Ottawa Real Estate Market Update: August 2025

The Ottawa real estate market is showing interesting trends as we move through 2025. Whether you’re a buyer, a seller, or just keeping an eye on the local market, August’s numbers offer valuable insights and opportunities. Let’s break down the latest stats and what they mean for you.

Inventory and Active Listings

In August 2025, Ottawa’s active listings climbed to 3,971 homes, about 37% higher than the 5-year average for this month. While more listings might make some worry about oversupply, Ottawa follows predictable seasonal patterns. Late summer often brings more homes to the market as sellers prepare for the busy fall season.

The takeaway? Supply is up, but demand is keeping pace. With a sales-to-new-listing ratio of 58.3% and 3.2 months of inventory, Ottawa remains in a balanced market.

Sales Activity

August saw 1,236 homes sold across the Ottawa Real Estate Board region. While this is slightly down from June and July, sales are actually up 12.1% compared to last August, showing that momentum remains strong.

Year-to-date, Ottawa has seen 9,936 homes sold, which is 4.1% higher than this time last year. Even with seasonal dips, the market continues to show resilience.

Prices and Home Price Index

The average sale price in August was $686,536, up 3.6% year-over-year. Year-to-date, the average price is $700,828, a 3% increase from last year. Total sales volume for August reached around $850 million, highlighting the significant role of real estate in Ottawa’s economy.

The MLS Home Price Index benchmark for Ottawa sits at $633,000, reflecting a modest 1.5% increase year-over-year. Breaking it down by property type:

• Single-family homes: Just over $700,000, up 1.5%

• Townhouses: Up 8.3% to around $466,000

• Condos: Slightly down 1.1% at $412,300

This data indicates strong demand for townhouses, steady prices for detached homes, and a softer condo market, particularly downtown.

Single-Family Homes

August saw 641 single-family homes sold, an 11.5% increase compared to last year. Despite the typical summer slowdown, buyer interest remains strong, carrying momentum into the fall market.

The average price for a single-family home in August was $839,282, up 4% from last year, demonstrating that demand is sufficient to support modest price growth.

New Listings and Market Balance

There were 1,086 new listings in August, up 5% from last year, providing buyers with more choices. The total number of active listings reached 1,977, a 2.3% increase year-over-year.

With 3.1 months of inventory, Ottawa remains in a balanced market—neither favoring buyers nor sellers. For buyers, this means more negotiating power; for sellers, strategy is key to selling quickly and effectively.

What This Means for Buyers

If you’re buying in Ottawa right now, inventory is up, and sellers are motivated. You have more homes to choose from, can negotiate terms, and avoid the extreme bidding wars seen in previous years. While interest rates are still a consideration, the current market gives buyers a strategic advantage.

What This Means for Sellers

Sellers should focus on strategy. Pricing your home correctly, preparing it for the market, and leveraging professional marketing will make a big difference. Townhouse sellers are in a particularly strong position, detached homes remain steady, and condo sellers may need flexibility. Overall, a balanced market means smart planning wins the sale.

Ottawa in the Broader Context

Ottawa’s housing market is performing well compared to other Ontario cities. The stable employment base—federal government, tech, and education—helps support consistent demand. While broader economic forces like interest rates and trade policies can influence the market, Ottawa’s fundamentals remain strong.

Summary: Ottawa Housing Market August 2025

• Inventory is higher, but demand is keeping pace.

• Sales are up 12% compared to last year.

• Average prices are holding steady with modest growth.

• Townhouses lead gains, detached homes are stable, condos dip slightly.

• Buyers have leverage; sellers must focus on strategy.

Overall, Ottawa remains in a healthy, balanced real estate market as we head into fall. Whether buying, selling, or watching, this is a market that rewards informed decisions and strategic moves.