Ottawa’s housing market remained balanced in May, with activity improving from April but continuing to trail last year’s spring pace. A total of 1,616 homes sold in May, up from 1,336 in April, reflecting the typical lift as the spring market progressed. However, sales were down 10.6% compared to May 2025. These slower sales are becoming a theme thus far in 2026, even as the market remains active.
The sales-to-new-listings ratio rose to 48.2%, while months of inventory eased to 3.0, indicating, demand kept better pace with new supply than it did in April. Active listings remained elevated at 4,917, keeping pressure on sellers to price strategically.
Average prices across market segments were mixed, though overall pricing remained relatively stable. Single family home pricing was flat year over year, while average prices for townhomes and apartments saw modest declines. Overall pricing was less than one percentage point below last year's level, indicating continued market stability. The average residential sale price was $721,270 in May, up from $712,184 in April, and relative flat at 0.9% below May 2025. The median sale price followed a similar pattern, rising to $660,000 from $650,000 in April while remaining 1.6% lower than last May.
“The Ottawa market is not moving in one
direction across all property types,” says
OREB President, Tami Eades. “May
brought the seasonal increase in activity
we typically expect to see in Ottawa’s
housing market, but sales continue to
trail at last year’s pace. While economic
uncertainty continues to influence
consumer confidence, the key question
moving into the summer market will be
whether demand continues to keep pace
with supply. The market remains active, but
inventory levels, employment trends, and
buyer confidence will all play an important
role in shaping the months ahead.”
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Properties Sold
Decrease in Homes Sold From May 2025
Average residential price
Benchmark price (condos)
Rarely available 3-bedroom condo in Northwest One, over 1,200 sq ft, in a lifestyle building with a genuine community feel and amenities people actually use.
Tucked into one of the quieter pockets of Bridlewood, this end-unit townhome sits on a street that sees nothing but local traffic, the kind of street that stays quiet on a Tuesday night.
194 McElroy Drive is a semi-detached raised bungalow in Glencairn with 2+1 bedrooms, two bathrooms, and more usable square footage than most buyers expect at this price point.