Posts Tagged ‘Ottawa’

Suburban Statistics Update – End of Year for 2025

Posted on: January 12th, 2026 by Chris Scott

Here’s the latest update in our Suburban Statistics Series, featuring insights on the five largest urban neighborhoods in Ottawa. With Ottawa’s spread-out layout, it’s always fascinating to see how each area’s market trends vary. These stats compare MLS OREB sales from January 1 to December 31, 2025, with the same period in 2024.

 

What’s Really Happening in Ottawa’s Housing Market Right Now

Posted on: December 11th, 2025 by Chris Scott

The shift has been slow and steady, but November really highlighted where things are heading. Ottawa is still technically sitting in a balanced market, yet different segments are starting to move in very different directions — and some are shifting quickly.

Condo apartments, for example, have climbed to seven months of inventory, a notable jump that firmly places that segment in buyer’s-market territory. (For context, months of inventory measures how long it would take for all current listings to sell if no new ones came on the market.) Seven months means buyers have leverage and plenty of choice.

By contrast, single-family homes are holding steady at roughly four months of inventory, and townhomes are even tighter at around three months — both still within balanced-market conditions. But as always, Ottawa is really a collection of micro-stories. For example, if you’re buying or selling in Westboro, The Glebe, or downtown under $1M, you’re seeing something completely different from the citywide averages. Inventory in these pockets is incredibly tight, competition is high, and well-priced homes are moving fast. So even though the overall market reads “balanced,” your lived experience may feel far more competitive.

Layered on top of all this is the Bank of Canada’s latest decision to hold interest rates steady. This means we’re heading into the new year with what I’d call a neutral rate environment — rates aren’t pushing the market forward, but they’re not pulling it back either. A rate cut would certainly help unlock more momentum (and yes, selfishly, I’d love to see that), especially as inventory builds in certain segments.

If you’re curious about what’s happening in your specific neighbourhood or want a breakdown of recent sales around your home, feel free to reach out anytime. Every pocket of the city is behaving differently right now, and we’re always happy to walk you through it.

We’ll also be sharing a more detailed 2026 market forecast in the next blog post. There’s a lot to unpack, and I’m looking forward to diving deeper with you!

Clublink’s Decision and the Future of Kanata Lakes

Posted on: November 10th, 2025 by Chris Scott

It’s incredibly disappointing to see Clublink move forward with closing the Kanata Golf & Country Club in favour of development. For decades, this course has been a defining part of the Kanata Lakes community — not just a patch of green space, but a promise. A promise that helped shape home values, neighbourhood identity, and the very reason many families chose to live there in the first place.

It is also close to home as my boys enjoyed playing there this year with their Grandpa. It was some of our most memorable moments from the past summer.

What breaks my heart most is thinking about the homeowners who bought with the understanding — and yes, expectation — that they would have golf course views for the lifetime of their homes. Many paid large premiums. Many built their lives around that open space, that privacy, that sense of calm. To have that taken away is more than frustrating — it feels like a betrayal.

What’s even harder to wrap my head around is how a development with essentially zero public support — not from the local councillor, not from the MP, and certainly not from the mayor — could still push ahead and get approved. The community has been loud, organized, and united. Petitions, town halls, planning meetings — the message has been consistent: we don’t want this. Yet somehow, the desires of the residents who actually live here and elsewhere in Ottawa were outweighed.

It’s astounding, and frankly, unacceptable.

Clublink had an opportunity to stand by the community that supported them for decades. Instead, they chose to sell out. I understand business decisions, but there is a difference between business and values. This decision lacks the latter.

I truly hope that builders across Ottawa recognize the weight of this. Land comes with history — and reputation. I would be proud to see some of the city’s more respected builders take a stand and decline involvement in developing here. Not because they can’t build well, but because we need a message that communities matter. Commitments matter. Neighbourhood identity matters.

Will a boycott happen? Probably not. But it would be powerful to see people hit pause and ask: At what cost? What kind of city do we want to be? One that honours long-standing neighbourhood character and resident trust — or one that allows corporate interests to override community voice?

The Fall Market Surprise: More Sales, More Listings, and What’s Next

Posted on: October 16th, 2025 by Chris Scott

September’s numbers tell an interesting story — we actually saw more sales than last year, which might surprise some people given the headlines. But what really stood out was the jump in new listings, up about 20% year-over-year. That surge has pushed our inventory levels to around four months of supply, the highest we’ve seen in quite some time.

What does that mean? We’re still in balanced market conditions, but if this pace of new listings continues, we could see five or even six months of inventory by winter. As a result, sellers have been making more price adjustments lately. Many are realizing that pricing based on where the market was, not where it is now, can lead to listings sitting longer — and often selling for less once buyers move on.

Much like the stock market, timing matters. It’s tough to let go of yesterday’s high, but success today comes down to smart pricing, strong marketing, and top-notch presentation.

That’s where our team comes in. With shifting conditions, having the right representation is more important than ever. Fun fact: one in two Ottawa transactions involves a Royal LePage agent — a great reminder that experience and strategy matter in this market.

If you’re curious about what’s happening in your neighbourhood or where your home might stand in today’s market, reach out anytime — we’re always happy to help.

My Favourite Hiking Spots in Ottawa

Posted on: August 29th, 2025 by Chris Scott

One of the best things about living in Ottawa is how quickly you can escape into nature. In less than an hour, you can swap the city for cliffside lookouts, peaceful forest trails, and even some pretty incredible ruins. Two of my go-to hikes are the Eagle’s Nest Lookout in Calabogie and the Carbide Willson Ruins in Gatineau Park. They’re totally different experiences; one gives you a jaw-dropping view over the Madawaska Highlands, and the other takes you through the woods to waterfalls and historic stone walls. Both are worth adding to your list if you love exploring the outdoors.

A couple of weekends ago, my wife and I packed up the boys and headed to the Carbide Willson Ruins in Gatineau Park. It’s a short hike—just over a kilometre each way—which makes it a great choice for families. The trail winds through the forest before opening up to the ruins of an old stone mill tucked beside a small waterfall.

What I really like about this hike is how much you get for so little effort. You don’t have to be an avid hiker to enjoy it! The trail is wide, shaded, and manageable for all ages. Plus, since it starts right near O’Brien Beach at Meech Lake, you can easily pair the hike with a picnic or even a swim on a warm day.

Another hike we often enjoy is Eagle’s Nest Lookout in Calabogie. This one’s a bit more of a climb than Carbide Willson, but still very doable even with kids in tow. What’s great about Eagle’s Nest is that you have options. There’s a shorter trail that is about 20 minutes from the parking area. This trail takes you straight up to the lookout. Or, if you’re looking for more of a workout, you can tackle the Manitou Mountain Trail, a 9 km route that winds through the forest and passes by a couple of other lookouts before leading you to the main one.

No matter which route you choose, the payoff is the same: a jaw-dropping panorama over the Madawaska Highlands. It’s the kind of view that makes you stop, take a deep breath, and just take it all in. One thing I always tell people about Eagle’s Nest is to plan ahead for parking and timing—it’s a popular spot, especially on nice weekends. If you can head out early in the day, you’ll beat the crowds and really get to enjoy the lookout at its best.

Both of these hikes show just how lucky we are to have so much variety so close to Ottawa. The Carbide Willson Ruins is perfect when you want something short, family-friendly, and a little different with its waterfalls and history. Eagle’s Nest, on the other hand, gives you that classic “wow” moment at the top of a cliffside lookout, whether you take the quick route or make a day of it on the longer trail.

If you’re looking for a way to spend a weekend outdoors, you really can’t go wrong with either one. Pack some snacks, head out early, and enjoy what makes our area such a great place to live!

🏡 Ottawa Real Estate Market Update – Big Changes Ahead! 📈

Posted on: November 27th, 2024 by Chris Scott

Hey everyone, Chris here with a quick update on the Ottawa real estate market! The past few weeks have been eventful, with interest rates dropping, including a significant half-point cut by the Bank of Canada. This shift is already impacting the market—buyers are coming back, multiple offers are returning, and momentum is building.

Here’s what I’m seeing:

  • Buyer activity is picking up as affordability improves.
  • Low inventory remains a challenge, with fewer new builds and limited resale options.
  • Market predictions: A potential shift to a seller’s market in early 2024, with home prices projected to rise by 5-6%.

Every neighborhood is different, so if you’re curious about what’s happening in your area, reach out to my team. Let’s chat about how these changes might impact your real estate goals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUBURBAN STATISTICS UPDATE OCTOBER 2024

Posted on: November 8th, 2024 by Chris Scott

Here’s the latest update in our Suburban Statistics Series, featuring insights on the five largest urban neighborhoods in Ottawa. With Ottawa’s spread-out layout, it’s always fascinating to see how each area’s market trends vary. These stats compare MLS OREB sales from January 1 to October 31, 2023, with the same period in 2024.

 

 

Bank of Canada Rate Update: What It Means for the Ottawa Real Estate Market

Posted on: October 23rd, 2024 by Chris Scott

We’ve got some positive news to share! The Bank of Canada has reduced its main lending rate by half a percentage point, bringing it down to 3.75%. This marks the fourth consecutive rate cut, and there’s a chance we might see another reduction in December.

What Does This Mean for Buyers?

If you’ve been waiting for some good news before making a move, this might be it! The lower rates will impact affordability, potentially easing monthly mortgage payments. With limited inventory in Ottawa, we might even see some upward pressure on prices in 2025 as affordability improves.

Thinking of Making a Move?

If you’re considering upsizing or buying your first home, now could be a good time to enter the market before potential competition heats up early next year. And for those set to renew their mortgages next year, these rate cuts could make a significant difference. While renewal rates will be higher than in recent years, the reductions will still help many Canadians stay comfortably in their homes.

Curious about what’s happening in your neighborhood? Reach out to us—always happy to help!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ottawa Suburban Real Estate: A Market Holding Steady

Posted on: October 3rd, 2024 by Chris Scott

As we move into the fall season, Ottawa’s suburban real estate market remains surprisingly stable, even amidst economic uncertainty. High interest rates and inflation have not significantly impacted the prices of two-story, double-car garage homes in key suburban areas like Stittsville, Kanata, Barrhaven, Riverside South, and Orleans.

For example, Stittsville leads the pack with an average price of around $960,000 for this type of home, while Orleans offers a more affordable option at around $845,000. These price differences highlight the variety within Ottawa’s suburban neighbourhoods, but the overall theme remains consistent—minimal price fluctuations compared to last year.

One of the most intriguing findings is in Barrhaven, where the average sale price has barely budged from 2023. This stability across the board suggests that Ottawa’s real estate market may be gearing up for a shift, particularly if interest rates start to decline next year as many expect.

If you’re curious about what’s happening in your specific neighbourhood, or want more insights on how these trends could affect your buying or selling plans, feel free to reach out. Our team is always here to help guide you through Ottawa’s ever-evolving real estate landscape.