Is Ottawa's housing market stable?

It has historically been steadier than some larger Canadian markets because of the large public-sector workforce, but prices still rise and fall with interest rates and supply.

Does Ottawa charge a municipal land transfer tax?

No. Ottawa buyers pay Ontario's provincial land transfer tax only. Toronto is the city in Ontario that adds its own municipal tax.

Where are new homes being built in Ottawa?

Mostly in suburban areas such as Barrhaven, Kanata, Orléans, Stittsville and Riverside South, along with infill projects in older neighbourhoods.

Ottawa Real Estate Market

Ottawa is one of Canada's most stable housing markets, anchored by the federal public service, a booming tech sector in Kanata, and a bilingual population that keeps demand steady year-round. Whether you're buying, selling, or just watching the market, here's what you need to know.

Understanding the Ottawa housing market

Ottawa's housing market has a reputation for being steadier than Toronto's or Vancouver's, largely because a big share of local jobs are in the federal public service, which tends to hold up through economic swings. Prices still move with interest rates, new supply and federal hiring decisions, and the market can look quite different from one part of the city to another.

Broadly, the downtown core and neighbourhoods such as Centretown and the ByWard Market are dominated by condos and apartments. Inner neighbourhoods like the Glebe, Westboro, Hintonburg and Old Ottawa East have older detached homes and infill. The suburbs, including Barrhaven, Kanata, Orléans, Stittsville and Riverside South, are where most newer detached homes and townhouses are built. Ontario's land transfer tax applies to purchases in Ottawa, with a rebate for eligible first-time buyers, so it is worth running the numbers with our calculators before you make an offer.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ottawa's housing market stable?: It has historically been steadier than some larger Canadian markets because of the large public-sector workforce, but prices still rise and fall with interest rates and supply.
Does Ottawa charge a municipal land transfer tax?: No. Ottawa buyers pay Ontario's provincial land transfer tax only. Toronto is the city in Ontario that adds its own municipal tax.
Where are new homes being built in Ottawa?: Mostly in suburban areas such as Barrhaven, Kanata, Orléans, Stittsville and Riverside South, along with infill projects in older neighbourhoods.