $2.8 billion through the Urban, Rural, Northern and Indigenous Housing Strategy.
While these are important ‘generational investments’, the proposed federal budget falls short of addressing the immediate affordability challenges faced by Ottawa residents, and lacks concrete measures to help Canadians currently aspiring to achieve affordable homeownership. The Budget missed an opportunity to explicitly encourage the construction of more missing middle housing such as townhomes, duplexes, and low-rise apartments that are entry points for many first-time buyers.
The Budget does confirm several previously announced measures, including the elimination of the GST on new homes for first-time buyers. These are important steps that will help lower costs, facilitate greater movement through the market, and encourage construction.
“Ottawa families are struggling to find homes they can afford,” said Paul Czan, President of OREB. “Although we are pleased that the federal government is investing in housing, we were looking for a stronger focus on coordinated action between all levels of government to make the dream of home ownership a reality.” A recent survey conducted by Abacus Data for OREB underscores the urgency of this challenge.
82% of Ottawa residents are concerned about the city’s housing situation.
67% describe local housing as unaffordable.
71% of non-homeowners still hope to buy a home
50% doubt they’ll ever be able to afford one in their community of choice.
The survey also found that 62% of respondents are worried that should their financial situation suddenly change, they could lose their home or rental unit. A concern that could deepen following Tuesday’s announced cuts to the federal public service, which may have a marked effect on Ottawa and area’s housing market.
“These numbers paint a stark picture,” said Nicole Christy, CEO of OREB. “Ottawa residents want more affordable housing options, especially missing middle homes that seniors, families, and young people can afford. The federal government has taken a step in the right direction, but there’s still more work ahead.”
In a city where infrastructure costs drive up the price of every new home, OREB sees value in the federal government’s move to connect federal infrastructure funding to affordability reforms. Historically, much of this cost has been covered through development charges, which in Ottawa can add up to $63,000 to the price of a new low-rise home. The new Community Housing Infrastructure Fund provides municipalities with federal support for these critical infrastructure projects, creating an opportunity to reduce development charges, lower costs, and accelerate construction.
Furthermore, OREB supports the federal government’s decision to eliminate programs that added administrative burdens without meaningfully improving housing supply, such as the Underused Housing Tax.
“Ottawa can’t solve its housing crisis without lowering costs and cutting red tape. This Budget gives governments an opportunity to do both, but it’s time to seize that opportunity.” added Christy.
While Budget 2025 takes meaningful steps to support housing supply and infrastructure, Ottawa residents still face significant affordability challenges. We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lower costs, accelerate construction, and expand attainable options like missing middle housing.
OREB will continue to call for stronger coordination between all levels of government to ensure federal investments align with provincial and municipal housing investments and reforms, opening more doors to attainable housing and home ownership in Ottawa.
