Here’s the latest update in our Suburban Statistics Series, highlighting insights from the five largest urban neighborhoods in Ottawa. Given the city’s expansive layout, it’s always interesting to see how market trends differ across each area. These statistics compare MLS OREB sales from January 1 to April 1, 2026, with the same period in 2025.
New Row House Construction with wood sheathing and asphalt roof
There’s been a big announcement this week from the Province of Ontario, and it’s one that could have a meaningful impact on buyers—especially those considering new construction.
In partnership with the federal government, Ontario is expanding the HST rebate on new homes for a limited time, with the goal of improving affordability and encouraging more housing development.
More specifically, the province is planning to temporarily remove the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on new homes for qualifying buyers. The full 13% tax would be eliminated on homes valued up to $1 million from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.
For homes priced between $1 million and $1.5 million, buyers would still qualify for the maximum rebate of up to $130,000, with the rebate gradually decreasing for higher-priced homes—down to approximately $24,000 for homes valued at $1.85 million.
Let’s break down what this actually means.
What changed?
Under this new program, the province is temporarily expanding the rebate structure so that significantly more buyers—and a wider range of home prices—can benefit over a one-year period.
Why this matters
From a real estate perspective, this is a pretty strategic move.
New construction has been one of the biggest pressure points in Ontario’s housing supply. Between rising construction costs, interest rates, and slower buyer activity, many builders have pulled back or delayed projects.
This rebate is designed to do two things:
And in a market like Ottawa—where we rely heavily on a steady pipeline of new housing—this could help bring more inventory online.
What it means for buyers
If you’re considering a new build, this is where things get interesting.
A rebate of this size can:
That said, timing will matter. This is a temporary program, and we’ll likely see increased competition in the new construction space as buyers start to take advantage of it.
The bigger picture
This announcement is really about one thing: supply.
Governments at both levels are trying to unlock more housing by making projects more viable and encouraging buyers back into the market.
Will it solve everything? No.
But it’s a meaningful step—and one that could create opportunities for buyers who understand how to position themselves.
Final thoughts
If you’re thinking about buying a new build this year, this is worth paying close attention to.
There may be a window here where:
And those three things don’t always line up.
As always, the key is understanding how this fits into your overall plan—whether that’s buying your next home, relocating, or investing.
If you want to walk through how this impacts your specific situation, happy to chat.
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 February 28, 2026, with the same period in 2025.
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 January 31, 2026, with the same period in 2025.
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.
When it comes to selling a home, first impressions are everything. That’s why staging is one of the most powerful tools in our real estate playbook. A perfectly staged home doesn’t just look good—it tells a story, invites buyers in, and helps them envision their future in the space.
We recently had the opportunity to work on a condo that was completely vacant when we first listed it. While it had a great space and natural light, it lacked the warmth and personality that buyers are drawn to. That’s when we called in our expert stager, and the results were nothing short of remarkable.
When we first stepped into the condo, it was completely empty—just walls, floors, and windows. While some buyers can see past that, many struggle to picture how furniture will fit, how spaces flow, and how it will feel to live there. Empty rooms can also make a home feel cold and uninviting, making it harder for buyers to form an emotional connection.
The difference was night and day. Once staged, the condo no longer felt like an empty space—it felt like a dream home. The transformation not only enhanced its visual appeal but also made the listing photos pop, attracting more online views and interest from buyers.
And the best part? It worked. The staged condo quickly stood out in the market, leading to more showings and strong interest from potential buyers.
Staging isn’t just about making a home look pretty—it’s about creating a connection. It helps buyers see the potential of a space and imagine themselves living there. In a competitive market, it can be the difference between a listing that lingers and one that sells quickly.
If you’re thinking about selling your home, don’t underestimate the power of staging. Whether it’s a condo, townhome, or single-family house, we have the resources and expertise to make your home shine.
Curious about what staging can do for your home? Let’s chat and make your property stand out!
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
