Ottawa Real Estate Market Update – January 2026

The Ottawa real estate market entered 2026 in a more balanced position, with increased inventory and softer pricing across several property types. While detached homes remain relatively stable, townhomes and apartments are experiencing greater price sensitivity.

Here’s a breakdown of the January 2026 Ottawa housing market.

📊 Ottawa Housing Market Update | January 2026

Ottawa’s residential market has entered 2026 in a more balanced state. Higher inventory levels are giving buyers increased choice, while sellers are adjusting expectations to meet current conditions. Detached homes continue to show greater price stability, while townhomes and apartments are more price-sensitive.

In a segmented market like this, expert real estate advice is more important than ever. Strategy, pricing, and timing matter, and informed decisions can significantly impact outcomes for both buyers and sellers.

If you are considering a move this year, I am happy to share a market-specific perspective.

📊 Ottawa Residential Market – January 2026

• Average Sale Price: $641,436 (↓ 4.5% year-over-year)

• Properties Sold: 610 (↓ 5.6% vs January 2025)

• Median Days on Market: 49 days

• New Listings: 1,522 (↑ 8.8%)

Higher inventory levels are giving buyers more choice, while sellers must be more strategic with pricing and presentation to achieve strong results.

🏡 Single-Family Homes – January 2026

• Average Sale Price: $793,874 (↓ 3.6%)

• Properties Sold: 276 (↓ 13.8%)

• Median Days on Market: 47 days

• New Listings: 663 (↓ 0.5%)

Detached homes in Ottawa continue to demonstrate price stability compared to other segments. While sales volume has slowed, properly priced homes in desirable neighbourhoods are still attracting qualified buyers.

For sellers, pricing accurately from the start is critical in this market.

🏘 Townhouse Market – January 2026

• Average Sale Price: $536,106 (↓ 3.3%)

• Properties Sold: 215 (↑ 6.4%)

• Median Days on Market: 45 days

• New Listings: 487 (↑ 45.8%)

Townhomes are seeing increased listing activity and solid buyer demand. While pricing has adjusted slightly, this segment remains active — particularly among first-time buyers and move-up purchasers.

🏢 Apartment & Condo Market – January 2026

• Average Sale Price: $388,307 (↓ 12.1%)

• Properties Sold: 95 (↓ 15.2%)

• Median Days on Market: 61 days

• New Listings: 312 (↓ 7.7%)

The condo segment is currently the most price-sensitive part of the Ottawa real estate market. With longer days on market and softer pricing, sellers must be particularly strategic with marketing and positioning.

What This Means for Ottawa Sellers in 2026

While the overall Ottawa housing market has shifted toward balance, well-prepared and competitively priced homes are still selling.

Key takeaways:

• Inventory is rising.

• Buyers have more negotiating power.

• Overpriced homes are sitting longer.

• Strategic pricing is essential.

For homeowners considering selling in Ottawa this year, understanding hyper-local conditions (neighbourhood, property type, price range) is more important than ever.

If you're thinking about selling your home in Ottawa, I’m happy to provide a detailed market-specific analysis tailored to your property and neighbourhood.