How to Get Ready for Ottawa’s Spring Real Estate Market — Whether You're Buying or Selling

Spring is traditionally one of the busiest times in real estate — and 2025 is shaping up to be no exception. Whether you’re thinking about buying your first home or planning to sell your current one, now is the time to start preparing. A little planning goes a long way in helping you stay competitive, avoid stress, and make smart decisions when the market heats up.

A Quick Look at Ottawa's Spring 2025 Market

The Ottawa real estate market is showing signs of a more balanced spring season. Inventory is up across the region — including in Kanata and Stittsville — giving buyers more options than they’ve had in recent years. While demand is still active, it’s no longer as competitive as in previous spring markets.

Here’s how different property types are performing:

• Detached Homes: The average detached home in Ottawa is selling for just over $820,000 — up around 3% from last year. These remain popular with families, especially in established neighbourhoods in Kanata and Stittsville. However, higher price points are prompting more caution from buyers. Well-presented homes are selling, but buyers expect value, and many listings are seeing longer days on market compared to last spring.

• Townhomes & Semis: Townhomes are still in strong demand, particularly from first-time buyers and growing families. Prices are up about 5–8% year-over-year, sitting around $640,000 in Kanata/Stittsville. That said, with more listings in this segment, buyers now have more leverage — and sellers need to price and present strategically to compete.

• Condos: This segment is currently leaning in favour of buyers. The average condo price in Ottawa sits around $432,000, with Kanata/Stittsville units averaging slightly higher. Sales volume has slowed, and many condo listings are taking longer to sell. Competitive pricing and standout features (like parking or updated finishes) are critical to attract offers.

Homes are now taking an average of 30–45 days to sell, depending on location and condition. Bidding wars are rare, and buyers are more likely to negotiate than they were even a year ago.

Mortgage rates, while still higher than pre-pandemic levels, have begun to ease slightly. The Bank of Canada’s recent cuts have lowered borrowing costs, and some buyers are stepping off the sidelines to take advantage. Still, affordability remains top of mind, and many buyers are stretching to meet monthly payments — making value, location, and condition more important than ever. This shift is encouraging some previously hesitant buyers to re-enter the market, though many remain budget-conscious and sensitive to overall costs.

Sellers, meanwhile, are facing more competition than in previous years, which means presentation, pricing, and timing matter more than ever. Homes that are well-prepared and realistically priced are still moving — but bidding wars are less common, and negotiations are back on the table. Sellers, meanwhile, are facing more competition than in previous years, which means presentation, pricing, and timing matter more than ever.

Sources: OREB February 2025 Market Snapshot, Kanata/Stittsville House Prices - AgentInOttawa, True North Mortgage Blog

Here’s what buyers and sellers can do right now to set themselves up for success this spring — especially with increased inventory and buyers becoming more selective.

For Buyers

1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage
Before you start browsing listings, connect with a mortgage advisor and get pre-approved. This gives you a clear sense of your budget and helps you act fast when the right home comes along. In a competitive market, pre-approval can also give you a leg up over other buyers.

2. Know your must-haves (and your nice-to-haves)
Start thinking about what really matters to you — is it walkability? School zones? A finished basement? Narrowing your list early will help focus your search and make decision-making easier when the pace picks up.

3. Start scouting neighbourhoods
If you’re not 100% set on one area, now’s a great time to explore different neighbourhoods. Drive or walk around, check out amenities, and talk to locals. I’m always happy to suggest communities that fit your lifestyle and budget — just ask!

4. Line up your “house hunting buddy”
Buying a home is a big decision — and having the right support can make a huge difference. Whether it’s a partner, friend, parent, or (hint hint) a knowledgeable real estate agent who knows the Ottawa market inside and out, make sure you’ve got someone you trust by your side.

For Sellers

1. Book a free home evaluation
Wondering what your home is worth this spring? Let’s take a look. A comparative market analysis (CMA) will give you a realistic picture of your home’s current value and help you plan your next move.

2. Understand the current market conditions
Inventory in Ottawa is up, and buyers have more options than they did last year. That means strategic pricing, staging, and presentation are more important than ever. Homes that show well and are priced right are still selling — but the bar is higher.

3. Make key repairs and small upgrades
Take time now to handle maintenance tasks and small upgrades that could make your home stand out. Touch up paint, fix leaky faucets, tidy up landscaping, and replace burnt-out bulbs. These little things can make a big difference in buyer perception.

4. Declutter and depersonalize
Buyers want to picture themselves in your home. Start packing up personal items, excess furniture, and anything that makes the space feel crowded or overly specific to your taste. The goal is clean, open, and welcoming.

5. Consider staging or pre-list improvements
In a spring market with more listings, first impressions matter. If your home could benefit from professional staging or even a pre-list spruce-up, I can help connect you with trusted local pros who know what works in Ottawa.

6. Have a plan — and a partner
From timing and pricing to marketing and negotiation, I’ll work with you to build a plan that fits your goals. Whether you’re moving up, downsizing, or selling for the first time, I’ll help you feel prepared at every step.

Let’s Make a Plan

Whether you’re just starting to think about a move or ready to dive in, I’m here to help you feel prepared and informed. Reach out anytime for a chat — no pressure, just real talk about what makes the most sense for you.