Ontario Construction News staff writer
Ottawa’s new home market showed signs of life in February, with sales rising from both the previous month and the same period last year, according to a new industry report.
There were 278 new home sales in the capital in February, representing a 6.5 per cent increase from the 261 homes sold in February 2025, according to data released March 23 by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) and PMA Brethour Realty Group.
Month-over-month, sales rose nine per cent from the 255 transactions recorded in January.
“While buyers remain cautious, February’s increase could be an early sign of stabilization for the Ottawa market,” Jason Burggraaf, executive director of GOHBA, said in a statement.
Despite the monthly bump, year-to-date sales continue to trail last year’s pace. The 533 homes sold in the first two months of 2026 represent a six per cent drop compared to the 567 sales recorded over the same period in 2025.
“Market conditions are still adjusting,” Burggraaf said. “Hopefully, recent clarity on the federal tax rebate will drive more sales in the last week of March and into April.”
The city’s south end was the most active market in February, accounting for 46 per cent of all new home sales. The west end followed with 33 per cent of the market share, while the east end made up 19 per cent. Central Ottawa continued to see minimal activity, representing just two per cent of sales.
Townhomes were the most popular property type for buyers, accounting for 54 per cent of February’s sales. Single-family homes made up 41 per cent of the total, while condo townhomes represented three per cent and condo apartments rounded out the market at two per cent.
