Ottawa's dynamic real estate team!
Buying or selling a home is a big decision and we can guide you through the process.
Buyers: House hunters can count on FAST RESPONSE, personal service, market knowledge and expert negotiation skills.
Sellers: We go ALL IN to help you get market ready and then promote within our established network with confidence and creativity to maximize results.
We use a modern and professional strategy that works.
Brad Gilbert - Broker
Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University, Marketing Major
Brad is a brilliant communications expert, committed to customer service excellence since 2013. As a real estate Broker, he has the utmost obligation to uphold trade standards and oversee team transactions. Driven by his passion for people and deep rooted values of honesty and integrity, Brad embraces positivity and creativity in the housing market and in life. Animated and ambitious, you will love his vision for your home.
Lindsey Merkley - Sales Representative
Lindsey brought her great energy and management skills to the team in 2016. She owns a dual role as Buyer Specialist and Marketing Coordinator. Lindsey is there when you need her most, offering delightful and efficient service! She is not afraid to share her valuable insight when you find ‘ the one ’. Rest assured that your real estate transaction will be facilitated by someone who really cares.
Spring Momentum Builds as Ottawa Market Begins Catching Up with Supply
April 8, 2026
Market Overview
Ottawa’s housing market showed clearer signs of early spring momentum in March, with sales activity strengthening after a prolonged, slower winter market. While transactions remain below typical March levels, the pace of improvement has accelerated, particularly in the single-family segment.
Inventory continues to rise, but stronger sales are keeping pace with new supply. This is leading to a gradual tightening in market conditions, reflected in declining months of inventory, and more consistent absorption across all segments.
Pricing trends also suggest a market that is beginning to firm. The MLS® Home Price Index recorded a second consecutive month of gains across most property types, indicating strengthening underlying values as the spring market takes shape. Overall, Ottawa remains in balanced territory, with momentum building as demand re-engages.
“March’s activity is a clear sign that Ottawa’s market doesn’t move in dramatic shifts,” said Tami Eades, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB). “What we’re seeing is a measured, steady return to activity. Inventory is up, sales are improving, and pricing is firming without overheating. We expect a more active and stable market in the months ahead.”
Residential Market Activity
In March, 1,075 residential properties sold in Ottawa, down 4.7% year over year. This marks an improvement from February’s 6.8% decline, and signals strengthening demand as the spring market takes hold.
While sales remain slightly below recent March levels, they are now within range of prior years:
2025: 1,128
2024: 1,158
2023: 1,072
Total dollar volume of sales reached $744.5 million in March, down 3.8% year over year.
Year-to-date, 2,474 homes have sold, a 5.7% decline from 2025, while dollar volume sits at $1.66 billion (-6.5%). Despite this, March showed stronger momentum than earlier in the year, driven in part by single-family homes, which recorded 562 sales, unchanged year over year, and well above February’s 358.
This increase in activity helped absorb supply. Months of inventory declined to 3.3 in March from 3.8 in February, indicating that while buyers still have choice, sales are keeping better pace with new listings.
Prices and Market Balance
Home prices in Ottawa remained relatively stable in March. The average residential sale price was $692,584, up 0.9% from March 2025, while the median price was $642,000, down 0.5% year over year.
Year to date:
Average price: $670,360 (-0.9%)
Median price: $625,000 (-1.1%)
These figures represent an improvement compared to February.
While headline prices show modest movement, the MLS® Home Price Index points to firmer underlying trends. Benchmark prices rose month over month in the composite, single-family, and apartment segments, while townhomes remained stable. Because the HPI adjusts for the mix of homes sold, it provides a clearer view of true price movement, and suggests values are beginning to firm.
Supply continued to build:
New listings: 2,452 (+7.5%)
Active listings: 3,578 (+10.3%)
The sales-to-new-listings ratio was 43.8%, keeping Ottawa in balanced market territory.
Months of Inventory:
Single-family: 3.0
Townhomes: 2.8
Apartments: 5.5
This indicates tighter conditions in detached and townhome segments, while apartments continue to face higher supply, and more price pressure.
Looking Ahead
March data suggests Ottawa’s spring market is taking shape, with improving sales, firmer pricing signals, and more effective absorption of inventory. While activity has not fully returned to long-term averages, the pace of recovery is strengthening.
Rising benchmark prices, and declining months of inventory point to gradually tightening conditions within an overall balanced environment.
CREA’s 2026 outlook anticipates strengthening demand as borrowing conditions ease. Ottawa’s recent performance is beginning to align with that trajectory, with early signs of a typical spring pickup now emerging. If current trends continue, the market is likely to see steady momentum in the months ahead, without a sharp shift in balance.
Recent federal and provincial announcements represent one of the most significant aligned housing policy efforts in recent years, and will likely spur activity in Ottawa’s housing market.
Source: Ottawa Real Estate Board
MAKEITHAPPEN E-Newsletter Volume 30: Springing into 2026!
Click here to read our latest E-Newsletter!
Neighbourhood Spotlight: Merivale Gardens
Could this be the perfect Ottawa neighbourhood for your post-pandemic move? We think so! Merivale Gardens is surrounded by protected forest, trails, parks and the area’s only inland sand dunes. You heard it first-hand from Brad, and the whole Gilbert Family: it’s an ideal neighbourhood to grow up.
Here’s some #makeithappen ideas on how to be a better neighbour!
One of our shared, lifelong goals is to be leaders and upstanding members of the communities where we live. After all, it takes a village. Especially these days, when the people we see the most are those who live outside the front door or on the other side of the fence.
1. Introduce Yourself and Get Connected
Don’t be shy to say hi, whether you’re old or new. Those who’ve been around have all kinds of tips and tricks and nuisances that might make your new life easier. Swap phone numbers, emails and social coordinates -- this enables an open line of communication.
2. Lend a Hand in You Can
Mow that strip of grass between your laneways if it's easier for you. Bring back those recycling bins if they’re bothering you on the curbside; it’s no big deal. Another idea is to look out for a lingering delivery on their porch -- or text them about it.
3. Set Boundaries
It’s not always a great time for a lengthy chat. Front lawns are more approachable territory. Even knocking on doors these days is dicey, so you might revert to step #1 and text a heads up!
4. Avoid Drama
Everyone loses their cool at some point but it’s hard to come back from a major blow out so try and calm yourself before bringing up controversial topics. The last thing you want is negative energy that festers. Too late? It’s never too late to squash the beef!
5.Be Mindful of Your Pets
As animal lovers, we appreciate cuteness and cuddles, but remember that not everyone is comfortable. Barking and behavioural issues can frighten and frustrate your neighbours. A good move is to make a playdate and have them get to know each other.
6. Reach Out When in Doubt
If you notice they’re not up to their usual routines and activities, it’s always nice to hear that someone cares. Perhaps they’re feeling isolated? An offer to run a simple errand or pick-up essentials is always well received.
7. Participate
Most areas have a Community Association where residents can share their perspectives on everything from development, to transit, to parks and rec. Buy & Sell groups and plant swaps are other benefits. These people tend to be knowledgeable and most welcoming! Tip: See if there’s a Facebook group.
8. Make it Fun
Home is where the heart is and it’s amazing when you truly enjoy those who surround you. If you’re not quite there, keep on trying. These people have a tremendous impact on our everyday energy and good relations go a long way toward having a happy home life. Sharing is caring!!
Meet the @makeithappenrealtors -- A Mini Series
Episode 1 : Why #makeithappen?
Inspired by the real housewives of @bravotv, allow us to re-introduce the team as we look forward to another busy season selling real estate!
Want more? See episodes 2-6 below!
Episode 2: Any advice for 1st time home buyers?
In this weeks’ clip we share some basics to help you break into the market. Lindsey’s tip may surprise you but we think it’s a no brainer!
Episode 3: What do we love about our job?
In this clip we discuss a few of our favourite things!
Episode 4: What do you recommend to sellers who are trying to get their house ready to sell?
Here is our #1 recommendation and there’s no time like the present!
Episode 5: How's the market?
In this clip we give our insight on the market and what you can do to get in on it!
Episode 6: Why choose you?
In our last clip we explain why you need a Realtor and more specifically us!
Testimonials
"Friendly, personable, knowledgeable, professional, there really aren't enough positive words to describe the agents and the service we received. Thank you so much for help
ing realize this dream home and property. It truly is thanks to the teams devotion and hard work that we ticked off all the boxes!"
- Shannon Robie
"Both Brad and Lindsay exceed expectations and provide a first class experience. We always felt like we were their top priority. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Brad, he is very attentive to our needs and several requests. I would not hesitate to recommend him to our friends and family!"
- Cristina Divirgillio
"Brad was honest and encouraging without being pushy. I felt comfortable asking questions and he explained the answers very well. He was very knowledgeable about the things to look for and was focused on my partner and my needs."
- Eva Comeau
"Outstanding. We were purchasing in Ottawa from Barrie, and Lindsey did such an amazing job helping my partner and I find a house."
- Melissa Matson
"Brad and Lindsey were amazing Everything happened so fast but the experience was stress free for me. They took care of everything."
- Chelsea Larock
"Impressive responsive time and highly knowledgeable."
- John Kennedy
"Always a text or a call away! We always felt supported and that our needs were met. Lindsey you rock! Thank you so much for all of your patience and hard work."
- Emilie Giles
"Lindsey was always very reliable and knowledgeable around the entire process including things even outside of her direct role. As a first time home buyer, I felt lucky to have her support me throughout this entire journey. She was always going above and beyond for me. She would be the first I would contact in the future if I want to buy another home and would refer her to any of my family/friends who are looking to buy"
- Tarek Aljabban
"Friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. Brad and Lindsey jumped to when we found the home that we wanted and were by our side through the many days of negotiations to secure the purchase. Without breaking stride, they then led us through the sale of our house with expert marketing strategy. Their staging, photos, video, social media presence, and skillful negotiations helped us to sell at over 100k above asking. We couldn't be happier!"
- CJ Briggs
"Lindsey was hard working and always available to answer questions when we needed them. She offered great advice and took the time to go through the pros and cons of the different properties we were looking at and always kept out budget in mind".
- Evan Trafford
Wanna keep up with the latest adventures of Brad and Lindsey?
Follow us on Instagram!
@makeithappenrealtors
Red Diamond Award Recipient 2021
What an honour it is to be named one of the top teams in the country (top 2% that is) and we can’t thank you enough for helping us achieve our highest ever milestone.
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