Brad Gilbert

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.

May 5, 2026

Market Overview

Ottawa’s housing market continued its seasonal rebound in April, with activity picking up month-over-month, following a slower winter. Inventory levels, which have been rising since late summer 2025, remain elevated, but stable. The spring increase in new listings has added to this supply, giving buyers more choice and flexibility.

The broader economic backdrop remains mixed. The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) recently revised its 2026 forecast downward, citing a weaker-than-expected start to the year and renewed inflation pressures, partly driven by rising energy costs. As a result, expectations for both sales and price growth have been tempered, with only modest gains now anticipated nationally.

Interest rate expectations have shifted. Earlier concerns that inflation could lead to rate increases contributed to more cautious buyer behaviour over the winter. With rates now holding steady, that immediate risk has eased. While borrowing costs remain above pandemic-era lows, they are more in line with long-term norms. A more stable rate environment may help reduce hesitation and support a gradual improvement in activity as buyer confidence strengthens.

“We’re seeing the market find its footing after a slower winter,” said OREB President Tami Eades. “April’s activity reflects a market that is gradually regaining momentum. Buyers are beginning to re-engage, and more listings are helping to keep conditions balanced across most segments.”

Residential Market Activity

In April, 1,336 homes were sold, down 1.9% year over year, but up from 1,075 in March.

New listings rose sharply to 3,258 units (+19.3%), pushing active listings to 4,535 units (+17.2%).

With listings continuing to outpace sales, the sales-to-new-listings ratio came in at 41.0%, consistent with balanced market conditions. Homes are taking slightly longer to sell, with median days on market increasing to 21 days, up from 18 days in April 2025.

Year to date, 3,839 homes have been sold, down 4.4% compared to the same period in 2025. While activity remains below last year’s levels, recent trends suggest that the 2026 market may be gradually strengthening.

New listings total 8,933 units (+8.5%), while active listings have increased 16.0%.

Prices and Market Balance

Home prices held steady in April. The average sale price was $712,184 (+0.8% year over year), and the median price was $650,000, unchanged from April 2025. Year-to-date, the average price stands at $683,303, and the median price is $630,000, both showing little change compared to the same period last year.

The MLS® Home Price Index provides additional context, indicating that benchmark prices have begun to stabilize following earlier declines. Most segments recorded modest month-over-month gains, apart from condo-apartments, which continue to lag. This aligns with the broader trend of price stabilization observed over recent months.

Market balance continues to be shaped primarily by supply. Active listings reached 4,535 units in April, up 17.2% year over year, while new listings also posted strong gains.

With a sales-to-new-listings ratio of 41.0% and 3.4 months of inventory, Ottawa remains in balanced territory. Compared to recent years, conditions are less competitive, with buyers benefiting from increased choice, and sellers facing more competition.

Months of Inventory:

Single Family: 3.1
Townhome: 3.0
Apartment: 4.9

Regional Market Comparison

Market conditions across Ottawa’s subareas continue to vary.

Ottawa Centre appears relatively stable from a pricing standpoint, but activity has eased. Sales are lower compared to recent years, while inventory has increased, resulting in slower absorption. This is largely due to the area’s higher concentration of condo-apartment units, which has been the softest segment of Ottawa’s market for several months.

Suburban markets across the east, south, and west remain generally balanced. Sales-to-new-listings ratios and inventory levels are within typical historical ranges, although sales activity has moderated in some areas, and supply has trended higher. Among these, the western suburbs stand out as the strongest segment, with more consistent sales activity, and slightly tighter inventory conditions.

Rural markets continue to operate at a slower pace, with higher inventory levels, and longer selling times compared to suburban areas. This results in more buyer-friendly conditions, along with greater variability in pricing data due to lower transaction totals.

Overall, while Ottawa’s market remains balanced at a high level, local conditions vary. Suburban areas are the most stable, with the west currently leading in activity. Central areas are seeing more moderate demand, while rural markets continue to experience slower absorption, contributing to a more varied regional landscape. Those interested in exploring these dynamics further can access the non-HPI report in the monthly stats package here.

Looking Ahead

Ottawa’s spring market continues to build momentum, with activity improving from the slower pace seen earlier this year. While sales have yet to fully offset the winter slowdown, recent gains suggest the market is beginning to regain ground as the season progresses.

Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, Ottawa continues to demonstrate relative stability. Prices have remained in a narrow range, and demand, while measured, continues to support balanced conditions rather than any sharp shift in either direction.

Inventory will remain a key factor to watch. Supply levels have been elevated for several months and continue to build through the spring, giving buyers more choice and increasing competition among sellers. If this trend persists, however, higher inventory could begin to place downward pressure on pricing and influence seller expectations in the months ahead.

Source: Ottawa Real Estate Board

Click here to read our latest E-Newsletter! 

 

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.

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!!

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! 

In this clip we discuss a few of our favourite things!

Here is our #1 recommendation and there’s no time like the present!

In this clip we give our insight on the market and what you can do to get in on it!

In our last clip we explain why you need a Realtor and more specifically us!

"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
 

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