What Buyers and Sellers Should Know
Spring has always felt like a season of possibility — longer days, a bit more warmth in the air, and a collective breath of fresh perspective. In Ottawa’s housing market, that same sense of forward motion is quietly building.
According to the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB), April 2025 saw 1,306 homes sold on the MLS® system. That’s an 18.4% jump from March — a sign that, after a long stretch of uncertainty, people are starting to move again. While sales are still down compared to this time last year (by 11.2%), there’s a growing sense that momentum is shifting in the right direction.
“We saw a healthy month-over-month increase—an encouraging sign of growing momentum as we move through the spring market,” said OREB President Paul Czan.
So what’s driving the change?
It’s not a market rushing ahead — it’s one regaining its footing. With the recent federal election behind us, buyers are coming back into the fold, but they’re doing so with care. Offers include more conditions. Decisions take a little longer. People want to be sure — and who can blame them?
This cautious confidence is helping shape a market that feels more balanced. Active listings are up 54% from last year, giving buyers more breathing room and sellers a clearer view of how to prepare. Homes that are thoughtfully priced and show well? They’re still getting snapped up, sometimes with multiple offers. But sellers are having to be more strategic — and more patient.
A Look at Prices
The market isn’t skyrocketing — but it is showing signs of steady strength. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- The benchmark price for a single-family home: $703,200 (+1.0% YoY)
- Townhomes/row units: $440,000 (+4.4%)
- Apartments: $404,000 (-2.8%)
- Overall benchmark (all home types): $631,200 (+1.1%)
- Average sale price across all properties: $707,180 (+0.4%)
It’s worth noting: while average prices can paint part of the picture, they don’t always reflect what’s happening on your street or in your neighbourhood. But what we’re seeing overall is a market that’s gently leaning forward — not surging, but moving with intention.
Inventory Grows, Opportunities Follow
One of the most notable trends is just how many homes are available right now. Active listings are 86.9% higher than the five-year average for April. New listings were slightly down compared to last year, but still above the long-term average — meaning there’s more choice for buyers and less pressure on any one property.
Currently, we’re sitting at 3.7 months of inventory — a big increase from 2.2 months last April. In plain terms: the market is starting to catch its breath.
So What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re thinking about buying: there’s a window of opportunity here. With more listings and a slower pace, you can take time to find the right fit — without the same pressure we saw in frenzied markets past.
If you’re thinking about selling: preparation is everything. A well-priced, beautifully presented home is still in demand. Staging, storytelling, and smart marketing are key to standing out.
And for all of us watching the market: the big question will be how the federal government’s new housing commitments play out in the months ahead. Promises around supply, affordability, and first-time buyer support could bring even more clarity to a market that’s been craving direction.
At Goodstory, we believe real estate isn’t just about stats — it’s about people, timing, and the stories that unfold when the right home finds the right owner. We’re here to help you navigate it all with confidence, care, and creativity.
Want to talk strategy or learn what this means for your next step? Let’s connect.
