Staying in Touch December 2025 Newsletter

Happy December & Holidays!

Happy December! It is a busy time of year and we are all looking forward to the Holidays!

The market is changing in Ottawa, more supply of homes available which seems to be the trend in Ontario. Market time to sell is presently a little longer. List price is important and should reflect recent comparable sales. Royal LePage’s 2026 Market Survey forecasts the aggregate price of a home in Canada to increase 1.0% year over year by the fourth quarter of 2026. For Ottawa the aggregate price of a home is forecasted to increase 2.0% to $788,970.

Overall in November our real estate market in Ottawa largely remained balanced, but supply has grown differently across types of homes. Most notably months of inventory for apartments has risen to 7.3 months compared to the overall 4.2 months for Ottawa.  There were 3,721 properties (all housing types) on the market at the end of November, an decrease of 12% when compared to October 2025 but still 31.3% higher year over year.  The average price for all sold properties in November in Ottawa was $680,496, an increase of 2.2% from last year but down approximatley 4% from October 2025. For more market information read our 50 Years of Change and our newsletter.

This month we’ve included:

• An Update on the Ottawa market and Mortgage information: Predictions for 2026
• Articles: Will the Neighborhood Go Up in Value?, Should I Sell a Home or Purchase a Home in the Winter?, How to Get Ready for Guests this Holiday Season
• Community events to enjoy in our city, including many local area christmas concerts and events!

If you can please support the Kanata Food Cupboard or food bank close to you. They need everyone’s help this year! We are happy to continue to sponsor the U16 Rep B Kanata Blazer’s hockey team again and we wish them all the best this season!

As 2025 comes to a close, it’s always good to look back and reflect on the year. What parts of 2025 did you enjoy the most? and what would you like to do more of in 2026?

We thank you for your continued trust and business in 2025. Merry Christmas and all the best for a wonderful holiday season!

Joan, Victoria & Luc

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   @JoanSmithRealEstateFamily         @JoanSmithRealEstateFamily        Mrs. Joan Smith       The Joan Smith Real Estate Family

Market Update

As of December 9, the Ottawa Real Estate Board reports 880 properties (residential & condominiums) sold in November 2025, a decrease of 18.2% from November 2024 and down 25%, from 1,177 homes sold, when compared October 2025.

There have been 13,075 home sales to date this year which is 1.5% higher than the same period in 2024. The supply of homes on the market has climbed in November, generally providing a good choice of homes on the market and influencing buyer behaviour and competitive pricing.

The average sale price for homes sold in November 2025 was $680,496, increasing 2.2% from October 2024 but down approximately 4% from October. Keep in mind, these are averages so some homes experienced a larger gain and some less, it is key to look at what is happening in your neighborhood, surrounding neighborhoods and with comparable homes.  The year to date average price for Ottawa is still holding close to $700,000, a 3.0% increase when compared to the first eleven months of 2024. Gains were largely driven by single-family sales, which averaged $825,827 in November 2025, an increase of 4.8% compared to November 2024 and up about 4% year-to-date. Townhomes average price was $542,607 in November, a decrease from October and last year’s year to date average price.

For Kanata, unit sales in November (all housing types) were 80, translating to approximately a 34% decrease when compared with October 2025.  Year to date, there were 1,384 sales, about 10.9% increase for the same period in 2024. For greater Stittsville (includes Stittsville, Richmond, Munster & surrounding area), unit sales in November 2025 (all housing types) were 46 units, about a 32.6% decrease from October 2025. Year to date in Stittsville, there were 768 sales, flat from the same period in 2024. In Kanata, the average sale price in November 2025 was $635,795 for all housing types, and the average days on market was 50 days. For greater Stittsville, the average sale price in November 2025 was $678,775 for all housing types and the average days on market was 44 days. (Source: Ottawa Real Estate Board, MLS® Habistat Program, as of Dec. 10, 2025).

November residential inventory in Ottawa – The increase in inventory in November this year is more pronounced than the typical gain this time of year. 1,458 new properties (all housing types) on the market in November 2025, an decrease of 39% when compared to October but still 10% higher when compared to last year. At the end of November 2025, there were 3,721 homes for sale (all housing types), a 12% decrease from October but about a 31.3% higher than last year. The choice of homes on the market is influencing price and buyers’ actions. Generally buyers can be more thorough and look at more homes before making decisions. For sellers pricing reflecting latest comparable sales is important for a successful sale in a reasonable amount of time.

At the end of November 2025, Ottawa’s inventory of homes (all housing types) is 4.2 months, up from 3.6 months of inventory in October. (this is the number of months it would take to sell current inventories at the current rate of sales activity). Months of inventory for single family homes was: 4.0. Months of Inventory for townhomes was: 3.1. Months of Inventory for apartment is 7.3. The increase in new build rental buildings and condos in Ottawa, along will resale is resulting in higher apartment inventory and price pressure. However it is still important to remember that each neighborhood can be different, looking at the details is a must. Contact us if you would like an update on your neighborhood/a specific street or type of home.

*Note: The Ottawa Real Estate Board  is working to resolve a discrepancy on the November MLS^®Home Price Index (HPI) data and it will be distributed as soon as possible.

Click here to read our Ottawa Market Update November 2025 – 50 Years of Change.

Source: Balanced but Softening Ottawa Housing Market Shifts Toward Higher Supply

Latest Mortgage Information

Predictions for 2026: What’s Next for Mortgages & the Real Estate Market

After a year of gradual rate cuts from the Bank of Canada in 2025, industry experts are now turning their attention to what the mortgage and real estate landscape will look like in 2026. With economic conditions shifting and buyers regaining confidence, here are the key predictions and trends expected to shape the year ahead.

1. Renewed Affordability as Rates Normalize – After several incremental rate drops across 2025, borrowing costs have eased, and experts expect this trend to support improved affordability into 2026. First-time buyers who paused their home search during peak-rate years are re-entering the market. Renewing homeowners may finally see relief compared to the steep renewal shock fears from 2023–2024. While rates aren’t expected to return to pandemic lows, more predictable and stable borrowing conditions should create a healthier buying environment.

2. A More Balanced Pricing Environment – Economists predict that 2026 will be a year of price stabilization rather than volatility. After years of swings driven first by rapid growth and later by correction, most markets are expected to level off. Certain regions with strong population and employment growth—such as Ottawa, Montreal, and parts of Atlantic Canada—may see modest price increases. Overall, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of steady, sustainable growth rather than dramatic spikes.

3. Inventory Remains the Wild Card – The biggest unknown heading into 2026 is inventory. If new listings increase, the market could achieve a healthier balance. But if supply lags—especially with many homeowners staying put due to low pre-2022 mortgage rates—prices could face upward pressure again. Builders are also navigating labour shortages, higher material costs, and development delays, all of which limit the pace of new supply.

4. More Creative and Flexible Mortgage Solutions – With a more competitive lending environment in 2026, we can expect: Expanded alternative lending options; More flexible products for self-employed and variable-income earners; Growing interest in hybrid (split) mortgages; Increased use of 30-year amortizations on insured purchases if government policy changes continue. Borrowers will place more value on personalized strategies rather than one-size-fits-all lending.

5. Possibility of Additional Rate Adjustments – Although major cuts are unlikely in early 2026, the Bank of Canada is expected to continue adjusting its policy rate in response to inflation, global economic risks, and GDP growth. Buyers should plan with flexibility. Renewers should understand their options early. Investors should prepare for varied cash-flow scenarios. Rate stability—not extreme highs or lows—is the most likely scenario for the year.

With improved affordability, renewed buyer confidence, and evolving mortgage solutions, many Canadians will find 2026 an attractive year to buy, sell, or refinance. However, housing supply remains the biggest variable, making professional guidance essential. For those navigating purchases, renewals, or strategic refinancing, working with an experienced mortgage expert and real estate professionals will be key to making informed decisions.

Have any questions? Please contact Reni McNeil – Mortgage Agent with Mortgage Brokers Ottawa. renim@mortgagebrokersottawa.com

Beaverbrook

In the Community

Supporting Hockey in Our Local Community

We are pleased to continue to support the Kanata Blazers U16 Rep B team for the 2025-26 season.

Go Team Go!

In the Mood To Sing or Listen to Beautiful Music

Check out these Christmas concerts & events below & more at Concerts

 Choral Festival to Benefit Area Foodbanks presented by The Kanata Choral Society, Sat, Dec 13, 3:00 pm, Glen Cairn United Church, 140 Abbeyhill Drive, Kanata

Handel’s Messiah, Wed, Dec 17, 7:00 pm, Thurs, Dec 18, 7:00 pm, National Arts Center, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa

Christmas with Music & Beyond, Sun, Dec 21, 7:30 pm, Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper Street, Ottawa

Things to Do in December 2025

• Alight at Night Festival – Now through Jan 3
• Glebe Glimmer Holiday Shopping Night – Dec 11
• Ottawa Black Bears – Dec 12 & more
• 613 Holiday Night Market – Dec 12 & and more
• Ottawa 67’s – Dec 12 & more
• Ottawa Black Bears – Dec 12 & more
• All My Favorite Things Artisan Market Series – Dec 13 & 20
• Ottawa Symphony Orchestra – Dec 14
• Holiday Dreams – A Spectacular Holiday Show – Dec 15-16
• Bougie Birch Dreamcatcher Workshop – Dec 18
• Ottawa Charge –  Dec 27 & more
• Bell Capital Cup – Dec 27-31
• Hogmanay Ceilidh 2025 – Dec 31

See more events:
Things to do in Ottawa this weekend &

Ottawa Tourism 

Selling a Home

To help potential sellers, we’ve created a home sellers’ guide that is divided into several topics, from evaluating your home to receiving offers.

Sellers Resources

• Selling & Buying at the Same Time
• Home Sellers’ Guide
• Staging Your Home
• Creating Curb Appeal
• Reacting to Offers
• Receive $50.00 off from 1-800-GOT-JUNK?
  Contact Us for Details!