Ottawa's South Keys and Greenboro neighbourhoods have quietly become two of the most practical destinations for buyers navigating a competitive capital real estate market in 2026. Sitting in the city's southeast end, these communities offer a compelling mix of transit connectivity, established amenities, and a broader range of housing types than many inner-city options.
Why South Keys Is Attracting Buyers
South Keys has long been anchored by its OC Transpo Transitway station and the South Keys Shopping Centre, but the neighbourhood's real estate story has evolved well beyond its big-box retail reputation. Condo towers along Uplands Drive and Bank Street continue to draw first-time buyers and downsizers who want LRT-adjacent living without the price tags attached to Centretown or the Glebe. Prices have risen across the board in recent years, but South Keys still tends to offer more square footage per dollar than comparable transit-connected neighbourhoods closer to the core.
For investors, the neighbourhood's rental demand remains strong, buoyed by proximity to Algonquin College's Woodroffe campus (a short bus ride away), as well as general south-end employment corridors near Hunt Club and the airport.
Greenboro: Townhomes and Family-Friendly Appeal
Just north of South Keys, Greenboro has built a reputation as one of Ottawa's more affordable family-friendly pockets. The neighbourhood is dominated by townhomes and low-rise semis, many built in the 1980s and 1990s, which have seen sustained demand from young families and move-up buyers leaving condos behind.
Greenboro's green spaces, including the Greenboro Community Centre and several parks threaded through the subdivision streets, add to the livability appeal. Listings here tend to move relatively quickly, particularly well-maintained townhomes with finished basements and private parking, which remain a sweet spot in the Ottawa market.
Condo Development and the South End Corridor
South-end Ottawa has seen a gradual but steady uptick in mid-rise condo proposals in recent years, with the Bank Street and Hunt Club intersection emerging as a secondary intensification node. While it hasn't seen the explosive tower activity of Centretown or Kanata, the area's zoning and transit infrastructure position it for continued densification.
Buyers considering new builds or pre-construction in this corridor should weigh the longer timeline to occupancy against current resale inventory, which remains more competitive on price.
What Buyers and Sellers Should Know in 2026
For buyers, South Keys and Greenboro represent one of the stronger value propositions in Ottawa's south end, particularly for those who prioritize transit access and don't need to be within walking distance of the ByWard Market. Inventory has tightened compared to a few years ago, so buyers should be prepared to act quickly on well-priced listings.
For sellers, the demand fundamentals are solid. Townhomes and condos in good condition, especially those near transit stops or backing onto green space, continue to attract multiple-offer scenarios during peak spring and fall markets.
For investors, the south-end rental market benefits from stable demand drivers, transit, retail, and proximity to major employers, making it a lower-volatility option compared to some of Ottawa's newer suburban fringes.
Whether you're buying your first condo or looking for a family townhome with room to grow, Ottawa's South Keys and Greenboro neighbourhoods remain a grounded, practical choice in 2026's market.
Source: Ottawa real estate market data 2026
