2023 – Ottawa Real Estate Board

Ottawa MLS® Home Sales Stable in November Amid Growing Supply

The number of homes sold through the MLS® System of the Ottawa Real Estate Board totaled 724 units in November 2023. This was a small reduction of 1.6% from November 2022.

Home sales were 31.8% below the five-year average and 27.4% below the 10-year average for the month of November.

On a year-to-date basis, home sales totaled 11,421 units after 11 months of the year. This was a decline of 11.7% from the same period in 2022.

“Sales are performing as expected with the arrival of colder months, and an uptick in new and active listings is bringing more choice back into the market,” says OREB President Ken Dekker. “While more choice may mean the pace of buying and selling has slowed, that doesn’t mean people looking to enter or upgrade in the market should sit back. Prospective buyers or those looking to upgrade have an opportunity to collaborate with their REALTOR® to carefully explore the market, identify the ideal property, and negotiate an attractive deal at their own pace. Sellers will have to manage their expectations regarding the quantity of offers and speed of transactions, and their REALTOR® is the best resource to help them confidently price and prepare their home for a quality sale.”

By the Numbers – Prices:

The MLS^® Home Price Index (HPI) tracks price trends far more accurately than is possible using average or median price measures.

The overall MLS^® HPI composite benchmark price was $628,900 in November 2023, nearly unchanged, up only 1.4% from November 2022.
- The benchmark price for single-family homes was $708,900, up 1.6% on a year-over-year.
- By comparison, the benchmark price for a townhouse was $492,300, nearly unchanged, up 0.8% compared to a year earlier.
- The benchmark apartment price was $424,300, up 1.2% from year-ago levels.
The average price of homes sold in November 2023 was $633,138, decreasing 0.8% from November 2022. The more comprehensive year-to-date average price was $669,536, a decline of 5.7% from 11 months of 2022.
The dollar value of all home sales in November 2023 was $458.4 million, down 2.4% from the same month in 2022.

OREB cautions that the average sale price can be useful in establishing trends over time but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The calculation of the average sale price is based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Price will vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood.

By the Numbers – Inventory & New Listings

The number of new listings saw an increase of 2.7% from November 2022. There were 1,428 new residential listings in November 2023. New listings were 8.4% above the five-year average and 10.4% above the 10-year average for the month of November.
Active residential listings numbered 2,752 units on the market at the end of November, a sizable gain of 15.8% from the end of November 2022.
Active listings were 53.9% above the five-year average and 6.7% below the 10-year average for the month of November. Active listings haven’t been this high in the month of November in more than five years.
Months of inventory numbered 3.8 at the end of November 2023, up from the 3.2 months recorded at the end of November 2022 and above the long-run average of 3.3 months for this time of year. The number of months of inventory is the number of months it would take to sell current inventories at the current rate of sales activity.

Ottawa MLS® October Home Sales Show Typical Lull

The number of homes sold through the MLS® System of the Ottawa Real Estate Board totaled 816 units in October 2023. This was a small reduction of 2.7% from October 2022.

Home sales were 36.4% below the five-year average and 30.8% below the 10-year average for the month of October.

On a year-to-date basis, home sales totaled 10,700 units over the first 10 months of the year. This was a substantial decline of 12.3% from the same period in 2022.

“Life is expensive these days, which likely has both buyers and sellers staying put,” says Ken Dekker, OREB President. “We’re seeing a slow decline in sales activity but it’s minimal and not unexpected for this time of year. Prices are adjusting and coming down, which is also indicative of the types of homes that are selling — apartments seeing the largest increase in sales activity over last October. While Ottawa’s inventory is slowly building, chronic supply issues mean there’s always an undercurrent of demand. Don’t let the lull fool you: now is a prime time for buyers to be looking for opportunities before the current carries us from a balanced market into seller’s territory.”

By the Numbers – Prices:

The MLS^® Home Price Index (HPI) tracks price trends far more accurately than is possible using average or median price measures.

The overall MLS^® HPI composite benchmark price was $638,600 in October 2023, nearly unchanged, up only 1.8% from October 2022.
1. The benchmark price for single-family homes was $721,600, up 2.2% on a year-over-year basis in September.
2. By comparison, the benchmark price for a townhouse was $501,100, nearly unchanged, up 1% compared to a year earlier.
3. The benchmark apartment price was $424,100, unchanged from year-ago levels.
The average price of homes sold in October 2023 was $660,836, increasing 2.9% from October 2022. The more comprehensive year-to-date average price was $671,983, a decline of 5.9% from the first ten months of 2022.
The dollar value of all home sales in October 2023 was $539.2 million, unchanged from the same month in 2022.

By the Numbers – Inventory & New Listings:

The number of new listings saw an increase of 6.6% from October 2022. There were 1,895 new residential listings in October 2023. New listings were 2% above the five-year average and 5.4% above the 10-year average for the month of October.
Active residential listings numbered 3,062 units on the market at the end of October, a sizable gain of 16.7% from the end of October 2022. Active listings haven’t been this high in the month of October in more than five years.
Active listings were 43.8% above the five-year average and 10.9% below the 10-year average for the month of October.
Months of inventory numbered 3.8 at the end of October 2023, just up from the 3.1 months recorded at the end of October 2022. The number of months of inventory is the number of months it would take to sell current inventories at the current rate of sales activity.

Ottawa MLS® Home Sales Hold Steady in Lackluster September

The number of homes sold through the MLS^® System of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) totaled 946 units in September 2023. This was unchanged from September 2022.

Home sales were 29.6% below the five-year average and 23.6% below the 10-year average for the month of September.

On a year-to-date basis, home sales totaled 9,889 units over the first nine months of the year. This was a large decline of 13% from the same period in 2022.

“Sales activity came in right on par with where it stood at the same time last year but was still running well below typical levels for a September,” said Ken Dekker, OREB President. “New listings have surged in the past several months, which has caused overall inventories to begin gradually rising again. However, available supply is still low by historical standards, and we have ample room to absorb more listings coming on the market. Our market is also right in the middle of balanced territory, and while MLS^® Benchmark prices are down from last year they are still trending at about the same levels from 2021.”

By the Numbers – Prices:
The MLS^® Home Price Index (HPI) tracks price trends far more accurately than is possible using average or median price measures.

The overall MLS^® HPI composite benchmark price was $643,600 in September 2023, nearly unchanged, up only 0.5% compared to September 2022.
- The benchmark price for single-family homes was $727,500, essentially unchanged, up just 0.6% on a year-over-year basis in September.
- By comparison, the benchmark price for townhouse/row units was $510,900, a small gain of 2.5% compared to a year earlier, while the benchmark apartment price was $422,300, falling by 1.1% from year-ago levels.
The average price of homes sold in September 2023 was $675,412, increasing by 2.7% from September 2022. The more comprehensive year-to-date average price was $672,837, a decline of 6.5% from the first nine months of 2022.
The dollar value of all home sales in September 2023 was $638.9 million, up modestly by 2.7% from the same month in 2022.

By the Numbers – Inventory & New Listings

The number of new listings saw an increase of 9.8% from September 2022. There were 2,259 new residential listings in September 2023. New listings were 4.8% above the five-year average and 7% above the 10-year average for the month of September.
Active residential listings numbered 2,997 units on the market at the end of September, a sizable gain of 14% from the end of September 2022. Active listings haven’t been this high in the month of September in five years.
Active listings were 33.9% above the five-year average and 18.5% below the 10-year average for the month of September.
Months of inventory numbered 3.2 at the end of September 2023, up from the 2.8 months recorded at the end of September 2022 and below the long-run average of 3.3 months for this time of year. The number of months of inventory is the number of months it would take to sell current inventories at the current rate of sales activity.

Ottawa Resale Market Stalls in August, Supply Challenges Persist

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) sold 1,196 residential properties in August through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System, compared with 1,130 in August 2022, an increase of 6%. August’s sales included 903 in the freehold-property class, up 7% from a year ago, and 293 in the condominium-property category, a 2% increase from August 2022. The five-year average for total unit sales in August is 1,525.

“Sales activity was up marginally on a year-over-year basis in August but remained well below the historical average for this time of year,” says Ken Dekker, OREB President. “There is no shortage of demand given increased immigration and the large Canadian population cohort entering the market. The lack of suitable, affordable housing is a hindrance. High borrowing costs and economic uncertainty are impacting both sellers and buyers, which we expect will continue to result in further market fluctuations.”

Janice Myers, OREB CEO, highlights that these latest figures coincide with the City of Ottawa’s allocation of $110 million for affordable housing. “Even if interest rates were to drop and the economy stabilized, housing will remain out of reach for many Ottawa residents. Collaboration among all levels of government and stakeholders is vital to improving affordability for homeowners and tenants alike. And we need to expand provincial regulations, allowing four or more residential dwelling units on serviced lots, to promote higher-density housing.”

By the Numbers

Average Prices*:

The average sale price for a freehold-class property in August was $709,739, an increase of 0.5% from 2022, and a 5.6% decrease over July 2023 prices.
The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $425,968 an increase of 1% from a year ago, although 1.4% lower than July 2023 prices.
With year-to-date average sale prices at $732,220 for freeholds and $432,571 for condos, these values represent an 8% decrease over 2022 for freehold-class properties and a 5.5% decrease for condominium-class properties.

Inventory & New Listings:

August’s new listings (2,228) increased 7% over August 2022 (2,090) and were on par with last month (2,234). The 5-year average for new listings in August is 2,177.
Months of Inventory for the freehold-class properties has increased to 3 months from 2.9 months in August 2022 and 2.7 months in July 2023.
Months of Inventory for condominium-class properties remains on par with August 2022 at 2.2 months, a slight decrease from 2.3 months in July 2023.
Days on market (DOM) for freeholds have increased to 31 days from 25 days in August 2022 and 26 days in July 2023.
Days on market (DOM) for condos have increased to 29 days from 28 days in August 2022 and 28 days in July 2023.

REALTORS® also help with finding rentals and vetting potential tenants. Since the beginning of the year, OREB Members have assisted clients with renting 4,571 properties compared to 4,172 last year at this time, an increase of 10%.

* OREB cautions that the average sale price can be useful in establishing trends over time but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The calculation of the average sale price is based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Price will vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood.

Stabilized July Resale Market Showing Positive Price Gains

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) sold 1,263 residential properties in July through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System, compared with 1,102 in July 2022, an increase of 15%. July’s sales included 979 in the freehold-property class, up 18% from a year ago, and 284 in the condominium-property category, a 6% increase from July 2022. The five-year average for total unit sales in July is 1,621.

“Both transactions and average prices are up from last July indicating consumers remain confident in the market notwithstanding the two recent quarter-percent interest rate hikes by the Bank of Canada. We’re only a month into the third quarter, but based on July’s positive indicators, we are likely to see solid year-over-year results in the second half,” says Ottawa Real Estate Board President Ken Dekker.

By the Numbers – Average Prices*:

The average sale price for a freehold-class property in July was $754,188, an increase of 5% from 2022, and a 1% increase over June 2023 prices.
The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $435,094 an increase of 2% from a year ago, although 3% lower than June 2023 prices.
With year-to-date average sale prices at $735,103 for freeholds and $433,447 for condos, these values represent a 9% decrease over 2022 for freehold-class properties and a 6% decrease for condominium-class properties.

“July’s average prices are showing positive gains over last year, and year-to-date numbers, as expected, are still closing the gap from the peak pandemic market activity of early 2022. Additionally, inventory continues to climb steadily as new listings are added to the housing stock, creating more options for homebuyers. August may be a slower month in Ottawa, but I wouldn’t take a vacation from shopping for your home.”

By the Numbers – Inventory & New Listings:

July’s new listings (2,234) were 6% lower than July 2022 (2,364) and down 19% from June 2023 (2,755). The 5-year average for new listings in July is 2,336.
Months of Inventory for the freehold-class properties has decreased to 2.7 months from 2.9 months in July 2022 but increased from 2.1 months in June 2023.
Months of Inventory for condominium-class properties has decreased to 2.3 months from 2.5 months in July 2022, but is up from 1.4 months in June 2023.
Days on market (DOM) for freeholds have increased to 26 days from 20 days in July 2022 and 23 days from June 2023.
Days on market (DOM) for condos have increased to 28 days from 20 days in July 2023 and 27 days in June 2023.

“Although we are in a sellers’ market again, the pandemic’s frenzy has calmed considerably. Sellers need to manage their expectations with true market activity — not every property will automatically see multiple offers or immediate sales. Ultimately, a property’s price is determined by how much a buyer is willing to pay. Using the marketing and negotiation skills of a professional licensed REALTOR® is instrumental for both buyers and sellers in this fluid market.”

REALTORS® also help with finding rentals and vetting potential tenants. Since the beginning of the year, OREB Members have assisted clients with renting 3,921 properties compared to 3,528 last year at this time, an increase of 11%.

* OREB cautions that the average sale price can be useful in establishing trends over time but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The calculation of the average sale price is based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Price will vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood.

June’s Resale Market Eases into Summer

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) sold 1,658 residential properties in June through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System, compared with 1,493 in June 2022, an increase of 11%. June’s sales included 1,234 in the freehold-property class, up 10% from a year ago, and 424 in the condominium-property category, a 16% increase from June 2022. The five-year average for total unit sales in June is 1,881.

“Although June’s transactions surpassed last year’s, the number of sales, average prices, and new listings declined on a week-to-week basis over the course of the month. Compounded by the typical summer decline in activity, the Bank of Canada’s interest rate adjustment at the beginning of the month may have also flattened the curve,” says Ottawa Real Estate Board President Ken Dekker.

By the Numbers – Average Prices*:

The average sale price for a freehold-class property in June was $746,445, a decrease of 4% from 2022, but still on par with May 2023 prices.
The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $448,380, an increase of 2% from a year ago and up 1% over May 2023 prices.
With year-to-date average sale prices at $731,847 for freeholds and $432,885 for condos, these values represent a 10% decrease over 2022 for freehold-class properties and a 7% decrease for condominium-class properties.

“Supply is trending in the right direction. The increase in inventory is encouraging and indicates sellers have confidence in the market. A growing resale housing stock will result in more selection for buyers and more sales,” Dekker suggests.

By the Numbers – Inventory & New Listings:

June’s new listings (2,758) were 14% lower than June 2022 (3,212) and down 2% from May 2023 (2,822). The 5-year average for new listings in June is 2,802.
Months of Inventory for the freehold-class properties has increased to 2.1 months from 1.9 months in June 2022 and 1.5 months in May 2023.
Months of Inventory for condominium-class properties has decreased to 1.4 months from 1.6 months in June 2022, although up from 1.3 months in May 2023.
Days on market (DOM) for freeholds stayed on par with last month at 23 days and increased to 27 days for condos compared to last month (26 days).

“We are looking forward to a strong second half of 2023 in terms of sales volume and prices compared to last year. Whichever side of the transaction you are on, the advice of a professional REALTOR® who has their pulse on the week-to-week variabilities in Ottawa’s resale market is priceless.”

REALTORS® also help with finding rentals and vetting potential tenants. Since the beginning of the year, OREB Members have assisted clients with renting 3,336 properties compared to 2,919 last year at this time, an increase of 14%.

A Special Message from the Ottawa Real Estate Board: Promoting a more inclusive and accepting community

This message on behalf of the board of directors is to address the recent social media posts and discussions by members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) promoting hateful thoughts against the LGBTQ2S+ community.

Hate has no place in our community. OREB unequivocally and unapologetically condemns any message or behaviour of intolerance and divisiveness against all persons, families and communities.

Chief among the values that we uphold are professionalism, integrity and ethical practice. At OREB, we are resolute in our commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for our staff, our members, and clients. We believe in treating everyone with respect and ensuring that our industry serves the needs of all individuals, and we will continue our efforts to promote a more inclusive and accepting community.

Ken Dekker
Ottawa Real Estate Board
2023 President

Ottawa resale market heats up in May

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) sold 1,939 residential properties in May through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System, compared with 1,830 in May 2022, an increase of 6%. May’s sales included 1,477 in the freehold-property class, up 8% from a year ago, and 462 in the condominium-property category, a 1% increase from May 2022. The five-year average for total unit sales in May is 1,961.

Sales increase for the first time since February 2022

“Typically the highest-selling month, May’s transactions did not disappoint,” says Ken Dekker, Ottawa Real Estate Board President. “This month we saw the first year-over-year unit sales volume increase since February 2022. It is a promising year for sellers barring any interest rate adjustments, as we saw a correlated drop in sales every time there was an interest rate hike in 2022.”

“However, with only five to six weeks of inventory, we are in a strong seller’s market. With the pent-up high demand and sales volume increasing, we are likely to see upward pressure on prices as demand continues to outstrip supply.”

By the Numbers – Average Prices*:

The average sale price for a freehold-class property in May was $745,902, a decrease of 7% from 2022, but still on par with April 2023 prices.
The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $442,859, decreasing 6% from a year ago. However, it marks a 2% increase over April 2023 prices.
With year-to-date average sale prices at $727,728 for freeholds and $428,394 for condos, these values represent a 12% decrease over 2022 for freehold-class properties and a 9% decrease for condominium-class properties.

“We are not seeing steep price escalations yet. May’s average prices stayed on par with April’s, although prices are well over what we saw at the end of 2022. With demand mounting in Ottawa’s chronically undersupplied market, I expect the average sale price will surpass last year’s figures for a month over the same month in the latter half of 2023 again—provided we do not see interest rate hikes.”

By the Numbers – Inventory & New Listings:

May’s new listings (2,822) were 9% lower than May 2022 (3,117) and up 32% from April 2023 (2,140). The 5-year average for new listings in May is 2,922.
Months of Inventory for the freehold-class properties has increased to 1.5 months from 1.2 months in May 2022 but down from 1.9 months in April 2023.
Months of Inventory for condominium-class properties has increased to 1.3 months from 1 month in May 2022, although down from 1.9 months in April 2023.
Days on market (DOM) for freeholds decreased from 27 to 23 days and 33 to 26 days for condos compared to last month.

“Given our housing stock challenges, some neighbourhoods are again in multiple offer territory. REALTORS® have up-to-the-minute market data and are best positioned to help both buyers and sellers in this evolving competitive resale market.”

REALTORS® also help with finding rentals and vetting potential tenants. Since the beginning of the year, OREB Members have assisted clients with renting 2,731 properties compared to 2,230 last year at this time, an increase of 22%.

Unreserved.com Inc.’s legal action against OREB and Penny Torontow withdrawn

Ottawa — Unreserved.com Inc. and the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) and Penny Torontow confirm that the legal action initiated by Unreserved.com Inc. against OREB and Ms. Torontow has been withdrawn to the mutual satisfaction of the parties on a no-costs/no-damages basis.

As per the terms of the parties’ mutual release and agreement, OREB cannot provide any further information.

Kate Headley
Senior Manager, Communications
613-225-2240, ex. 247
kate@oreb.ca

Resale Market Springs Back in Favour of Sellers

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) sold 1,488 residential properties in April through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System, compared with 1,876 in April 2022, a decrease of 21%. April’s sales included 1,156 in the freehold-property class, down 18% from a year ago, and 332 in the condominium-property category, a decrease of 29% from April 2022. The five-year average for total unit sales in April is 1,739.

“Ottawa’s resale market is on a steady upward trajectory, narrowing the comparison gap to peak pandemic activity in 2022. However, with new listings not keeping pace, the available housing stock is declining, and with less than two months of inventory — we’re back into seller’s market territory,” says Ottawa Real Estate Board President Ken Dekker.

By the Numbers – Average Prices*:

Average prices have increased by 13.9% in four months since the market low in December 2022.
The average sale price for a freehold-class property in April was $747,123, a decrease of 10% from 2022. However, it marks a 5% increase over March 2023.
The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $435,875, decreasing 8% from a year ago, but still a 4% gain over March 2023.
With year-to-date average sale prices at $718,633 for freeholds and $421,722 for condos, these values represent a 13% decrease over 2022 for freehold-class properties and a 10% decrease for condominium-class properties.

“Upward pressure on sales prices continues with average prices increasing for the fourth month since the market low in December. Additionally, multiple offer situations have returned to certain neighbourhoods and overall days on market are maintaining their downward trend. There continues to be low inventory in certain property classes and new product is coming to the market at a slower rate, which is affecting supply.”

By the Numbers – Inventory & New Listings:

April’s new listings (2,144) were 25% lower than April 2022 (2,843) and up 3% from March 2023 (2,089). The 5-year average for new listings in April is 2,575.
Months of Inventory for the freehold-class properties has increased to 1.9 months from 0.9 months in April 2022 but down from 2.3 months in March.
Months of Inventory for condominium-class properties has increased to 1.9 months from 0.8 months in April 2022, although down from 2.1 months in March.
Days on market (DOM) for freeholds decreased from 34 to 27 days and 39 to 33 days for condos compared to last month.

“These numbers are static, snapshots in time. REALTORS® can give buyers and sellers a fulsome day-to-day picture of how the market is shifting and heating up this season. They have their fingers on the pulse of each neighbourhood in the city and can help buyers and sellers make localized, strategic, data-informed decisions.”

REALTORS® also help with finding rentals and vetting potential tenants. Since the beginning of the year, OREB Members have assisted clients with renting 2,151 properties compared to 1,786 last year at this time, an increase of 20%.