Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,889 residential properties in April through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 2,394 in April 2021, a decrease of 21 per cent. April’s sales included 1,419 in the residential-property class, down 23 per cent from a year ago, and 470 in the condominium-property category, a decrease of 13 per cent from April 2021. The five-year average for total unit sales in April is 1,849.

“With the number of transactions just slightly over the 5-year average, this was one of the weakest performing Aprils we have seen in a while,” states Ottawa Real Estate Board’s President Penny Torontow. “Considering that the number of new listings increased last month, it is a bit of a surprise that sales were off.”

“Certainly, there are a few factors at play: rising interest rates, growing Buyer frustration, April’s cooler temperatures, as well as the housing supply measures recently announced by the government – these could all be causing Buyers to pull back with a wait-and-see approach. We are watching the rest of the spring market closely to determine if this could perhaps be an early indicator of a shift in the market. Since April is only one month, we will be monitoring to see if it becomes a trend moving forward.”

“The fact remains that it is still a Seller’s market with supply under one month. Bidding wars and multiple offers persist in some pockets, prices continue to rise, albeit more moderately, and the market remains relatively strong,” she adds.

The average sale price for a condominium-class property in April was $473,702, an increase of 11 per cent from 2021, while the average sale price for a residential-class property was $829,318, increasing 12 per cent from a year ago. With year-to-date average sale prices at $830,588 for residential and $469,603 for condominiums, these values represent a 13 per cent and 12 percent increase over 2021, respectively.*

“Limited supply and high demand will continue to place upward pressure on prices. And as long as there are Buyers willing to pay, average prices will reflect the inventory shortage. However, it is conceivable that price growth may moderate as we do not see the level of price escalations that occurred earlier in the pandemic,” Torontow suggests.

“Although the number of new listings in April (2,846) was down by 11% from 2021, the number of properties that entered the market was still 10% over the 5-year average (2,600), and 214 units more than what was added to the housing stock in March. This has increased Ottawa’s months of inventory to just under a month’s supply. In March, it was just over two weeks. This is good news for potential Buyers as they will have more options and more opportunities to enter the market.”

“In fact, the condominium market may be performing slightly better than residential property classes due to the fact that they are the most affordable price point to enter the market and could possibly now be considered the new entry-level property type.”

“We have also noticed a marked increase in the number of rental properties listed on the MLS® System. Since the beginning of the year, OREB Members assisted clients with renting 1,786 properties compared to 1,458 last year at this time. An increase of 23% and almost double the quantity recorded in pre-pandemic years. As for lease prices, the average cost for a 1-bdrm is approximately $1,850, and a 2-bdrm is $2,200 for rentals listed on the MLS® System. These values are roughly 3-4% higher than this time in 2021. Ottawa REALTORS® are an excellent resource when it comes to finding a rental property or vetting tenants – contact one today!”

(SOURCE: OREB)

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 2,011 residential properties in March through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 2,274 in March 2021, a decrease of 12 per cent. March’s sales included 1,493 in the residential-property class, down 12 per cent from a year ago, and 518 in the condominium-property category, a decrease of 10 per cent from March 2021. The five-year average for total unit sales in March is 1,792.

“Although the number of sales in March decreased from last year at this time, it was still a robust and busy start to the spring season. Transactions increased 42% over February (590 units) and were 12% higher than the 5-year average. Last March was unseasonably warm in comparison, and the lion-like weather that pervaded most of this March may have played a role. More likely, the lifting of some restrictions and opportunity for unfettered travel during the spring break had peoples’ attention turning towards other activities during the month,” states Ottawa Real Estate Board President Penny Torontow.

“March tends to be the early indicator of the spring resale market pace, so we anticipate April’s numbers will be a better indication of just how the spring market will perform, which tends to be the peak time of year for resales,” she adds.

The average sale price for a condominium-class property in March was $479,405, an increase of 10 per cent from 2021, while the average sale price for a residential-class property was $853,615, increasing 13 per cent from a year ago. With year-to-date average sale prices at $831,122 for residential and $467,915 for condominiums, these values represent a 14 per cent and 13 percent increase over 2021, respectively.*

“Average prices continue on their upward trend, albeit only increasing 2-3% over February’s figures, the year over year percentage increases of 13-14% validate that the housing supply shortage will continue to put strong upward pressure on prices until that is remedied.”

“Last month saw 2,632 new listings enter the MLS® System, and although 6% lower than March 2021, this is still 4% (or 100 units) above the 5-year average. Residential-class property inventory is approximately 10.5% higher than last year at this time, with condominium-class inventory down 12%. Overall, we are just slightly over (.6%) a half month’s supply of inventory and require at least four months of inventory to be considered within a balanced market.”

“It is encouraging to see new inventory entering the resale market. However, these properties are being quickly absorbed due to the unrelenting high demand, and more listings are crucial to meeting this need,” Torontow advises.

“We appreciate the provincial government has introduced the first phase of its More Homes For Everyone Act to tackle the housing shortage by implementing measures, including working with municipalities to get homes built faster and increasing the Non-Resident Speculation Tax. This is a good start, and we are hopeful that with the application of these and further measures, Ottawa’s many potential home buyers waiting on the sidelines will finally be able to get a foothold in our local market.”

In addition to residential sales, OREB Members assisted clients with renting 1,291 properties since the beginning of the year compared to 1,079 by March 2021.

(SOURCE: OREB)

Has Spring Sprung Early in Ottawa’s Resale Market?

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,421 residential properties in February through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 1,385 in February 2021, an increase of 3 per cent. February’s sales included 1,095 in the residential-property class, up 7 per cent from a year ago, and 326 in the condominium-property category, a decrease of 10 per cent from February 2021. The five-year average for total unit sales in February is 1,184.

“Although February’s resales were only 3% higher than last year at this time, we saw a 52% increase in the number of transactions compared to January’s figures (936). While a month-to-month increase is typical for this time of year, the gradation of this increase is higher than previous years, which could be an indication that our spring market may ramp up earlier this year,” states Ottawa Real Estate Board President Penny Torontow.

“Whether this has to do with the easing of government pandemic restrictions and the opening up of the economy or perhaps due to apprehension of the (then) upcoming interest rate increase, which is now in effect, we can’t entirely be sure,” she adds. “We are watching intently to see how the 2022 spring market will play out considering not only the higher interest rates and inflation but also other macro factors in our global environment that could affect our local economy.”

“Undoubtedly, the interest rate increase along with the higher rate of inflation will weaken potential Buyers’ purchasing power. And even though average price growths are not as acute as they were in the past two years, we are still seeing significant increases that are without question a result of the unrelenting high demand and current housing stock scarcity.”

The average sale price for a condominium-class property in February was $466,682, an increase of 15 per cent from 2021, while the average sale price for a residential-class property was $837,517, increasing 17 per cent from a year ago. With year-to-date average sale prices at $812,813 for residential and $458,107 for condominiums, these values represent a 16 per cent increase over February 2021 for both property classes. *

“The number of new listings in February (1,762) offers a slight glimmer of hope for prospective Buyers. At 4% higher than the five-year average and 12% higher than February 2021, it resulted in an almost 10% increase in residential-class property inventory compared to last year at this time. Condominium supply, however, is down 20%. Overall, we are now at a 0.7 month’s supply of inventory which means that most listings that enter the market are going to be snapped up very quickly, as evidenced by the continuous decline in Days on Market (DOM). We certainly hope this trend of increased new listings will continue to supplement the housing stock going forward,” Torontow acknowledges.

“Ottawa is a beautiful city with a healthy, stable economy and is a utopic place to work, live and play. It attracts Canadians from other cities and people from all over the world. But it is deeply entrenched in a Seller’s Market. This means homebuyers need to have all their ducks in a row and are prepared to move expeditiously. A REALTOR® will have the knowledge to ensure you are making your best offer at the optimal time. Sellers also need the experience and resources a REALTOR® brings to ensure they are strategically positioning their homes given the conditions of their neighbourhood and property type. Don’t gamble with what is likely your biggest asset – contact a professional REALTOR® today!”

In addition to residential sales, OREB Members assisted clients with renting 800 properties since the beginning of the year compared to 674 by February 2021.

(SOURCE: OREB)

Frigid January Temperatures didn’t Cool Resale Market

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 936 residential properties in January through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 963 in January 2021, a decrease of 3 per cent. January’s sales included 661 in the residential-property class, down 2 per cent from a year ago, and 275 in the condominium-property category, a decrease of 5 per cent from January 2021. The five-year average for total unit sales in January is 840.

“January’s sales, almost identical to 2021’s, were very strong for a traditionally slower month, especially given the frigid temperatures and increased government Covid-19 restrictions we experienced,” states Ottawa Real Estate Board President Penny Torontow. “This increased activity compared to previous years is not solely a pandemic phenomenon. Yes, the pandemic has accelerated market activity in some ways, but pent-up Buyer demand due to the housing supply shortage has been an ongoing fundamental issue for the Ottawa resale market for well over 5 years now – and the price increases will continue to reflect that until the housing stock grows.”

The average sale price for a condominium-class property in January was $447,943, an increase of 18 per cent from 2021, while the average sale price for a residential-class property was $771,739, increasing 14 per cent from a year ago.*

“Average prices continue to rise steadily with the lack of inventory pushing prices to levels previously unseen. We only need to observe the number of homes now selling over $1M for a clear demonstration. In 2020, they represented 3% of residential sales, in 2021, they held 9% of the market’s resales, and now in 2022, that number reflects close to 14% of detached home sales.”

“Meanwhile, the residential-class properties selling within the $650-$900K range represent 47% of all of January’s residential unit sales. In 2021, it was 33%. But we must keep in mind, average prices statistics amalgamate data from the entire city, so while in some areas the increases would be less, other pockets of Ottawa may see more,” advises Torontow.

“The condo market is also flourishing both in number of sales and prices. Possibly due to the fact that residential units may be out of reach for some Buyers, they are finding themselves more open to this option and are actually able to find a condominium-class property within their budget.”

“Bad weather, pandemic lockdowns, it doesn’t matter – Ottawa remains a fast-moving, active, and robust market. So, if you are thinking of selling your property, there has never been a better time. Contact a REALTOR® who can explain the various factors that will help you get the best price for your home today.”

（Source：OREB)

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 862 residential properties in December through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 997 in December 2020, a decrease of 14 per cent. December’s sales included 601 in the residential-property class, down 15 per cent from a year ago, and 261 in the condominium-property category, a decrease of 10 per cent from December 2020. The five-year average for total unit sales in December is 809.

“December’s resale market performed as it typically does with a marked decrease in sales from November as families turned their attention towards the holiday break. Although slightly above the five-year average, the number of properties exchanging hands was lower than the year before due to the atypical market we experienced in 2020 when peak market activity shifted to later in the year because of the initial spring pandemic lockdown,” states Debra Wright Ottawa Real Estate Board’s 2021 President. “However, while the market normalized in the latter part of the year, looking at the year-end figures, 2021 was still a record-breaking year,” she adds.

The total number of residential and condo units sold throughout 2021 was 20,302, compared with 18,953 in 2020, increasing 7 per cent. Meanwhile, total sales volume in 2021 was approximately $13.1B compared to $10B in 2020.

“This significant increase in sales volume reflects the price acceleration that we have seen over the last year and correlates with average sale price increases for the city,” Wright elaborates.

“As we have reiterated for the past few years, Ottawa’s housing inventory challenges have been and will continue to place an upward pressure on prices. Reviewing the year-end figures for 2021, the average sale price year to date was $719,605 for residential-class properties and $419,683 for condominium units. These values represent a 24 per cent and 16 percent increase over 2020, respectively.”

The average sale price for a condominium-class property in December was $399,125, an increase of 12 per cent from 2020, and the average sale price for a residential-class property was $709,980, increasing 18 per cent from a year ago.*

“Six hundred new listings entered the housing stock in December, which represents a 58% decrease from November and down 15% from the 5-year average. At less than one month’s supply of units in both the residential and condominium property classes, we are firmly entrenched in a strong Seller’s market and will continue to be in this state until our inventory increases to a 3-4 month’s supply for a balanced market to be achieved,” cautions Wright.

When asked for a forecast, Ottawa Real Estate Board’s new 2022 President Penny Torontow suggests, “January through March are usually slower months. With the macro factors that are currently at play in the resale market, it is difficult to predict what the effects will be going forward. We are entering yet another pandemic wave, Buyers are fatigued, parents are focusing on remote learning, interest rate hikes are looming – I don’t expect we will see the first quarter increases as we did in 2021.”

“We are unlikely to see the true outcome of these macro factors until the spring. Presumably, we will see more of the same with the market performing as well as it can with the current housing stock. Unfortunately for homebuyers, it will sustain itself as a Seller’s market for quite some time until our inventory issues are remedied. Whether you are buying or selling a home right now, the experience and knowledge of a REALTOR® is essential in this current challenging market,” Torontow concludes.

OREB Members also assisted clients with renting 4,813 properties since the beginning of the year compared to 3,364 in 2020.

（Source：OREB)

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,459 residential properties in November through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 1,605 in November 2020, a decrease of 9 per cent. November’s sales included 1,086 in the residential-property class, down 10 per cent from a year ago, and 373 in the condominium-property category, a decrease of 7 per cent from November 2020. The five-year average for total unit sales in November is 1,348.

“Although the resale transactions in November were down compared to a year ago, this is because 2020’s peak market activity shifted to later in the year due to the initial pandemic lockdown. In reality, November’s unit sales tracked 14% higher than 2019 (1,284), a more relevant base year for comparison,” states Ottawa Real Estate Board President Debra Wright.

“Furthermore, the number of properties that changed hands in November was 8% higher than the five-year average. And we also see an 8% increase in year-to-date sales over 2020, so it is fair to say that the resale market remains active and brisk.”

The average sale price for a condominium-class property in November was $432,099, an increase of 19 per cent from 2020, and the average sale price for a residential-class property was $716,992, also increasing 19 per cent from a year ago.With year-to-date average sale prices at $719,956 for residential and $420,762 for condominiums, these values represent a 24 per cent and 16 percent increase over 2020, respectively.*

“Despite significant increases in average prices over November 2020, month-to-month price accelerations have tapered off slightly, with average prices for residential units on par with October’s and condo average prices increasing by 7%. This is a far better situation than the monthly price escalations we had seen in the first quarter of 2021,” suggests Wright. “However, there is no question that supply constraints will continue to place upward pressure on prices until that is remedied.”

“While the drop in volume of new listings is typical for November, our inventory, at one month’s supply, is much lower than it should be. 1,430 new listings entered the market last month, a 27% decrease from October (1,960) and 13% less than last November (1,635). While still 30 or so units over the five-year listing average, this is simply not sustainable and is taking us further away from the balanced market that will bring much-needed relief to potential Buyers,” Wright cautions.

“Whether you are on the buying or selling side of the transaction, this is not the occasion to go at it alone and hope for the best. An experienced REALTOR® is vital in navigating the challenges of this complex market to ensure you are making the optimal choices for what may be the most critical contract you will sign and remain obligated to for the next 20 to 30 years.”

OREB Members also assisted clients with renting 4,458 properties since the beginning of the year compared to 3,120 at this time last year.

（Source：OREB)

October’s Resales Track a Traditional Cycle

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,677 residential properties in October through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 2,132 in October 2020, a decrease of 21 per cent. October’s sales included 1,263 in the residential-property class, down 24 per cent from a year ago, and 414 in the condominium-property category, a decrease of 14 per cent from October 2020. The five-year average for total unit sales in October is 1,605.

“October’s resale market was active, busy, and stable – and followed the typical (pre-pandemic) ebb and flow that we commonly see as we enter the fall season,” states Ottawa Real Estate Board President Debra Wright. “The number of transactions increased slightly over September (1,607) as well as the 5-year average. The only reason we see a year-over-year decrease in comparison to last October is because 2020’s sales peak had shifted from the spring months to September/ October due to the initial Covid-19 lockdown.”

The average sale price for a condominium-class property in October was $404,760, an increase of 10 per cent from 2020, while the average sale price for a residential-class property was $716,378, an increase of 19 per cent from a year ago. With year-to-date average sale prices at $720,150 for residential and $419,515 for condominiums, these values represent a 24 per cent and 16 percent increase over 2020, respectively.*

“While the number of units sold followed the traditional trajectory, the lack of supply continues to put upward pressure on prices, which are holding strong and steadily increasing. Although there were 1,960 new listings in October, falling just under the 5-year average (1,974), it’s simply not enough. Inventory remains at a one-month supply for residential properties and 1.2 months for condominiums. The only way we will find balance in Ottawa’s market is to increase the housing stock exponentially.”

“Low inventory and a lack of suitable housing options restrict movement along the housing spectrum. Move-up buyers and downsizers have nowhere to go, so they stay in place, but we need that exchange of properties in the marketplace to free up supply for entry-level homebuyers,” Wright adds.

“Additionally, we have noticed a substantial increase in the number of rental transactions through the MLS® System, which could suggest that some of the properties have been purchased or held on to for investment purposes. This active rental market may be another contributing factor as to why there aren’t more properties coming onto the market for sale.”

OREB Members assisted clients with renting 4,012 properties since the beginning of the year compared to 2,829 at this time last year.

（SOURCE: OREB)

A Normal September Resale Market

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,607 residential properties in September through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 2,314 in September 2020, a decrease of 31 per cent. September’s sales included 1,244 in the residential-property class, down 29 per cent from a year ago, and 363 in the condominium-property category, a decrease of 36 per cent from September 2020. The five-year average for total unit sales in September is 1,648.

“As per usual, the resale market in the early part of the month moved slowly due to the Labour Day holiday weekend and parents settling their children back into their school routines. Activity began to accelerate towards the end of the month, which is behaviour typical of the market in September,” states Ottawa Real Estate Board President Debra Wright.

“Although the statistics are showing a considerable year-over-year decrease in transactions, this anomaly is due to the shift of the 2020 market’s peak activity to the summer and fall months as a result of the initial Covid-19 lockdown last spring. If we look beyond the comparison to last year, the number of transactions in September was 4% higher than in 2019 (1,547) and 16% higher than 2018 (1,387),” she adds.

September’s average sale price for a condominium-class property was $425,362, an increase of 14 per cent from last year, while the average sale price for a residential-class property was $702,155, an increase of 13 per cent from a year ago.With year-to-date average sale prices at $720,492 for residential and $421,062 for condominiums, these values represent a 25 per cent and 17 percent increase over 2020, respectively.*

“House values are holding steady with a slight month-to-month increase (4-5%) in September and year-to-date average prices remaining strong for both residential and condo properties. Of course, these price escalations that we saw in the first quarter of 2021 and now recurring in September are inevitable given the supply challenges we have been experiencing for several years now combined with the unrelenting high demand,” Wright explains.

“While inventory has improved slightly from the pre-pandemic years (2017-2019), it is still the principal cause for concern with just over one month’s supply in the housing stock at this time. There were 2,252 new listings in September, an increase of 216 units over August; however, the number still falls beneath the five-year average and is much lower than this month in September 2020 (2,906).”

“With the election behind us, we hope the government will now concentrate on addressing supply issues and developing first-time homebuyer assistance touted in their reelection platform. Together with our REALTOR® Members and our provincial and federal counterparts, we will continue to advocate for availability and affordability in the Ottawa housing market and implore all three levels of government to implement effective measures to help all Canadians turn their homeownership dreams into reality,” Wright concludes.

OREB Members also assisted clients with renting 3,598 properties since the beginning of the year compared to 2,536 at this time last year.

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,572 residential properties in August through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 2,006 in August 2020, a decrease of 22 per cent. August’s sales included 1,175 in the residential-property class, down 25 per cent from a year ago, and 397 in the condominium-property category, a decrease of 9 per cent from August 2020. The five-year average for total unit sales in August is 1,684.

“August’s unit sales followed a trajectory typical of the resale market’s summer months with a considerable decline in transactions compared to the spring and 9% fewer sales than in July (1,724). The number of properties changing hands was on par with August 2017 and 2018 figures. The reason we see a sharp decrease compared to last year’s numbers is due to the first wave lockdown in spring 2020, which shifted that market’s peak to the summer and fall months,” states Ottawa Real Estate Board President Debra Wright.

“Year-to-date resales are at 14,728 and are 24% higher than this period in 2020, which clearly indicates we are in the midst of another strong year in the Ottawa market,” she adds.

August’s average sale price for a condominium-class property was $407,148, an increase of 6 per cent from last year, while the average sale price for a residential-class property was $674,449, an increase of 14 per cent from a year ago.With year-to-date average sale prices at $722,526 for residential and $420,654 for condominiums, these values represent a 27 per cent and 18 percent increase over 2020, respectively.*

“Supply continues to remain scarce, and that is the driving factor behind these price increases. New listings were down 400 units from July and 500 units from last August and below the 5-year average for the first time this year since February. Although inventory is approximately 5-6% higher than last year for both residential and condominium property classes, we are only at about 1.5 months’ worth of housing stock. To achieve a balanced market, we need 4-6.5 months’ supply of inventory,” Wright points out.

“We are pleased to see that housing affordability and the supply shortage have been a predominant part of election conversations and federal party platform pledges – which is a step in the right direction. We look forward to the collaboration between municipal, provincial, and federal governments to establish measures which will effectively address these fundamental barriers to homeownership for all Canadians who desire to own a home.”

OREB Members also assisted clients with renting 3,182 properties since the beginning of the year compared to 2,232 at this time last year.

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,724 residential properties in July through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 2,183 in July 2020, a decrease of 21 per cent. July’s sales included 1,312 in the residential-property class, down 20 per cent from a year ago, and 412 in the condominium-property category, a decrease of 24 per cent from July 2020. The five-year average for total unit sales in July is 1,775.

“July’s unit sales followed the traditional cycle of the spring and summer markets, which tend to peak around April or May and then slow down as Buyers and Sellers turn their attention to their vacations and other outdoor recreational activities,” states Ottawa Real Estate Board President Debra Wright. “This year’s figure is closer to 2019’s (1,838 sales) and just shy of the 5-year average, with the slight decline in transactions perhaps due to the combination of summer and the reopening of the economy last month. Certainly, the marked decrease from last year’s July sales is due to the spring 2020 lockdown, which had shifted the 2020 resale market’s peak to the summer and fall months,” she adds.

July’s average sale price for a condominium-class property was $419,545, an increase of 17 per cent from last year, while the average sale price for a residential-class property was $685,426, also an increase of 17 per cent from a year ago.With year-to-date average sale prices at $728,107 for residential and $422,339 for condominiums, these values represent a 30 per cent and 20 percent increase over 2020, respectively.*

“Following the same trend as sales, the month-to-month average prices decreased marginally by 4-6% compared to June; however, this minor dip is consistent to what typically happens during the summer months. Overall, average prices have increased considerably from 2020, and year-to-date values are holding steady. Still, Sellers will need to keep in mind that the multiple offer frenzy experienced previously is no longer the norm, and they may need to have more realistic expectations when positioning their homes and settling on a listing price with their REALTORS®.”

“We are seeing the housing stock increasing with residential inventory up 19% and condominium supply 23% higher than 2020. Although there were 700 fewer listings than in June, the number of properties that entered the market in July is over the five-year average by approximately 114 units. Along with the price stabilizations, we hope this may indicate that Ottawa’s resale market is moving towards a more balanced state, which would be good for everyone,” suggests Wright.

“Established in 1921, on July 9th, the Ottawa Real Estate Board commemorated 100 years of helping our neighbours, friends, and fellow residents buy and sell their homes, cottages and investment properties. Over the past century, our Board has advocated for affordable and attainable homes, as well as a range of housing options for seniors, first-time homebuyers and everyone in between. We pledge to continue this endeavour for our future clients in the years to come. On behalf of the Ottawa Real Estate Board and our 3,500 REALTOR® Members, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have put your trust in us to help you make your real estate dreams come true. We hope to continue to serve our communities for the next 100 years and beyond.”

(Source: OREB)

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 2,131 residential properties in June through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 2,038 in June 2020, an increase of 5 per cent. June’s sales included 1,647 in the residential-property class, up 2 per cent from a year ago, and 484 in the condominium-property category, an increase of 13 per cent from June 2020. The five-year average for total unit sales in June is 2,098.

“June’s resale market performed similar to a typical (pre-pandemic) June, with unit sales on par with the five-year average and a lower volume of activity compared to May, particularly in the last two weeks of the month. This is a normal tapering off as families turn their attention to end of school events and enjoying more outdoor recreation. This year, it also coincided with some easing of pandemic restrictions,” states Ottawa Real Estate Board President Debra Wright. “It will be interesting to watch the market over the summer to see if this normalization of the real estate sales ebb and flow is indeed the case moving forward. Last year, summer resales skyrocketed due to pent-up demand when the first lockdown ended.”

“Year-to-date sales are tracking 48% higher than last year at this time with 11,446 properties changing hands and are 16-18% higher than 2018 and 2019. Much of this increase is due to the increased activity in the first five months of 2021 compared to previous years. We have also seen an instrumental increase in new listings this year, and inventory levels for both residential and condominiums are higher than we’ve seen since 2017. However, we are still at a one month supply of housing stock, so we aren’t out of the woods yet.”

June’s average sale price for a condominium-class property was $435,198, an increase of 21 per cent from last year, while the average sale price for a residential-class property was $725,970, an increase of 26 per cent from a year ago.With year-to-date average sale prices at $734,357 for residential and $422,734 for condominiums, these values represent a 33 per cent and 20 percent increase over 2020, respectively.*

“For the moment, there are signs that we’ve reached a levelling out, especially as it relates to average prices which, in recent months, have not experienced the drastic increases of earlier in 2021, nor are we seeing a drop,” notes Wright.

“Properties are not moving as quickly as they were. Inventory has picked up; there is less scarcity and more choices – consequently, less upward pressure on prices. Additionally, we are noticing fewer of the multiple offer frenzy situations. Of course, many properties do still have multiple offers, but our REALTORS® are noticing that there are less of them on offer day.”

“This start of a perhaps equilibrium in the market is good news for Buyers, while Sellers are going to have to adjust to this new normal and be more strategic in their positioning. Whichever side of the transaction you are on, you will bode well by listening and heeding the advice of a professional REALTOR® who has their pulse on the day-to-day variabilities Ottawa’s resale market is experiencing,” Wright suggests.

(Source: OREB)