Resale Market Springs Back in Favour of Sellers

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) sold 1,488 residential properties in April through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System, compared with 1,876 in April 2022, a decrease of 21%. April’s sales included 1,156 in the freehold-property class, down 18% from a year ago, and 332 in the condominium-property category, a decrease of 29% from April 2022. The five-year average for total unit sales in April is 1,739.

“Ottawa’s resale market is on a steady upward trajectory, narrowing the comparison gap to peak pandemic activity in 2022. However, with new listings not keeping pace, the available housing stock is declining, and with less than two months of inventory — we’re back into seller’s market territory,” says Ottawa Real Estate Board President Ken Dekker.

By the Numbers – Average Prices*:

• Average prices have increased by 13.9% in four months since the market low in December 2022.

• The average sale price for a freehold-class property in April was $747,123, a decrease of 10% from 2022. However, it marks a 5% increase over March 2023.

• The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $435,875, decreasing 8% from a year ago, but still a 4% gain over March 2023.

• With year-to-date average sale prices at $718,633 for freeholds and $421,722 for condos, these values represent a 13% decrease over 2022 for freehold-class properties and a 10% decrease for condominium-class properties.

“Upward pressure on sales prices continues with average prices increasing for the fourth month since the market low in December. Additionally, multiple offer situations have returned to certain neighbourhoods and overall days on market are maintaining their downward trend. There continues to be low inventory in certain property classes and new product is coming to the market at a slower rate, which is affecting supply.”

By the Numbers – Inventory & New Listings:

• April’s new listings (2,144) were 25% lower than April 2022 (2,843) and up 3% from March 2023 (2,089). The 5-year average for new listings in April is 2,575.

• Months of Inventory for the freehold-class properties has increased to 1.9 months from 0.9 months in April 2022 but down from 2.3 months in March.

• Months of Inventory for condominium-class properties has increased to 1.9 months from 0.8 months in April 2022, although down from 2.1 months in March.

• Days on market (DOM) for freeholds decreased from 34 to 27 days and 39 to 33 days for condos compared to last month.

“These numbers are static, snapshots in time. REALTORS® can give buyers and sellers a fulsome day-to-day picture of how the market is shifting and heating up this season. They have their fingers on the pulse of each neighbourhood in the city and can help buyers and sellers make localized, strategic, data-informed decisions.”

REALTORS® also help with finding rentals and vetting potential tenants. Since the beginning of the year, OREB Members have assisted clients with renting 2,151 properties compared to 1,786 last year at this time, an increase of 20%.

* OREB cautions that the average sale price can be useful in establishing trends over time but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The calculation of the average sale price is based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Price will vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood.

(SOURCE: OREB)

March Resales: Signs of Spring Surge Sprouting

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) sold 1,194 residential properties in March through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System, compared with 2,003 in March 2022, a decrease of 40%. March’s sales included 893 in the freehold-property class, down 40% from a year ago, and 301 in the condominium-property category, a decrease of 42% from March 2022. March sales transactions increased 40% over February. The five-year average for total unit sales in March is 1,698.

“The recent rise in transactions is a sign of typical spring activity, even if we’re behind the pandemic peaks of 2022. As spring unfolds, so too will a clearer picture of Ottawa’s balanced market state,” says Ottawa Real Estate Board President Ken Dekker.

By the Numbers – Average Prices*:

• The average sale price for a freehold-class property in March was $710,070, a decrease of 17% from 2022. However, it marks a 0.2% increase over February 2023. Average freehold prices have climbed approximately 8% during Q1 2023 over December 2022’s market low.

• The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $418,670, decreasing 13% from a year ago, but still a 2% gain over February 2023.

• With year-to-date average sale prices at $701,837 for freeholds and $414,698 for condos, these values represent a 16% decrease over 2022 for freehold-class properties and an 11% decrease for condominium-class properties.

“As evidenced by the recent climb in freehold prices, Ottawa’s resale market is stabilizing along with the interest rate. Condos remain steady due to their lower price point, there’s more affordability based on the current interest rate structure. Prices are certainly headed in the right direction—if you are looking forward.”

By the Numbers – Inventory & New Listings:

• Months of Inventory for the freehold-class properties has increased to 2.3 months from 0.6 months in March 2022.

• Months of Inventory for condominium-class properties has increased to 2.8 months from 0.6 months in March 2022.

• March’s new listings (2,089) were 21% lower than March 2022 (2,632) and up 53% from February 2023 (1,366). The 5-year average for new listings in March is 2,474.

• Days on market (DOM) for freeholds decreased from 37 to 34 days and 43 to 39 days for condos compared to last month.

“Well-priced and well-prepared homes are selling. REALTORS® have up-to-the-minute statistics to ensure sellers are positioning themselves at the current market value based on recent sales and hyper-local market comparisons. Buyers can benefit from the same data along with their negotiation expertise to guarantee they are receiving the best value for their dollar.”

REALTORS® also help with finding rentals and vetting potential tenants. Since the beginning of the year, OREB Members have assisted clients with renting 1,599 properties compared to 1,291 last year at this time, an increase of 24%.

* OREB cautions that the average sale price can be useful in establishing trends over time but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The calculation of the average sale price is based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Price will vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood.

(SOURCE: OREB)

Resale Market Stabilizes in February with a Glimmer of Hope for Buyers and Sellers Alike!

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) sold 855 residential properties in February through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System, compared with 1,411 in February 2022, a decrease of 39%. February’s sales included 633 in the freehold-property class, down 42% from a year ago, and 222 in the condominium-property category, a decrease of 31% from February 2022. The five-year average for total unit sales in February is 1,157.

“We’re going to see declines in transactions and prices when we compare current figures to last February — the height of the pandemic resale market activity,” says Ottawa Real Estate Board’s President Ken Dekker. “On the other hand, with the Bank of Canada holding interest rates steady, prospective buyers have more budget certainty to work with as we head into the spring market.”

By the Numbers – Average Prices*:

• The average sale price for a freehold-class property in February was $708,968, a decrease of 15% from 2022. However, it marks a 5% increase over January 2023.

• The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $410,927, decreasing 12% from a year ago.

• With year-to-date average sale prices at $695,086 for freeholds and $411,449 for condos, these values represent a 14% decrease over 2022 for freehold-class properties and a 10% decrease for condominium-class properties.

“The average price increase for freeholds over January could be an indicator that buyers have normalized to the current interest rates. And perhaps, it’s a glimmer of more activity to come in the months ahead.”

By the Numbers – Inventory & New Listings:

• Months of Inventory for the freehold-class properties has increased to 2.8 months from 0.7 months in February 2022.

• Months of Inventory for condominium-class properties has increased to 2.5 months from 0.7 months in February 2022.

• February’s new listings (1,366) were 22% lower than February 2022 (1,762) and up 3% from January 2023 (1,323). The 5-year average for new listings in February is 1,632.

• Days on market (DOM) for freeholds decreased from 43 to 37 days and 47 to 43 days for condos compared to last month.

“A decrease in the days on market, paired with fewer new listings entering the market, is good news for sellers,” says Dekker. “However, if that trend continues to impact our supply stock and we don’t get more inventory, our otherwise balanced market could swing back into seller’s territory — but it’s too early to predict.”

“The best advice for sellers and buyers in today’s market is to pay close attention to the comparison and competition insights only a REALTOR® can offer. Ottawa is made up of many micro-markets, and neighbourhood-level data is vital to standing out and closing deals.”

REALTORS® also help with finding rentals and vetting potential tenants. Since the beginning of the year, OREB Members have assisted clients with renting 995 properties compared to 800 last year at this time, an increase of 24%.

* OREB cautions that the average sale price can be useful in establishing trends over time but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The calculation of the average sale price is based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Price will vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood.

(SOURCE: OREB)

Resale Market Starts Slow as Buyers Remain Cautious

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) sold 606 residential properties in January through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System, compared with 933 in January 2022, a decrease of 35%. January’s sales included 460 in the freehold-property class, down 30% from a year ago, and 146 in the condominium-property category, a decrease of 47% from January 2022. The five-year average for total unit sales in January is 819.

“January’s marked slow down in unit sales over 2022 indicates potential home buyers are taking their time,” says OREB President Ken Dekker. “While last month saw the culmination of the succession of interest rate hikes announced by the Bank of Canada, affordability remains a factor. They may be waiting for a shift in listing prices. They’re being cautious in uncertain conditions.”

By the Numbers – Average Prices*:

• The average sale price for a condominium-class property in January was $412,244, a decrease of 8% from 2022.

• The average sale price for a freehold-class property was $676,272, decreasing 12% from a year ago.

“Despite the decrease in average prices, the market should not be considered on a downward slide,” says Dekker. “A hyper COVID-19 seller’s market is now leveling out to our current balanced market state.”

“On a positive note, in comparison to December’s figures, January’s average price of freehold properties increased by 3%. The average price of condos did fall by 5% compared to December but condo pricing tends to fluctuate more due to the small data set.”

By the Numbers – Inventory & New Listings:

• Months of Inventory for the freehold-class properties has increased to 3.8 months from 0.9 months in January 2022.

• Months of Inventory for condominium-class properties has increased to 3.8 months from 0.8 months in January 2022.

• January’s new listings (1,324) were 16% higher than 2022 (1,142) and up 89% from December 2022 (699). The 5-year average for new listings in January is 1,233.

“Ottawa’s inventory and days on market figures are typical for a balanced market and another sign that buyers are no longer racing to put in an offer,” says Dekker. “The increase in new listings and supply is a boon for home buyers, who now have more selection and the ability to put in conditions at a less frantic pace. REALTORS® are an essential resource in finding the right property for the right buyer. On the other side of the transaction, REALTORS® can help sellers with hyper-local insights about how to sell in their neighbourhood at a time when pricing is key.”

More people are turning to REALTORS® for help renting properties — 509 this month compared to 410 in January 2022, an increase of 24%. “Even with the increase in housing stock, the tighter rental market is another indication that affordability is keeping some potential buyers on the sidelines.”

* OREB cautions that the average sale price can be useful in establishing trends over time but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The calculation of the average sale price is based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Price will vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood.

(SOURCE: OREB)

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) sold 601 residential properties in December through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System, compared with 857 in December 2021, a decrease of 30%. December’s sales included 466 in the residential-property class, down 22% from a year ago, and 135 in the condominium-property category, a decrease of 48% from December 2021. The five-year average for total unit sales in December is 775.

Residential and condo resales in 2022 totaled 15,288, compared with 20,289 in 2021, decreasing 25%. Total sales volume in 2022 was approximately $10.5B compared to $13B in 2021.

“Even with the normal seasonal slowdown, December’s performance was in stark contrast to the very active resale market that opened 2022,” says Ken Dekker, OREB’s newly installed 2023 President. “As interest rates and inflation both climbed, buyers retreated to the sidelines and began taking a wait and see approach. However, while it’s quieter than the frantic pace we experienced in 2021, it is now a balanced market.”

By the Numbers – Average Prices*:

• The average sale price for a condominium-class property in December was $434,973, an increase of 9% from 2021.

• The average sale price for a residential-class property was $655,839, decreasing 7% from a year ago.

• With year-to-date average sale prices at $769,623 for residential units and $453,770 for condominiums, these values represent a 7% increase over 2021 for residential-class properties and an 8% increase for condominium-class properties.

“Although market activity tapered off in later 2022, there was an immense amount of activity in the spring at high prices,” says Dekker. “This will be an important caveat to consider as we begin comparing 2023 numbers to the previous year.”

By the Numbers – Inventory & New Listings:

• Months of Inventory for the residential-class properties has increased to 3.7 months from 0.9 months in December 2021.

• Months of Inventory for condominium-class properties has increased to 3.9 months from 0.9 months in December 2021.

• December’s new listings (699) were 17% higher than 2021 (600) and down 56% from November 2022 (1,598). The 5-year average for new listings in December is 662.

“The leading economic force behind Ottawa’s rapid appreciation in the past five years is chronic supply insufficiency,” says Dekker. “It intensified during the pandemic as prospective purchasers capitalized on incredibly low interest rates. Today’s higher rates are slowing down building projects, which exacerbates the low supply issue.”

“Since Ottawa is made up of hyper-local markets, it is a difficult ecosystem to forecast,” says Dekker. “Plus, there are a multitude of factors influencing a changing economic environment these days that will dictate how much activity the resale market will see in 2023. REALTORS® have access to expert insights and industry resources that can help buyers and sellers navigate the complexities.”

REALTORS® also help with finding rentals and vetting potential tenants. OREB Members have assisted clients with renting 6,105 properties this past year compared to 4,813 in 2021.

(SOURCE: OREB)

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) sold 846 residential properties in November through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System, compared with 1,456 in November 2021, a decrease of 42%. November’s sales included 658 in the residential-property class, down 39% from a year ago, and 188 in the condominium-property category, a decrease of 50% from November 2021. The five-year average for total unit sales in November is 1,270.

“November’s sales were expectedly low given the typical slowdown this time of year but they also reflect today’s economic conditions,” says Penny Torontow, OREB’s 2022 President. “This is not isolated to our local market. Globally, we’re still adjusting to the post-pandemic world and that affects demand, pricing, interest rates, cost of living, supply chain disruptions and more. As a result, those who can, are waiting and watching.”

By the Numbers – Average Prices*:

• The average sale price for a condominium-class property in November was $415,533, a decrease of 4% from 2021.

• The average sale price for a residential-class property was $680,031, decreasing 5% from a year ago.

• With year-to-date average sale prices at $774,422 for residential units and $454,436 for condominiums, these values represent an 8% increase over 2021 for both property classes.

“What’s concerning about the current market is the impact on first-time homebuyers,” says Torontow. “The marked decrease in condo sales, for example, signals that even entry-level properties are being affected. Fluctuating markets, paired with the stress test, are keeping first-time buyers on the sidelines in a tight rental market—with MLS® rentals increasing 27% this year over last.”

By the Numbers – Inventory & New Listings:

• Months of Inventory for the residential-class properties has increased to 3.5 months from 0.9 months in 2021.

• Months of Inventory for condominium-class properties has increased to 3.4 months from 1.1 months in 2021.

• November’s new listings (1,598) were 12% higher than 2021 (1,429) and down 22% from October 2022 (2,046). The 5-year average for new listings in November is 1,398.

“With nearly four months of inventory and an average 30 days on market, Ottawa now has a balanced resale market, slightly tipping toward the buyers,” says Torontow. “Sellers are well-advised to work with a REALTOR® who has hyper-local knowledge about specific neighbourhoods, appropriate price points and ideal timing. Prices are adjusting but real estate is a long-term investment. It’s the same reason I tell buyers to marry the house and date the rate.”

(SOURCE: OREB)

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 987 residential properties in October through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System, compared with 1,670 in October 2021, a decrease of 41%. October’s sales included 758 in the residential-property class, down 40% from a year ago, and 229 in the condominium-property category, a decrease of 44% from October 2021. The five-year average for total unit sales in October is 1,554.

“After the volatility of the past two pandemic years, which was unsustainable, the market is correcting and adjusting,” says Penny Torontow, Ottawa Real Estate Board President. “The slowdown is compounded by Bank of Canada interest rate increases, which further exacerbates buyer hesitancy and weakens people’s purchasing power—especially first-time homebuyers.”

“Demand is still high, and with increasing inventory available, Buyers have more choices and time to shop for their new home. However, the ongoing speculation about where prices and interest rates are headed shakes consumer confidence and has made some prospective Buyers take a wait-and-see approach.”

“Sellers may be understandably concerned about market fluctuations, which have been more drastic lately,” she adds. “As with any major investment, a longer-term perspective is important. The significant year-over-year gains of the last two years were not sustainable. If you have owned your property for any length of time, your equity has increased significantly and will buffer price corrections. If you buy and sell in the same market, it is all relative.”

By the Numbers – Inventory & New Listings:

• Months of Inventory for the residential-class properties has increased to 3.3 months from 1 month in 2021.

• Months of Inventory for condominium-class properties has increased to 3 months from 1.2 months in 2021.

• October’s new listings (2,047) were 4% higher than 2021 (1,960) and down 14% from September 2022 (2,371). The 5-year average for new listings in October is 1,971.

“Buyers and Sellers need to carefully analyze their own unique circumstances. No one can predict with absolute certainty what will happen next year, but in the highly employed and stable Ottawa market, real estate has been and continues to be a good investment over time,” says Torontow. “They don’t have a crystal ball, but mortgage brokers and REALTORS® have the education, expertise—and most importantly, the data—to help people make an informed decision for their specific situation.”

By the Numbers – Average Prices*:

• The average sale price for a condominium-class property in October was $445,691, an increase of 9% from 2021.

• The average sale price for a residential-class property was $677,873, decreasing 5% from a year ago.

• With year-to-date average sale prices at $780,390 for residential units and $456,470 for condominiums, these values represent an 8% increase over 2021 for residential-class properties and a 9% increase for condominium-class properties.

REALTORS® also help with finding rentals and vetting potential tenants. Since the beginning of the year, OREB Members have assisted clients with renting 5,186 properties compared to 4,012 last year at this time.

(SOURCE: OREB)

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,080 residential properties in September through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 1,601 in September 2021, a decrease of 33%. September’s sales included 816 in the residential-property class, down 34% from a year ago, and 264 in the condominium-property category, a decrease of 27% from September 2021. The five-year average for total unit sales in September is 1,586.

“September’s lower sales performance reflects continued hesitancy among Buyers as they watch interest rates rise and consider the speculation surrounding price trends. With rising interest rates, the mortgage stress test has sidelined some potential Buyers, while others are likely scrutinizing their budgets for affordability amidst inflation and cost of living increases,” says Ottawa Real Estate Board President Penny Torontow.

“On the other hand, we have seen an uptick in the number of new listings entering the market, which were not only higher than last month but also last year, and the five-year average. This trend continues to bring the resale market into more balance, which generally means more time for Buyers and Sellers to weigh their options and to adjust according to their needs,” she adds.

By the Numbers – Inventory & New Listings:

• Months of Inventory for the residential-class properties has increased to 3.1 months from 1.2 months in 2021.

• Months of Inventory for condominium-class properties has increased to 2.7 months from 1.6 months in 2021.

• September’s new listings (2,371) were 5% higher than 2021 (2,252) and 13% higher than August 2022 (2,091).

“Prices are stabilizing with slight month-to-month movement, whereas, year over year we are seeing the slow and steady increases that the Ottawa resale market is known for. As every neighbourhood is different, Buyers will want to consult a local REALTOR® who can tap into proprietary data on price trends and expert insights to help them navigate market shifts,” Torontow advises.

By the Numbers – Average Prices*:

• The average sale price for a condominium-class property in September was $450,987, an increase of 6% from 2021.

• The average sale price for a residential-class property was $706,658, increasing 0.5% from a year ago.

• With year-to-date average sale prices at $788,535 for residential and $457,189 for condominiums, these values represent a 9% increase over 2021 for both property classes.

REALTORS® also help with finding rentals and vetting potential tenants. Since the beginning of the year, OREB Members have assisted clients with renting 4,678 properties compared to 3,598 last year at this time.

(SOURCE: OREB)

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,137 residential properties in August through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 1,565 in August 2021, a decrease of 27 per cent. August’s sales included 850 in the residential-property class, down 27 per cent from a year ago, and 287 in the condominium-property category, a decrease of 28 per cent from August 2021. The five-year average for total unit sales in August is 1,603.

“August is a traditionally slower month in Ottawa’s resale market ebb and flow cycle due to summer vacations. Compounding the slowdown in market activity, Buyers are uncertain about their purchasing power given impending additional interest rate hikes,” states Ottawa Real Estate Board President Penny Torontow.

“The lightning speed at which homes were selling at the start of 2022 is a thing of the past, evidenced by Days on Market (DOMs) inching closer to that 30-day mark. We have also observed a return to standard financing and inspection conditions and fewer multiple offer scenarios,” she adds.

Additional figures:

• The average sale price for a condominium-class property in August was $421,966, an increase of 4 per cent from 2021.

• The average sale price for a residential-class property was $707,712, increasing 5 per cent from a year ago.

• With year-to-date average sale prices at $795,978 for residential and $457,771 for condominiums, these values represent a 10 per cent and 9 percent increase over 2021, respectively.*

• 2,093 properties were listed in August, boosting inventory to nearly 3 months for residential class properties and 2.2 months for condominiums.

“Prices are still rising slightly in some areas, albeit lower single-digit percentage increases, bringing back the moderate price-growth stability that is characteristic of the Ottawa resale market. What happened to prices in 2020 and 2021 was unusual. We are moving towards a balanced market state, where Buyers have choices and Sellers need to ensure they are pricing their properties accurately,” Torontow advises.

“The informed market knowledge and insight of a licensed REALTOR® is critical to both Buyers and Sellers navigating market shifts. Sellers will want to closely explore with their REALTOR® the best time and price to list their home to optimize a property’s days on market. Buyers can use the extra time to work with their REALTOR® on due diligence and finding a dream home that meets their needs within their financial parameters.”

REALTORS® also help with finding rentals and vetting potential tenants. Since the beginning of the year, OREB Members have assisted clients with renting 4,172 properties compared to 3,182 last year at this time.

(SOURCE: OREB)

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,110 residential properties in July through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 1,718 in July 2021, a decrease of 35 per cent. July’s sales included 840 in the residential-property class, down 36 per cent from a year ago, and 270 in the condominium-property category, a decrease of 34 per cent from July 2021. The five-year average for total unit sales in July is 1,691.

“We are witnessing a profound slowdown in Ottawa’s resale market. July’s numbers reveal that Buyers are indeed putting on the brakes more heavily than what is typically expected during the mid-summer sales dip. Aggressive interest rate increases are surely impacting the decision to buy at the moment as well as other factors that I mentioned last month,” states OREB President Penny Torontow. “But there is a silver lining: with more properties continually being added to inventory, we are on the cusp of returning to a balanced market, and that is good news,” she adds.

“July saw 2,338 new listings added to the housing stock, which is on par with the 5-yr average and 5% lower than last year at this time. Our inventory for residential-class properties is currently around 2.9 months and 2.5 months for condominiums. A market is considered balanced with at least four months of supply, so we are well on our way to that paradigm.”

The average sale price for a condominium-class property in July was $425,694, an increase of 1 per cent from 2021, while the average sale price for a residential-class property was $716,354, increasing 5 per cent from a year ago. With year-to-date average sale prices at $805,238 for residential and $461,557 for condominiums, these values represent an 11 per cent and 9 percent increase over 2021, respectively.*

“The double-digit average price increases that we saw in the past couple of years right up until the early spring have now morphed into single-digit increases, which aligns more with our traditional stable year-over-year price growth. However, it is important to point out that average prices tally the entire spectrum of home sales across the city and region. If you look from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, there are so many differing characteristics and attributes, price increases will certainly fluctuate depending on where you live,” suggests Torontow.

“If you are selling your home, now is the time to be patient as days on market return to more normal timeframes. There are still many Buyers out there, but with more choice, they have less pressure and may take their time. Even though interest rates are still quite reasonable from a historical perspective, consumers are adjusting to this new reality. The rising cost of all goods means people need time to evaluate and adapt their mindsets.”

“I also believe it is time for the federal government to adapt and reassess the stress test. It was originally designed when rates were very low to ensure Buyers could manage rate hikes. With interest rates where they are now, they have to qualify at a 7-8% rate which no longer makes sense and takes many Buyers out of the market.”

“Whether you are a Buyer or a Seller, a professional licensed REALTOR® will help you navigate this shifting resale market. They have access to minute-by-minute sales data and local neighbourhood expertise that will assist you in making the best decisions for your circumstances.”

REALTORS® also help with finding rentals and vetting potential tenants. Since the beginning of the year, OREB Members have assisted clients with renting 3,528 properties compared to 2,706 last year at this time.

(SOURCE: OREB)

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,508 residential properties in June through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 2,122 in June 2021, a decrease of 29 per cent. June’s sales included 1,138 in the residential-property class, down 31 per cent from a year ago, and 370 in the condominium-property category, a decrease of 23 per cent from June 2021. The five-year average for total unit sales in June is 1,966.

“After the frenzy of the past two years, we are witnessing Ottawa’s resale market normalize in 2022 and shift towards the more traditional seasonal ebb and flow cycle. While June transactions do typically taper as many look towards their summer holidays, last month’s sales were at a slower pace than we have seen in well over a decade,” states Ottawa Real Estate Board President Penny Torontow.

“We can likely attribute the decrease in unit sales to economic factors such as rising interest rates and cost of living/inflation. Other dynamics could include Buyer fatigue combined with a wait-and-see approach towards home prices, lack of confidence amongst consumers, and perhaps the uncertainty surrounding back-to-work arrangements as a long commute with rocketing gas prices will certainly affect decisions about where to live,” she adds. 

The average sale price for a condominium-class property in June was $438,977, an increase of 1 per cent from 2021, while the average sale price for a residential-class property was $772,861, increasing 6 per cent from a year ago. With year-to-date average sale prices at $815,797 for residential and $465,573 for condominiums, these values represent an 11 per cent and 10 percent increase over 2021, respectively.*

“It’s no secret that price increases have become more modest in the last two months–there’s a new benchmark reality in Ottawa. While our average price statistics provide an overall picture, as the market settles, there will be adjustment differences in various pockets of the city. For example, what happens in Westboro will not likely mirror Findlay Creek,” advises Torontow.

“But even as prices fluctuate, historically, real estate in Ottawa has always been and will continue to be stable and dependable in the long term. We aren’t likely to ever experience the significant dips that other regions may see. Prices won’t fall out; they are prone to level off to the reasonable rates of increase that we have historically experienced.”

“With an influx of 3,213 new listings in June, we are moving (albeit gradually) towards the goal of a more balanced market. Residential inventory has increased by 38% over last year at this time and is sitting at an approximate 1.9 months’ supply currently. Condominium housing stock has risen 14% to a 1.6 months’ supply for that property class. Once government-pledged supply measures are enacted, we are optimistic that goal is within reach.”

“Buyers, if you have been waiting on the sidelines, this may be an optimal time to venture back into your home search. There is more selection, fewer bidding wars, and less pressure to make a warp-speed decision. As for Sellers, your neighbourhood has its own characteristics and attributes that should weigh into the calculation of your property’s value. Contact a professional REALTOR® who has their hand on the pulse of Ottawa’s shifting real estate market today!”

REALTORS® also help with finding rentals and vetting potential tenants. Since the beginning of the year, OREB Members assisted clients with renting 2,919 properties compared to 2,252 last year at this time.

(SOURCE: OREB)

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,846 residential properties in May through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 2,285 in May 2021, a decrease of 19 per cent. May’s sales included 1,384 in the residential-property class, down 22 per cent from a year ago, and 462 in the condominium-property category, a decrease of 11 per cent from May 2021. The five-year average for total unit sales in May is 2,031.

“With year-over-year resales declining in March and April, and now with this downward trend continuing into May, traditionally the highest performing month for resales, it is quite clear that Ottawa’s resale market is shifting away from the blazing pace of 2021,” states Ottawa Real Estate Board President Penny Torontow. “And if rising interest rates, cost of living, and inflation aren’t enough factors to cause a pullback, the powerful and deadly storm that brought our city to its knees last month has justifiably impacted the market as well.”

“Our data shows a sharp decline in new listings with a corresponding increase in cancelled/suspended listings on the MLS® System in the period following the storm. Overall, in May, however, there were 3,120 properties that entered the market. This is on par with last May and is 5% over the 5-year average. The result is an 18% increase in residential-class inventory. Meanwhile, there was a slight decline (0.4%) in condominium inventory, but this is not surprising since they have likely become an entry point for many first-time homebuyers due to the affordable price point.”

The average sale price for a condominium-class property in May was $472,920, an increase of 11 per cent from 2021, while the average sale price for a residential-class property was $802,393, increasing 8 per cent from a year ago. With year-to-date average sale prices at $824,276 for residential and $470,353 for condominiums, these values represent a 12 per cent increase over 2021 for both property classes.*

“Average prices, while still higher than 2021, are showing signs of adjusting to the pace of the market with a month-over-month decrease of 2% in both property classes. In April, we also saw a decline of 1-3%. In contrast, January to March experienced month-to-month increases ranging from 2% to 12%. This may be good news for Buyers, including the fact that the months of inventory have increased to 1.2 for residential and 1 month for condominiums. We are still a far cry away from a balanced market, but it finally seems to be moving in the right direction,” Torontow suggests.

“Additionally, another statistic that we see increasing is the cumulative days on market (CDOM), which is now 14 days, increasing from 11 days last May. CDOMs are typically between 30-60 days in a balanced market, and usually closer to that one-month mark in Ottawa. I mention this because we don’t want Sellers to panic if their homes aren’t selling as quickly as perhaps their neighbours’ properties did. Buyers will also have a little more breathing room if this trend continues.”

“But at the end of the day, each property for sale has its own hyper-local market factors (location, condition, other properties for sale in the same neighbourhood, etc.) that will affect the final sale price. If you want to know the most accurate price point to sell your home or what is the true market value of a home you are interested in, a licensed professional REALTOR® has the education and the experience with access to the most current market statistics and property information, to guide you into making the optimal decision for you and your budget.”

REALTORS® also help with finding rentals and vetting potential tenants. Since the beginning of the year, OREB Members assisted clients with renting 2,320 properties compared to 1,837 last year at this time.

(SOURCE: OREB)