The Ottawa real estate market has been improving steadily since spring 2016 and 2017 was probably the best year in a decade, with overall unit sales up 10.2% and prices up 6.8% for residential properties and 3.4% for condos.

The good news is Ottawa is still very affordable compared to many places across the country and one of its most stable markets.

Average selling prices 2017:
Detached single home: $ 451,306    +7.6%
Row townhome:            $ 343,958    +4.9%
Semi-detached home:   $ 420,042    +5.7%

Apartment condo:         $ 298,537    + 3.7%
2 story town/condo:      $ 230,141    + 2.9%

Tougher news for buyers will be listing availability in 2018 and definite upward pressure on prices, as listings have fallen to very low levels all across the city.

New listings were down 8.7% over the course of 2017 and that trend is worsening already in 2018 with new residential listings in January down 30% compared to the 5 year average.  Overall listing levels are down 21.7% for residential listings at year end and 27% for condos. 

With increasing numbers of sales and lower numbers of new listings, the supply-demand balance will be swinging even more in favour of sellers, so buyers will have to be very aggressive and prepared for a tough seller’s market.

Here’s some things to do to be ready to buy:
1) have your team in place, so you are 100% ready to buy:  Realtor, mortgage broker, insurance broker, inspectors, lawyer.  Make sure you and your spouse/partner are on the same page concerning priority level of housing features.

2) know your financial plan and pre-qualification levels before even looking at a property. Know whether you will need a property appraisal and if the new 2% qualification threshold applies to your file.  Understand home operating and utility costs, as this may vary from your existing geographic location.  For example:  property taxes may be higher or lower and ditto for heating, electrical or water costs.  Ottawa has much higher property taxes than Toronto per $ of assessment, for example and we also have rental hot water heaters which those from out of Ontario may not know.

3) have a realistic target of home by type, area, features and price and narrow that as quickly as possible.  No sense chasing rainbows in a tough market for buyers.  Wishing you can get the $525K house for $475K will not make it so.

4) have a plan for multiple offers.  Well priced new listings will be attracting multiple offers, so discuss your position in advance with your Realtor.

5) consider builder quick occupancy inventory, as many builders are building some homes on spec to be available for peak delivery months ie summer.

6) search online for exclusive listings and other non MLS® posted properties.  Many are “trying” listings out on 3^rd party sites and social media before posting on MLS®, so you may find listings on social media groups or via search engine alerts.

7) drive through your geographic areas regularly (if possible) to look for new lawn signs popping up.  New ones may have toppers that say:  “coming soon” or “exclusive” listing.  These may be good choices if you can find them before other buyers.  The fragmentation of listings from the central MLS® system makes it difficult for buyer agents to stay on top of all new listings appearing in your areas of interest and one cannot be satisfied that electronic means will be sufficient in getting you in to see the hot new listings, before other buyers.

If we can assist with your Ottawa purchase plans this year or answer any questions, please do not hesitate to call  613-435-4692

Gord McCormick, Broker of Record and Principal Broker
Dawn Davey, Broker
Oasis Realty Brokerage

oasisrealty@rogers.com 

https://twitter.com/OasisrealtyOTT
https://www.facebook.com/oasisrealtyottawa/   http://blog.oasisrealtyottawa.com/

Ottawa real estate is seeing the strongest results in at least 7 or 8 years and overall is considered to be a seller's market right now. (June 1, 2017).  Not a happy prospect for those moving to Ottawa but on the flip side, our price increases have been very low the last 5 or 6 years and overall prices are still very reasonable compared to other large metropolitan areas.

Historically, our market is very stable and does not experience the degree of volatility of many other markets, so investing in Ottawa real estate is still a pretty safe choice.

As demand has grown over the last 12 months, we have seen sales and average prices rising while inventory levels have decreased.  Multiple offers are more prevalent, quality listings are selling even more quickly and combined with some tighter bank mortgage qualifying rules, this has resulted in challenges for both buyers and sellers. 

Anecdotally, we are seeing almost double the number of condtional sales falling through which is partly explained by mortgage hiccups and also inspection issues.

Give us a call if we can help with your relocation plans!

Gord McCormick, Broker of Record
Dawn Davey, Broker
Oasis Realty Brokerage
613-435-4692  oasisrealty@rogers.com  613-371-9691 mobile/text 

Here is a summary of average selling prices by housing type based on results for  year-to-date 2016.  These are only averages of course and will vary by area, age of house, house features etc.

Our current residential real estate market has seen unit sales increases but fairly flat prices and is probably one of the most stable markets in the country.  Decreasing listing inventory levels during 2016 have moved us from a market which favoured buyers in 2014 and 2015 to what we believe is a balanced market though there are signs that supply/demand metrics may soon be favouring sellers, so higher price increases are possible, as listing inventory continues to tighten.

Residential Housing:               Average        +-        

Overall selling price:               $396,699    +1.2%
Overall detached home price: $413,987   +2.3%
Detached bungalow:               $368,172   +1.7%
Detached 2 storey:                  $468,923   + .9%
Row townhome:                      $327,573    +2.1%
Semi-detached home:             $394,900   +1.2%   

Condos:
Row townhomes:                    $226,423    -1.4%
Stacked townhomes:              $223,399    -2.0%
Apartment condos:                 $291,199    +1.7%
overall condos:                       $260,880   + .1%             

Unit Sales 2016:
Unit sales in residential properties have been pretty solid in 2016 with a 5.5% increase in the number of units sold but prices continued pretty flat (as has been the case for 4 years) with an average price increase less than inflation of only 1.2%.

Condo unit sales improved quite significantly in 2016 with an increase of 9.6%.  Average condo selling prices condo pretty flat with an average price of $260,880 through November 2016.

New construction sales have been strong all year with sales up 18% compared to 2015.

Listing Inventory: 
Listing inventory had been elevated to some historical highs over 2014 and 2015 and fortunately, these levels have eased significantly in 2016.  New listings have declined by approx 7% this year and the number of listings available at the end of November 2016 shows residential listings down 14.3% and condo listings down 13.3% from a year ago.  This is a very positive development and a key area to watch in 2017, as it is a great indicator of supply/demand in the market.

Urban vs suburban:
Price ranges dramatically across the city with highest prices in the core urban areas with much more affordable choices in the suburbs.  Also a wide range of properties in the exurban or sub-rural areas for those who want more property in exchange for a commute.

Summary:
Strongest sales demand is in the $300-$400K and $200-$300K price ranges and these will be properties that should sell most quickly.  Ottawa continues to be great place to buy a residential property!

For experienced assistance with your Ottawa relocation or House hunting trip, please give us a call or send us an email.  613-435-4692  oasisrealty@rogers.com

Gord McCormick, Broker of Record
Dawn Davey, Broker
Oasis Realty Brokerage
www.oasisrealtyottawa.com

Brookfield registered service provider for government relocations (IRP)

Whether you are new to the city or returning from elsewhere, we believe we offer the highest possible quality buyer representation at our independent local brokerage.

We both grew up in and around Ottawa and can service the whole area on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River. (Real estate is licensed/regulated provincially)

We have moved corporately ourselves many times and understand the challenges and extra stress associated with adjusting to a new position and a new home.  We do our absolute best to make your buying process as efficient and effective as possible.

We both possess our Broker registration/licence which only 20% of the REALTOR® membership has achieved.

We are not a high transaction brokerage but rather focus on high quality individualized services which we feel provides the best service level and response times possible for our clients.  As a boutique brokerage there are less “moving parts” and we are both intimately involved with every aspect of your service delivery and file.

To see some of the detailed duties we do for our buyers and our philosophy:  http://www.oasisrealtyottawa.com/HomesAuthenticated.aspx?tabid=2541436

Give us a call at 613-435-4692 or email us at oasisrealty@rogers.com

*not intended to solicit those with existing buyer representation

Gord McCormick, Broker of Record
Dawn Davey, Broker
Oasis Realty Brokerage
613-435-4692
oasisrealty@rogers.com