Ottawa’s housing market remains in balanced territory in spring 2026. After the rapid price gains of 2020–2022 and the correction that followed, the market is stabilizing with average prices edging higher year-over-year even as benchmark prices continue to soften. Inventory has risen but at a slower pace than earlier months, and buyers still have more choice than at any point in the last five years.
This page has been updated with data released April 16, 2026 for the March 2026 period.
Quick summary — Ottawa housing market, March 2026:
- Average home price in Ottawa: $692,584 (0.9% year-over-year increase)
- Benchmark home price: $617,700 (2.1% year-over-year decrease)
- Total sales: 1,075 (4.7% year-over-year decrease)
- New listings: 2,452 (7.5% year-over-year increase)
- Active listings: 3,578 (10.3% year-over-year increase)
- Months of supply: 3.3 (balanced market)
- Lowest mortgage rate in Ottawa
Home prices by property type in Ottawa
These are the MLS HPI benchmark prices by property type in Ottawa, updated with housing market data released April 16, 2026 for the March 2026 period. The overall figure is the average sale price.
| Home Type | Price | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| All Home Types (average) | $692,584 | +0.9% |
| Single-Family (benchmark) | $698,400 | -2.3% |
| Townhouse (benchmark) | $554,700 | -3.2% |
| Apartment (benchmark) | $384,700 | -4.4% |
Ottawa market metrics
Key market indicators for Ottawa as of March 2026:
| Metric | Value | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| Total Sales | 1,075 | -4.7% |
| New Listings | 2,452 | +7.5% |
| Active Listings | 3,578 | +10.3% |
| Months of Supply | 3.3 | +0.4 months |
| Sales-to-New-Listings Ratio | 43.8% | -5 pp |
| MLS HPI Composite Benchmark | $617,700 | -2.1% |
| Dollar Volume | $744.5M | -3.8% |
With the sales-to-new-listings ratio at 43.8% and 3.3 months of inventory, the Ottawa market sits in balanced territory. Inventory growth has moderated compared to earlier in 2026, and buyers still have more choice and negotiating power than in previous years.
How much income would it take to afford a home in Ottawa?
The income it would take to purchase a home in Ottawa varies based on the home type. This table shows how much household income it would take to afford a home based on March 2026 prices.
| Home Type | Price | Mortgage | Income Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Home Types (average) | $692,584 | $554,067 | $152,325 |
| Single-Family (benchmark) | $698,400 | $558,720 | $153,450 |
| Townhouse (benchmark) | $554,700 | $443,760 | $125,775 |
| Apartment (benchmark) | $384,700 | $307,760 | $93,038 |
To purchase the typical single-family home in Ottawa (benchmark $698,400), a household would need an income of roughly $153,450 — considerably lower than the $271,717 required for a detached home in Toronto. See how this compares to the average household income in Ottawa. Ottawa’s apartment market is one of the more accessible entry points in a major Canadian city.
The income to afford calculation uses the following inputs:
- Down payment of 20% to avoid mortgage default insurance
- Mortgage rate of 4.04%
- Amortization period of 25 years
- Gross debt service (GDS) ratio of 32%
- Property tax of $354 per month
- Heating costs of $150 per month
Key trends in the Ottawa housing market
Government employment stability
As Canada’s capital, Ottawa’s housing market benefits from the stabilizing presence of the federal government, which is the city’s largest employer. This provides a more predictable demand floor compared to cities like Calgary (energy-dependent) or Toronto (financial services-driven). However, the shift to hybrid work models across the federal government has influenced where public servants choose to live, with some opting for more affordable areas in the Gatineau (Quebec) side of the National Capital Region.
Tech sector growth — Silicon Valley North
Ottawa has earned the nickname “Silicon Valley North” thanks to its thriving technology sector. Major employers include Shopify, BlackBerry QNX, Nokia, Ciena, and numerous smaller startups. The Kanata North Technology Park is one of the largest tech clusters in North America. Tech sector employment influences the higher-end segments of the housing market and has contributed to demand in suburban west-end communities.
Market correction and stabilization
After experiencing significant price gains through 2020–2022, Ottawa’s market has undergone a correction and is now stabilizing. Average prices edged up 0.9% year-over-year in March, though benchmark prices remain about 2% below year-ago levels. Unlike more volatile markets in the Greater Golden Horseshoe, Ottawa’s correction has been relatively orderly, supported by the city’s diversified economy and stable demand base.
Notable areas in Ottawa
Ottawa encompasses a diverse range of neighbourhoods, each with distinct characteristics and price levels:
- The Glebe and Old Ottawa South — Desirable central neighbourhoods with tree-lined streets, walkable amenities, and proximity to the Rideau Canal. Single-family homes typically range from $800,000 to $1.5 million.
- Westboro and Hintonburg — Trendy west-end neighbourhoods popular with young professionals. A mix of renovated heritage homes and newer infill developments. Prices range from $600,000 to $1.2 million.
- Kanata — A large suburban community in the west end, home to much of Ottawa’s tech sector workforce. Offers newer homes at moderate prices, generally $550,000–$850,000 for detached homes.
- Barrhaven — A family-oriented suburb in the south end with newer housing stock and excellent schools. Detached homes range from $500,000 to $750,000.
- Orleans — The main suburban community on the east side, offering a mix of established and newer neighbourhoods. Price-competitive with many homes in the $500,000–$700,000 range.
- Centretown and Downtown — Ottawa’s urban core with a concentration of condos and apartments. Condo prices range from $250,000 to $500,000, offering the most accessible entry point for buyers.
- Gatineau (Quebec side) — While across the provincial border, many Ottawa workers live in Gatineau where home prices are 20–30% lower. Quebec tax implications apply.
Affordability comparison: Ottawa vs. other major cities
Ottawa offers a compelling middle ground between affordability and big-city amenities:
| City | Average Home Price | Income Required |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto (GTA) | $1,017,796 | $214,919 |
| Vancouver (GVA) | $1,165,300 | $286,589 |
| Ottawa | $692,584 | $152,325 |
| Calgary | $584,387 | $155,300 |
| Edmonton | $470,819 | $129,500 |
Ottawa’s home prices are roughly 30–40% below Toronto and Vancouver levels, while still offering federal government jobs, a strong tech sector, excellent healthcare and educational institutions, and quality of life consistently ranked among the highest in Canada.
Ontario land transfer tax in Ottawa
Unlike Toronto, Ottawa buyers pay only the Ontario provincial land transfer tax — there is no additional municipal land transfer tax. This is a significant saving compared to Toronto, where buyers pay both.
Ontario Provincial Land Transfer Tax:
| Purchase Price Bracket | Rate |
|---|---|
| First $55,000 | 0.5% |
| $55,001 to $250,000 | 1.0% |
| $250,001 to $400,000 | 1.5% |
| $400,001 to $2,000,000 | 2.0% |
| Over $2,000,000 | 2.5% |
On an Ottawa home purchased at the average price of $692,584, the total land transfer tax would be approximately $9,652 — roughly half what a Toronto buyer would pay at the same price point when the municipal LTT is included. First-time home buyers in Ontario receive a rebate of up to $4,000 on the provincial LTT.
Use our land transfer tax calculator to estimate the exact amount you would owe.
Related Ottawa housing calculators
If you are buying a home in the Ottawa area, these calculators can help you plan:
- Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments on an Ottawa home
- Mortgage Affordability Calculator — How much home can you afford?
- Income to Afford Home Calculator — Salary needed at Ottawa price points
- Mortgage Insurance Calculator — Calculate CMHC premiums for down payments under 20%
- Land Transfer Tax Calculator — Calculate Ontario LTT
- Closing Costs Calculator — Budget for all costs beyond the purchase price
- Mortgage Stress Test Calculator — Qualify under the stress test
- Mortgage Rates — Compare current Ottawa mortgage rates
More housing market reports
- Ontario Housing Market — Provincial overview including all Ontario regions
- Toronto Housing Market — Ontario’s largest housing market
- Hamilton Housing Market — Affordable option in the Golden Horseshoe
- Waterloo Region Housing Market — Tech hub in southwestern Ontario
- Montreal Housing Market — Neighbouring Quebec market across the border
- Canada Housing Market Overview — National trends, prices, and provincial comparisons
- First-Time Home Buyer Guide — Programs, incentives, and step-by-step buying process
Data Sources
The housing market data in this report is sourced from: