OREB’s Statement on the 2026 Federal Budget
November 6, 2026
November 6, 2026 – OTTAWA, ON – The Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) welcomes several housing measures announced in the 2026 Federal Budget that aim to increase housing supply, improve access to construction financing, and reduce barriers to building new homes across Canada.
The Budget reflects progress on housing priorities advanced by REALTORS® through ongoing advocacy, including at the Canadian Real Estate Association’s (CREA) 2026 Political Action Committee (PAC) Days in Ottawa. OREB welcomes the federal government’s commitment to improving mortgage financing options for missing-middle housing, including triplexes, fourplexes, and smaller multi-unit residential buildings.
Beginning February 1, 2027, eligible newly constructed three- and four-unit properties will be able to access insured financing of up to 90% of their value, without a maximum property-value cap or owner-occupancy requirement. Private mortgage insurers will also be permitted to offer insurance for residential properties containing between five and fifty units.
These changes complement the City of Ottawa’s work to permit more homes as of right through zoning by-law reform. Aan approach OREB has strongly supported. By addressing financing barriers alongside more flexible zoning, the federal reforms could help turn development opportunities in established neighbourhoods into homes for families, renters, and prospective homebuyers.
The reforms advance important elements of CREA and OREB’s advocacy to remove barriers to missing-middle housing. Further action is needed to expand financing opportunities for attainable, ownership-oriented homes.
The Budget also proposes $100 million over three years to help municipalities adopt electronic permitting and artificial intelligence to accelerate development approvals, alongside $300 million over three years to support modern construction methods.
These measures reflect longstanding OREB priorities to reduce regulatory delays, improve construction productivity, and lower the cost of delivering new homes.
For communities throughout Ottawa Region, faster approvals and more efficient construction methods can help unlock additional housing opportunities and support more attainable housing options.
OREB looks forward to continuing its work at all levels of government to advance practical solutions that increase housing supply, improve affordability, and create more opportunities for Canadians to achieve homeownership.
Media Contact:
Melanie Coulson, Director of Strategic Communications & Engagement, P: 613-225-2240 ext. 247, E: melanie@oreb.ca
