Ottawa’s August 2025 resale market followed its well-established seasonal pattern and showed signs of balance, according to the Ottawa Real Estate Board.
Realtors sold 1,236 units last month through the board’s Multiple Listing Service (MLS). While down for the second month in a row compared to June 2025, August sales were 12 per cent higher than the same month last year. Two consecutive months of slower sales is in keeping with seasonal trends, said the board, particularly as Ottawa approaches what is typically a more active fall market.
“August was an active month for Ottawa’s housing market, with overall prices trending upward and sales activity stronger than in recent years as the summer season winds down,” said Tami Eades, the board’s president-elect.
“While we continue to see different price movements across segments, the broader picture points to renewed momentum in the Ottawa region as buyers and sellers alike re-engage ahead of the fall market. Ottawa’s market reflects balanced conditions, though we are mindful of broader economic factors — such as federal employment trends and U.S. trade policies — that could affect our market in the months ahead.”
A balanced market
The healthy sales picture in August was coupled with a continued increase in supply, as active listings rose to 3,971, 37 per cent above the five-year average for the month. Bolstered by a 3.2-month inventory — the number of months it would take to sell current inventories at the current rate of sales activity — the number of new listings point to a balanced market, according to the board. A balanced market is considerable favourable to buyers and sellers alike.
There have been 9,936 resale transactions so far this year, up just over four per cent compared to the same period last year.
Housing types and prices
In keeping with the overall August market, single-family home sales were up more than 11 per cent compared to the same month last year but year-to-date numbers are up just under five per cent.
Townhomes jumped more than 28 per cent in August compared to last year. Year-to-date, townhome sales are up 15 per cent relative to last year.
The resale condo market remains weak, with August sales down more then 15 per cent compared to last year and year-to-date sales off by 18 per cent.
Single-family homes sold for a benchmark price of $700,011 in August, up 1.5 per cent over the same month last year. Townhomes went for $466,200, up eight per cent. Condos sold for a benchmark price of $412,300, a one per cent dip compared to August 2024.
