Ottawa Housing Market Outlook 2026
Ottawa Holds Steady in December as Stability Defines the Path Into 2026
Ottawa saw its housing market close December with a familiar seasonal slowdown, as home sales eased and activity remained muted following a cautious fall. Inventory declined through the holidays but remained elevated relative to typical December levels, giving buyers more choice without triggering meaningful price weakness, while prices remained broadly stable. Across the river, Gatineau also saw a late-year cooling in activity. Still, resilient pricing there reinforced the broader theme of balance across the National Capital Region rather than outright weakness.
Heading into 2026, expectations point to a market defined by modest fluctuations rather than sharp moves, with fundamentals continuing to anchor conditions. Detached homes in Ottawa are likely to remain the most stable segment as condo pricing continues to adjust. Across the river in Gatineau, gradual inventory growth is expected to offer buyers more options without materially undermining prices, keeping the region on a slow, steady path rather than a sharp rebound or correction.
Ottawa Housing Market Highlights
- The average selling price of a home in Ottawa increased by 0.4% year-over-year to $615,500 in December.
- The average selling price of a single-family home in Ottawa increased by 1.1% year-over-year to $697,700 in December.
- The average selling price of a townhouse/multiplex in Ottawa decreased by 3.7% year-over-year to $548,200 in December.
- The average selling price of a condo in Ottawa decreased by 2.2% year-over-year to $386,800 in December.
- The average rent in Ottawa is now $2,173 for December.
- January 20, 2026: Today’s lowest mortgage rate in Ottawa is
for a 5-year fixed.
Data from the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) indicates that the average price of resale residential homes sold across Ottawa in December was $615,500, and itincreased of 0.4% compared to a year ago.
OREB also reported a sales-to-new-listings ratio (SNLR) of 91%, indicating Sellers market conditions in Ottawa for December.
Composite Home Prices
The average selling price of a home in Ottawa was $615,500 for the month of December, that’s decreased by 0.8% month over month. On a year-over-year basis, Ottawa home prices have increased 0.4% year-over-year.
Single-family Home Prices
The average selling price of a single-family home in Ottawa was $697,700 for the month of December, that’s decreased by 0.6% month over month. On a year-over-year basis, single-family home prices in Ottawa have increased by 1.1% year-over-year.
Townhouse and Multiplex Prices
The average selling price of a townhouse in Ottawa was $548,200 for the month of December, that’s decreased by 0.6% month over month. On a year-over-year basis, the price of a townhouse in Ottawa has decreased by 3.7% year-over-year.
Condo Prices
The average selling price of a condo in Ottawa was $386,800 for the month of December, that’s decreased by 2.6% month over month. On a year-over-year basis, the price of a condo in Ottawa has decreased 2.2% year-over-year.
Transactions – Number of Sales
The number of sales in Ottawa was 587 during December, that’s decreased by 33.3% month over month. On a year-over-year basis, sales in Ottawa have decreased by 4.2% year-over-year.
New Listings
The number of new listings in Ottawa was 644 during December, that’s decreased by 55.8% month over month. On a year-over-year basis, new listings in Ottawa have increased by 6.8% year-over-year.
Real Estate Market
The sales to new listings ratio (SNLR) in Ottawa was 91% during December, indicating a Sellers. On a monthly basis, that’s increased by 51% month over month. Ottawa’s yearly sales to new listings ratio has decreased by 10.3% year-over-year.
The sales-to-new-listings ratio (SNLR) measures the number of home sales compared to new listings. An SNLR below 40% suggests a buyer’s market, where buyers have the upper hand and greater negotiating power. An SNLR between 40% and 60% is a balanced market, while an SNLR of over 60% is considered a seller’s market.
Annual Changes to Composite Home Prices in Ottawa
Ottawa Market Rents Snapshot
The average rent in Ottawa was $2,173 for the month of December.
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Ottawa was $1,947 for the month of December, which decreased by 3.2% on a year-over-year basis.
The average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Ottawa was $2,455 for the month of December, which decreased by 1.2% on a year-over-year basis.
Rental Price Changes by City
Rental Price Changes by Province
Rental Price Growth by Housing Type
How Does Renting Compare with Homeownership in Ottawa?
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Frequently Asked Questions on Ottawa Housing Market Outlook for 2026
Will Ottawa home prices increase in 2026?
Home prices in Ottawa are expected to rise moderately in 2026, driven by strong demand and limited housing supply. As the capital city, Ottawa remains a desirable location for families and professionals, which will sustain price growth.
Is Ottawa a good market for homebuyers in 2026?
Housing in Ottawa offers stability and strong long-term investment potential. Its relatively affordable pricing compared to Toronto, combined with high demand for family homes, makes it an appealing choice for buyers.
How will mortgage rates affect Ottawa’s housing market in 2026?
Declining mortgage rates will encourage more buyers to enter Ottawa’s housing market, increasing competition, particularly for single-family homes and townhouses.
What will drive housing trends in Ottawa in 2026?
Key drivers include strong public-sector employment growth, limited inventory, and demand for suburban and multifamily housing options.
Will Ottawa’s housing prices remain competitive with other cities in 2026?
Ottawa’s home prices remain more affordable than those of Toronto and Vancouver, offering buyers better value while still being competitive in the national market.
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