A Quiet December, A Clear Direction

Jan 7

December didn’t bring any surprises to Ottawa’s real estate market, and after the volatility of the past few years, that is actually a reassuring sign.

The market slowed in a familiar way. Showings tapered off. New listings paused. Buyers stepped back and many sellers chose to wait. It wasn’t abrupt or fragile. It felt measured, predictable, and stable. In many ways, December reflected a market that finally knows its rhythm again.

This update focuses specifically on December activity. When viewed in that context, a bigger picture emerges. 2025 was not a year of dramatic swings. It was a year where the market settled into a more sustainable and realistic pace.

A Quieter Month, but a Clear Pattern

December activity eased across all property types, which is typical for this time of year in Ottawa. What stood out was not the slowdown itself, but how consistently each segment of the market behaved.

Detached homes continued to sell steadily. Townhomes followed closely behind, remaining competitive despite the seasonal slowdown. Condos took longer to move, with buyers clearly taking their time and comparing options more carefully.

Inventory levels explain much of this behaviour. Detached homes finished December in balanced territory at approximately 4.3 months of inventory. Townhomes remained the tightest segment of the market at around 2.8 months. Condos offered buyers the most choice, ending the month at roughly 7.9 months of inventory.

This created three very different market experiences happening at the same time in Ottawa.

Prices Adjusted in December, Not Collapsed

Pricing softened modestly in December, but there was nothing rushed or reactive about the movement.

Compared to December of last year, prices edged down slightly across all property types. Detached homes declined by about 2.1 percent. Townhomes dipped around 2.8 percent. Condos saw the most pressure, down approximately 4.8 percent year over year.

These were not dramatic drops. They were adjustments. Buyers are more value-conscious than they were during peak years, and pricing has had to meet that reality.

Detached homes continue to hold together best because supply remains limited. Townhomes, despite a small pullback, are still supported by tight inventory and steady demand. Condos show the most price sensitivity simply because buyers have more alternatives to compare.

Why Some Homes Still Sold Quickly

Even in a quieter month like December, some homes sold quickly. That has been consistent throughout the year.

Pricing remains the biggest factor. If a home feels even slightly out of step with market value, buyers tend to move on quickly. When pricing aligns with condition, location, and recent sales, interest often shows up early.

Condition also plays a major role. Homes that feel clean, bright, and move-in ready consistently outperform those that require work. Buyers are cautious about taking on renovations unless the price clearly reflects that trade-off.

Inventory shapes buyer behaviour as well. Where options are limited, such as in the detached and townhome segments, buyers act faster. Where there is more choice, particularly in the condo market, buyers slow down, compare, and wait for the right fit.

What This Means If You Are Buying

This is one of the more comfortable buying environments Ottawa has seen in a while, but it is not the same across all property types.

Condo buyers currently have the most flexibility. Higher inventory levels and longer days on market create room to ask questions, negotiate, and be selective.

Townhome buyers do not have that same luxury. Inventory remains tight, and well-priced homes still attract attention quickly. Preparation matters here.

Detached homes sit somewhere in between. The market is balanced overall, but competition still exists when pricing and condition are right.

Thinking About Selling in 2026

If you are considering selling in 2026, planning ahead will make the process significantly easier.

The most important first step is understanding where your home fits in today’s market. Not based on peak pricing from previous years, and not based on best-case scenarios, but on current demand, inventory, and buyer behaviour in your specific neighbourhood.

Homes that perform best are rarely rushed. They are prepared thoughtfully, presented properly, and launched with intention. Giving yourself time on the front end often leads to better results once your home is on the market.

Early spring remains Ottawa’s strongest window for seller momentum. Being ready before that window opens can make a meaningful difference.

The Takeaway

December closed the year quietly, but with clarity.

Ottawa’s real estate market is active, just more thoughtful. Buyers are selective. Sellers need to be intentional. Results are shaped far more by preparation and strategy than by luck.

If you are watching the market, planning a move, or trying to understand timing, recognizing this slower and more deliberate pace is the best place to start.

If you want to talk through what this looks like for your specific situation or neighbourhood, I am always happy to chat.