12 Jan January 2026 Newsletter – Staying in Touch
January 2026 Newsletter – Staying in Touch
Read the full issue of January 2026 Newsletter – Staying in Touch
Happy January & New Year!
A new year has begun and we are all excited to see what it holds! We are busy trying to understand how the housing market will improve in 2026. There are changes happening in new build and resale homes. What we do know is that buyers are still interested in purchasing a home and trying to determine if this is the right time for them. And those thinking of selling are also thinking about timing. We have always said follow your plan if you want purchase or rightsize.
Overall in December our real estate market in Ottawa experienced the seasonal effects but the supply of homes is continuing to give buyers more choice. Again this depends on the type of home and neighborhood. Ottawa’s market continues to hold steady compared to some other larger markets, however the condo apartment market remains one to monitor with its higher inventory.
The average price for all sold properties in December 2025 in Ottawa was $658,943, relatively flat when compared to December 2024. Year to date for 2025 the average price was $700,349, a 2.8% increase from last year. Annual unit sales in 2025 finished 1.3% higher than total 2024 sales and 4.1% higher than total dollar volume sales in 2024. For more market information read our 50 Years of Change and our newsletter.
Every year is different and some neighborhooods have more activity than others. There are many different reasons why, for example a new neighborhood that is now 20 years old, owners may be considering a change, looking to rightsize, need a different location or style of home. In other neighborhoods that may have more townhomes, after 5 years, we see changes, young families needing more room, job relocations, new families, etc. Our sales show that in 2025, bungalows and adult bungalows were popular, smaller detached two storeys were very much in demand. Although in more supply, townhomes under $650,000 have a good market share. Larger single family homes in good location, close to schools, parks, etc under $1.2 million continue to be in good demand. Rural estate lot properties were also sought after by those changing lifestyles. In 2025 we sold and leased in many neighborhoods, including all communities in Kanata North and South, Stittsville, Barrhaven, Stonebridge, Rural Kanata, Constance Bay, Nepean, Ottawa Center, Ottawa East, Blossom Park and more. From those looking for their first home, upgrading, rightsizing, rural life and investment properties, it was a year full of meeting interesting clients and very rewarding to help many of you.
This month we’ve included:
- An Update on the Ottawa market and Mortgage information: Factors to Consider for a Home Purchase whether for a first home, upgrading or rightsizing
- Articles: How to Start a Fresh New Year & Get Organized?, Does Your Home Match Your Lifestyle?, Interior Home Design Trends Making a Buzz in 2026
- Community events to enjoy in our city, check updates on the Rideau Canal, as well as activities offered by the City this winter & coming spring!
We look forward to supporting Forests Canada again this year. For every client and family we assist, we will be making a donation on their behalf to help long-term forest health and resilience in Canada. Please check out the Coldest Night of the Year Walk, on February 28th, if you would like to participate, volunteer or donate!
We look forward to seeing many of you in 2026 and please don’t hesitate to call or email with any questions or if you would simply like to chat!
Joan, Victoria & Luc
Follow us on:
@JoanSmithRealEstateFamily 
@JoanSmithRealEstateFamily
Mrs. Joan Smith 
The Joan Smith Real Estate Family
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