Ottawa Real Estate Board Reports February 2026 Market Trends: Sales Decline Amid Increased Inventory

Ottawa Real Estate Board — February 2026

In February 2026, the Ottawa real estate market recorded 780 home sales, a decrease of 6.8% from February 2025. The composite benchmark price stands at $615,400, reflecting a modest year-over-year decline of 1.3%.

Market Analysis

The Ottawa real estate market continues to experience a shift towards a seller's market, despite a decline in sales activity. Total sales of 780 units in February 2026 are 13.8% below the five-year average and 17.6% below the 10-year average for the month. The increase in active listings, which rose to 2,928 units—an 11.1% increase from February 2025—indicates a growing supply that may be contributing to the downward pressure on prices. The months of inventory have also increased to 3.8, up from 3.1 in February 2025, suggesting that homes are taking longer to sell compared to previous years.

Property Type Analysis

When examining the property types, the benchmark price for detached homes is $693,200, showing a slight decrease of 1.2% year-over-year. Townhouse/row units have a benchmark price of $560,700, down 3.4% from the previous year, while apartments are priced at $385,500, reflecting a 2.7% decline. This variation in price trends across different property types highlights the need for buyers to consider their specific market segment carefully.

Regional Highlights

Regionally, the increase in active listings is notable, as it has not been this high in February for over five years. New listings, totaling 1,582, are 3.2% above the five-year average, indicating that sellers are responding to the market conditions by listing more properties. This influx of new listings may provide more options for buyers, but it also suggests that sellers may need to be strategic in pricing their homes to attract interest.

For Buyers

Buyers are encouraged to take advantage of the increased inventory in the Ottawa market. With more options available, it is essential to conduct thorough research on specific neighborhoods and property types. Buyers should also be prepared to negotiate, as the market dynamics shift, and consider properties that may have been overlooked in previous months.

For Sellers

Sellers should be mindful of the current market conditions and the increase in active listings. Pricing homes competitively is crucial to attract potential buyers in a market where inventory levels are rising. Additionally, staging and presenting homes effectively can help differentiate listings and generate interest in a more competitive environment.