The Ottawa real estate market showed signs of growth in July 2024, with 1,241 homes sold through the MLS® System of the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB). This represents a 13.6% increase compared to July 2023.

However, home sales were still 7.1% below the five-year average and 8.8% below the 10-year average for July. Despite this, year-to-date sales figures were encouraging, with 8,349 units sold by July 2024, marking a 5.5% increase from the same period in 2023.

The market’s performance is a positive signal amidst the usual summer slowdown, reflecting growing buyer confidence and a steady stream of new listings. Recent policy changes, including interest rate cuts and extended mortgage amortization periods for first-time buyers, could further support the market, though supply challenges remain.

Price Trends

The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) provides a detailed view of price trends:

The overall MLS® HPI composite benchmark price in July 2024 was $648,900, up slightly by 0.1% from July 2023.

Single-family homes had a benchmark price of $734,700, down 0.1% year-over-year.

Townhouse/row units saw a benchmark price of $506,100, an increase of 3.4% compared to last year.

The benchmark price for apartments was $422,800, a decrease of 0.9% from July 2023 levels.

The average price of homes sold in July 2024 stood at $679,610, reflecting a 2.1% decrease from July 2023. The year-to-date average price, however, showed a slight increase of 1.0%, reaching $681,082. The total dollar volume of home sales in July 2024 was $843.3 million, an 11.3% increase from July 2023.

Inventory and New Listings

New residential listings in July 2024 increased by 17.1% from the previous year, totaling 2,231 new listings. Active residential listings at the end of July 2024 numbered 3,480 units, a substantial 37.0% increase from July 2023. The months of inventory, which indicates how long it would take to sell current listings at the current sales pace, rose to 2.8 months, up from 2.3 months in July 2023.

These statistics reflect a market that is gaining momentum, with increasing buyer activity and a growing inventory, although challenges around supply and affordability persist.

Source: Ottawa Real Estate Board

Preparing your cottage or cabin for the spring season is an eagerly anticipated task for many homeowners. As summer approaches swiftly, it's time to gear up for another season of relaxation and enjoyment away from urban life. Ensuring a smooth transition requires meticulous planning and execution. Here's a comprehensive checklist of the top 10 tasks to complete before opening your recreational property for the season.

1. Utility Restoration: Before your arrival, contact utility providers to reinstate electricity, gas, internet, and any other essential services after the winter hiatus.

2. Insurance Review: Ensure that your property, boats, ATVs, and trailers are adequately insured for the summer season to avoid any coverage gaps in case of accidents or natural calamities.

3. Property Inspection: Conduct a thorough inspection upon arrival, checking for weather damage such as missing shingles, clogged gutters, leaks, and debris from fallen branches.

4. Deck and Siding Assessment: Examine the condition of your deck and siding, cleaning outdoor areas and inspecting recreational equipment like barbecues and hammocks.

5. Interior Check: Upon entering, watch for signs of moisture, pest infestation, and unpleasant odors.

6. Ventilation: Open doors and windows to freshen up the interior and consider adding fragrances to combat stale odors. Laundering bedding can also help freshen up the space.

7. Mold Inspection: Check window sills and door frames for any mold growth due to moisture and condensation.

8. Water and Electricity Reinstatement: After thorough checks, restore water and electricity, ensuring pipes are free of leaks or frost damage.

9. Appliance and Electrical System Testing: Verify the functionality of all appliances and electrical systems once power is restored.

10. Replenish Supplies: Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, clean or replace central ventilation filters, refill fire extinguishers, and restock first-aid kits.

By adhering to this comprehensive checklist, you can ensure your cottage or cabin is primed and ready for the summer season ahead!

Interested in learning more about the recreational market in Canada? Read the latest market trends and insights in Unveiling Opportunities: Spring 2024 Outlook for Canada’s Recreational Property Market

With the arrival of warmer weather, Canadians eagerly await weekends filled with waterfront adventures and tranquil evenings around the fire pit. As prime time approaches in the recreational housing market, potential buyers are gearing up to secure their slice of lakeside tranquility or a cozy family retreat, intensifying competition amidst limited supply and driving property values upward.

The Spring 2024 Recreational Property Report forecasts a 5.0% increase in the median price of single-family homes in Canada's recreational regions, reaching $678,930. This projected rise is fueled by a resurgence in consumer confidence, enticing sidelined buyers back into the market.

The pandemic witnessed an extraordinary surge in demand for recreational properties nationwide, driven by remote work opportunities and a yearning for outdoor living. Though economic fluctuations post-pandemic tempered prices, the underlying demand for recreational properties remains strong, hinting at a resurgence in activity for 2024.

In 2023, the median price of single-family homes in recreational regions saw a slight decrease of 1.0% compared to the previous year, following a more substantial decline of 11.7% in 2022. Notably, waterfront properties experienced a 7.9% decrease in median price, while standard condominiums dipped by 1.5%.

Despite fluctuations in inventory levels, 64% of surveyed Royal LePage recreational real estate professionals report sustained or increased demand from buyers. This demand, coupled with potential interest rate cuts, is expected to exert upward pressure on prices in Canada’s recreational property market.

Experts anticipate a slight to significant increase in demand following interest rate reductions, highlighting the market’s resilience to mortgage rate fluctuations. A cut to the Bank of Canada’s key lending rate, anticipated later in the year, is poised to bolster consumer confidence and drive heightened activity in the recreational property sector.

Key highlights from the report include expectations of price appreciation across all provincial recreational markets in 2024, with Ontario leading at 8.0%. Additionally, condominiums in Atlantic Canada witnessed significant year-over-year price growth in 2023, soaring by 16.9%. Despite recent fluctuations, the national median single-family home price in Canada’s recreational real estate market remains substantially higher than 2019 levels, showcasing the enduring appeal of recreational living.

Take the leap into your dream recreational property today! With the Spring 2024 forecast predicting a surge in demand and property values, now is the time to secure your piece of lakeside serenity or cozy family retreat. Don't miss out on this opportunity to embrace the outdoor lifestyle you've been longing for. Contact us now to explore available properties and make your recreational living dreams a reality!

Early signs of a vibrant spring real estate market are evident in Ottawa's MLS® data. In March 2024, the Ottawa Real Estate Board recorded 1,165 home sales, marking a 10% increase from the same period last year. However, despite this surge, sales remained 21.5% below the five-year average and 15% below the ten-year average for March.

Year-to-date figures also depict a positive trend, with 2,678 homes sold in the first three months of 2024, reflecting a 13.1% increase from the corresponding period in 2023. Curtis Fillier, President of OREB, highlights the overall health of Ottawa's real estate market, anticipating an active spring and summer. Fillier notes the growing confidence among sellers, as indicated by the rise in new and active listings, coupled with increased showing activity. However, he observes a cautious approach from buyers, likely due to concerns regarding affordability and limited supply.

Fillier suggests a shift is imminent in the market dynamics, driven by post-pandemic adjustments in housing needs. This includes trends such as downsizing, urban migration, and seeking properties better suited to evolving requirements. Consequently, there's mounting pressure on the mid-range property market in Ottawa, which traditionally faces tight inventory levels. Fillier advises both buyers and sellers not to delay their decisions in this evolving market landscape.

In terms of pricing, the MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) reveals consistent growth. The composite benchmark price reached $636,700 in March 2024, reflecting a 2.7% increase year-over-year. Single-family homes saw a benchmark price rise of 2.6%, reaching $719,000, while townhouse/row units and apartments experienced modest gains as well.

The average price of homes sold in March 2024 was $682,078, up 5.1% from the previous year, with the year-to-date average price showing a 3.2% increase. Overall, the dollar volume of home sales in March 2024 surged by 15.6% compared to the same month in 2023.

In terms of inventory and new listings, March 2024 witnessed a 13.5% increase in new residential listings compared to March 2023, totalling 2,074 new listings. However, this figure remained slightly below the five-year average and significantly lower than the ten-year average for March. Active residential listings also rose by 18.3% year-over-year, with 2,543 units on the market by the end of March 2024. Despite this increase, months of inventory only saw a slight uptick, indicating a persistent imbalance between supply and demand in the Ottawa real estate market.

Take Charge of Your Real Estate Journey Today!

Whether you're looking to buy or sell in Ottawa's dynamic market, now is the time to act. Don't wait on the sidelines as opportunities unfold and market conditions evolve. Reach out and we can guide you through every step of the process. Seize the moment and make your move in Ottawa's buzzing real estate scene!

Selling a property quickly without compromising on price requires strategic planning and execution. Here's an expanded explanation of each point:

1. Make your property move-in ready: Address any necessary repairs and maintenance issues to ensure your home is in top condition. This includes fixing leaky faucets, repairing damaged walls, and attending to any other visible flaws. A well-maintained property gives potential buyers confidence and reduces the likelihood of negotiations over repair costs.

2. Hire professional help: Consider hiring professionals such as cleaners, stagers, or home improvement contractors to enhance the appeal of your property. While this incurs an initial cost, it can significantly expedite the selling process and potentially increase your home's market value. These experts can showcase your property in its best light, attracting more interested buyers.

3. Utilize staging techniques: Staging involves arranging furniture, decor, and accessories in a way that highlights the property's best features and maximizes its appeal to potential buyers. Professional stagers have the expertise to create inviting spaces that resonate with a wide range of buyers, making it easier to sell your home quickly and at a desirable price.

4. Remove sale impediments: Be open to considering offers with conditions, such as contingencies for inspections or financing. Flexibility regarding closing dates can also attract more buyers, especially those with specific timelines or circumstances. By accommodating various buyer needs, you increase the likelihood of receiving offers sooner rather than later.

5. Accommodate viewings: Make your home accessible for viewing appointments, particularly during the initial stages of listing. While it may be inconvenient, accommodating potential buyers' schedules demonstrates your commitment to selling and increases exposure to your property. The more buyers who see your home, the greater the chance of receiving a quick offer.

6. Effective marketing: Utilize various marketing channels to attract qualified buyers quickly. This includes professional photography, virtual tours, online listings, and social media promotion. Highlight the unique selling points of your property and emphasize its value proposition to capture the interest of potential buyers in a competitive market.

By implementing these strategies and potentially exploring other techniques tailored to your specific circumstances and market conditions, you can expedite the sale of your property while still achieving a favourable sale price. Effective preparation, presentation, and marketing are key to a successful and swift real estate transaction.