OTTAWA REAL ESTATE MARKET — APRIL 2026
The spring market is gradually picking up momentum. After a slower winter, buyers are starting to return, while the number of new listings has increased significantly. This is creating a more balanced market environment: buyers now have more choice, and sellers need more than simply “listing a home” — pricing strategy and proper positioning have become extremely important.
KEY NUMBERS — APRIL 2026
Homes Sold in April:
1,336
Change in Sales Compared to Last Year:
-1.9%
Sales Compared to March:
up from 1,075 to 1,336
New Listings:
3,258
Increase in New Listings:
+19.3%
Active Listings on the Market:
4,535
Increase in Active Listings:
+17.2%
Average Home Price:
$712,184
Average Price Increase Year over Year:
+0.8%
Median Price:
$650,000
Sales-to-New-Listings Ratio:
41%
Average Days on Market:
21 days
Months of Inventory by Segment:
Single Family — 3.1 months
Townhomes — 3.0 months
Condos/Apartments — 4.9 months
Total Homes Sold Year-to-Date:
3,839
Year-to-Date Sales Increase:
+4.4%
New Listings Year-to-Date:
8,933
Year-to-Date Increase in New Listings:
+8.5%
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WHAT THIS MEANS FOR SELLERS
The market is no longer as “hot” as it used to be.
Buyers have become more cautious and now have more options.
This means:
Correct pricing is now critical
Overpriced homes will sit on the market
Preparation, staging, and marketing matter more than ever
Well-presented homes are still selling steadily
But simply “listing the home” is no longer enough
This is especially true in the condo segment, where competition is higher and sales are moving more slowly.
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WHAT THIS MEANS FOR BUYERS
This is a much more comfortable market for buyers compared to one or two years ago.
Buyers now have:
More inventory and more choice
Less pressure
More time to think before making decisions
More negotiating power
Fewer bidding wars
However, well-priced homes in desirable suburban areas of Ottawa are still selling quickly.
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WHAT THIS MEANS FOR INVESTORS
The market is becoming more “mathematical” and less emotional.
For investors, this means:
More room for negotiation
Better opportunities to analyze cash flow carefully
The condo segment may offer stronger entry opportunities right now
But location and rental demand must be analyzed very carefully
In today’s market, successful investing is driven by numbers — not emotions.
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WHAT THIS MEANS FOR RENTERS
Higher inventory levels are gradually reducing pressure on the rental market.
This may mean:
More rental options
Less panic and urgency when searching for housing
Some landlords may become more flexible
At the same time, Ottawa continues to remain a relatively stable market with solid rental demand.
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MY TAKE AS A REALTOR®
Ottawa’s market is starting to look much healthier and more balanced.
We are gradually moving away from the chaos and overheating of previous years and returning to a market where strategy, preparation, and strong negotiation skills create the best results.
And in markets like this, experience and a deep understanding of the numbers become especially important. 
Alvina Usher, Realtor®
Ottawa Real Estate Expert