Are Homes Selling in Ottawa?

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If you’ve been keeping an eye on Ottawa’s real estate market, you’ve probably noticed that some homes are selling relatively quickly, while others seem to stay on the market much longer than expected.

It’s enough to leave homeowners wondering: Are homes actually selling in Ottawa right now?

The short answer is yes. Buyers are still active, and homes are changing hands across the city. But with more properties available and buyers taking a more measured approach, selling today looks a little different than it did just a few years ago.

So, what’s happening in Ottawa’s real estate market, and what should you know if you’re considering a move?

What’s Happening in Ottawa’s Real Estate Market Right Now?

According to the Ottawa Real Estate Board’s September 2026 market report, 1,010 homes sold in September, down 6.6% from the same month last year.

While home sales typically decline from August to September, Ottawa saw a slight increase this year. However, that modest uptick doesn’t necessarily indicate a broader market recovery.

By the end of September, active listings had reached 4,813, an increase of 7.9% compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, the average residential sale price was $685,640, approximately 1% lower than September 2025.

Together, these figures suggest a market that’s still moving, but where the experience of selling a home has become more nuanced.

What Does More Inventory Mean for Ottawa Home Sellers?

More homes on the market doesn’t mean buyers have disappeared. It means they have more options to consider, and that can change how they approach their search.

In September, Ottawa’s sales-to-new-listings ratio fell to 34.5%, meaning roughly one home sold for every three newly listed.

Today, someone searching for a home in Barrhaven or Stittsville might have several comparable properties to explore before deciding which ones are worth a closer look. They may take more time reviewing listings, arrange additional showings or negotiate more carefully when making an offer.

For sellers, this makes it important to consider how their home compares with what’s already available. A property doesn’t need to be perfect to attract interest, but buyers should be able to recognize its value alongside other options in their price range.

Of course, the amount of competition varies depending on where you’re selling.

Have more questions about selling your home? Check out these other blogs from our team!

Does the Ottawa Neighbourhood You Live In Affect How Quickly Your Home Sells?

Ottawa isn’t one uniform real estate market, and conditions can look quite different from one neighbourhood to the next.

According to OREB, Ottawa’s suburban areas accounted for nearly three-quarters of residential sales in September 2026, continuing to drive much of the city’s activity. Meanwhile, downtown and rural markets experienced greater differences between the number of properties being listed and the number selling.

The type of home also makes a difference. Single-family homes and townhouses continued to see sales activity, despite modest year-over-year declines. Apartments experienced a more pronounced slowdown, with sales falling 24.8% compared to September 2025.

Of course, that doesn’t mean every suburban home will sell quickly or that a downtown condo can’t attract a motivated buyer.

A detached home in Manotick, a townhome in Riverside South and a condo in Centretown appeal to different buyers, each with their own priorities and expectations. Even two similar properties in the same neighbourhood can have very different experiences depending on their condition, features and asking price.

That’s why understanding your immediate competition is often more useful than focusing on Ottawa’s overall sales activity.

Why Are Some Ottawa Homes Selling While Others Take Longer?

When buyers have more properties to choose from, the way a home is positioned in the market becomes particularly important.

Pricing is a big part of that conversation. While a neighbour’s sale from six months ago might offer a useful reference point, it doesn’t necessarily reflect what buyers are willing to pay today. Recent comparable sales, current listings and the unique features of your property all help determine a realistic asking price.

Presentation matters, too. Buyers often form their first impressions online, long before stepping through the front door. Professional photography, thoughtful staging and a well-maintained property can help them appreciate what a home has to offer.

That doesn’t mean every seller needs to undertake major renovations. Sometimes, it’s the smaller details that help a home feel inviting and well cared for.

And if several similar homes are listed nearby, buyers may naturally compare everything from layout and finishes to lot size, location and overall value.

A successful selling strategy considers all of these factors together, rather than relying on any one feature to attract an offer.

How Long Does It Take to Sell a House in Ottawa?

There’s no single timeline that applies to every property, but recent market activity gives us a helpful starting point.

In September 2026, the median time on market in Ottawa was 27 days, compared with 22 days during the same month last year.

Some properties may attract interest within days, while others need more time to connect with the right buyer. If you’re hoping to sell within a particular timeframe, it’s worth having that conversation before your home goes on the market.

It’s also important to remember that selling quickly isn’t always the only measure of success. The sale price, conditions and closing date all contribute to whether an offer works for your circumstances.

Should You Sell Your Ottawa Home Now or Wait?

With more homes available and market conditions continuing to evolve, it’s natural to wonder whether now is the right time to sell.

The answer depends as much on your personal plans as it does on the market itself.

Perhaps you’re ready to downsize, need more space for a growing family or are considering a move to a different neighbourhood. If your current home no longer suits your needs, waiting for the market to change may not necessarily be the best approach.

It’s also worth considering what happens after you sell. If you’re planning to purchase another property in Ottawa, having more homes to choose from could work in your favour. You may find yourself with greater flexibility when searching for your next home, even if selling your current one requires a little more patience.

Rather than trying to predict the perfect market, it can be more useful to understand what your home is worth today and how a move fits into your plans.

Need more tips for selling a home? Check out these other blog posts next!

Thinking About Selling Your Ottawa Home?

Ottawa homes are still selling, but today’s market calls for preparation, realistic expectations and an understanding of local conditions.

Whether you’re ready to list or simply curious about what your home could sell for, having the right information can make the decision feel much easier.

At The Wright Team, we’re here to help you understand your home’s current market value, explore what’s happening in your neighbourhood and develop a selling strategy that feels right for your next move.

Ready to start your home selling journey? We’d be honoured to help. Call 613-692-0606 to get in touch, or reach us by email at info@ottawahomes.ca.