If you've been following Ottawa real estate this year, you've probably heard the same thing over and over:
"The market is slow."
While that's partially true, it doesn't tell the full story.
The reality is that Ottawa's housing market appears to be gaining momentum as we move into summer. Sales activity has increased from the winter months, inventory is being absorbed more effectively, and buyer confidence appears to be improving compared to the start of the year.
We're not returning to the frenzy of 2021, but we're also not seeing a market in decline.
The latest data suggests Ottawa is entering the summer market on much stronger footing than many expected.
Sales Are Increasing Month Over Month
One of the most encouraging signs is the increase in sales activity.
According to the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB), 1,616 homes sold in May 2026, compared to 1,336 sales in April. That's a substantial month-over-month increase as buyers returned to the market during the spring season.
While sales remain below May 2025 levels, the important trend is that activity is moving in the right direction.
This is exactly what many Realtors have been seeing on the ground:
More showings
More conditional offers
More buyers attending open houses
Increased activity in suburban markets
The market isn't booming—but it's definitely busier than it was earlier this year.
Inventory Is High, But Buyers Are Absorbing It
One of the biggest stories of 2026 has been inventory.
Ottawa currently has significantly more homes available than it did during the pandemic years. Active listings reached 4,917 properties in May, up more than 12% year-over-year.
Normally, that level of inventory would create downward pressure on prices.
However, buyers have been steadily absorbing that supply.
The sales-to-new-listings ratio improved from 41% in April to 48.2% in May, indicating that demand is beginning to keep pace with incoming inventory.
In simple terms:
More homes are hitting the market, but more buyers are stepping up as well.
Prices Have Remained Surprisingly Stable
Many buyers expected significant price declines in 2026.
That hasn't happened.
The average Ottawa home sold for approximately $721,000 in May, only slightly below last year's levels. The median price was $660,000. Overall pricing remains remarkably stable considering the amount of inventory available.
What's particularly interesting is that detached homes continue to perform well.
Single-family homes saw essentially flat pricing year-over-year, with median prices actually increasing slightly.
This suggests that family-oriented housing remains in strong demand.
Detached Homes Continue to Lead the Market
Not all property types are behaving the same way.
Detached Homes
Detached homes remain Ottawa's strongest segment.
Well-priced homes in desirable neighbourhoods continue to attract significant interest.
Areas such as:
Barrhaven
Kanata
Stittsville
Riverside South
Findlay Creek
Orléans
continue to see healthy demand from families and move-up buyers.
Townhomes
Townhomes remain one of the most important segments for first-time buyers.
While prices have softened slightly, demand remains relatively healthy due to affordability compared to detached homes.
Condos
Condominiums remain the softest segment of Ottawa's market.
Apartment benchmark prices are down compared to last year and inventory remains elevated. Higher carrying costs and reduced investor demand have created more opportunities for buyers.
Interest Rate Stability Is Helping
Another major factor behind the improving market is interest rate stability.
Earlier this year, uncertainty surrounding inflation and potential rate changes caused many buyers to remain on the sidelines.
As those fears eased, buyer confidence gradually returned. OREB noted that concerns about future rate increases have moderated, helping stabilize market activity.
Many buyers who delayed their search during the winter have now resumed looking for homes.
The Summer Market Could Be Stronger Than Expected
Historically, Ottawa's market tends to slow after spring.
This year could be different.
Several factors are supporting summer demand:
More Inventory
Buyers finally have options again.
Pent-Up Demand
Many buyers have been waiting for better conditions.
Stable Pricing
Prices have largely stopped falling.
Improved Consumer Confidence
Buyers are becoming more comfortable making long-term decisions.
As long as inventory continues to be absorbed at current rates, the summer market could remain surprisingly active.
What We're Seeing on the Ground
The statistics tell one story.
The day-to-day market tells another.
Compared to January and February, we're seeing:
✅ More multiple-offer situations on desirable properties
✅ Increased attendance at open houses
✅ More serious buyers entering the market
✅ Faster decision-making on well-priced homes
✅ Strong activity in family-oriented neighbourhoods
The difference is that buyers are still selective.
Homes that are overpriced continue to sit.
Homes that are properly priced continue to move.
This Isn't 2021 — And That's a Good Thing
Many people still compare today's market to the pandemic market.
That's a mistake.
The conditions we saw in 2021 were not normal.
Today's market looks much more like a traditional Ottawa market:
Buyers have choices
Financing conditions are common
Home inspections are back
Negotiation is normal
Pricing matters
For many buyers and sellers, that's actually healthier.
What Buyers Should Watch This Summer
If you're planning to buy this summer:
Get pre-approved early
Monitor new listings closely
Don't assume every seller is desperate
Be prepared to act on good properties
The best homes are still attracting strong interest.
What Sellers Should Watch This Summer
If you're planning to sell:
Price accurately from day one
Invest in professional marketing
Understand your competition
Be realistic about timing
Inventory levels mean buyers have alternatives.
The days of testing the market with an inflated price are largely over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ottawa market picking up?
Yes. Sales activity increased significantly from April to May, suggesting growing buyer activity heading into summer.
Are home prices increasing?
Prices have remained relatively stable overall, with detached homes performing particularly well.
Is Ottawa currently a buyer's market?
Ottawa is best described as a balanced market, although conditions vary by neighbourhood and property type.
Which property type is strongest right now?
Single-family detached homes remain the most resilient segment.
Are condos still struggling?
Compared to detached homes and townhouses, condos continue to face the most pricing pressure.
Will the summer market be busy?
Current trends suggest activity could remain stronger than many expected, particularly if buyer confidence continues improving.
Final Thoughts
Despite headlines suggesting a slow market, Ottawa's housing market is showing several encouraging signs as summer begins.
Sales are increasing, inventory is being absorbed more effectively, prices have stabilized, and buyer confidence appears to be returning.
The market isn't experiencing explosive growth, but it also isn't weakening.
Instead, Ottawa appears to be moving toward a healthier, more balanced environment where both buyers and sellers can succeed with the right strategy.
For anyone planning to buy or sell this summer, the data suggests one thing clearly: the market is becoming more active, and opportunities still exist on both sides of the transaction.
