Autumn has arrived — and with it, Ottawa's second-busiest season for real estate. Here's what September's numbers reveal about prices, inventory, and where the market is headed through the end of 2026.
September is the turning point of the Ottawa real estate calendar. The Labour Day long weekend marks the start of the autumn market, and this year the shift was immediate: new listings surged, serious buyers re-entered the market, and well-priced homes moved quickly. After a balanced summer, September delivered clear evidence that momentum is building into the final quarter of 2026.
Buyers entered September with an unusually strong combination: the largest pool of active listings of the year and a fresh wave of motivated sellers who want to close before winter. The competition that many feared would return after Labour Day did return — but only for turnkey homes priced correctly. For everything else, well-prepared buyers found genuine negotiating room on price and conditions.
September is prime selling season — but only for sellers who respect the market. With new listings up more than 35% month-over-month, your property is competing against far more inventory than it did in August. Homes that were staged, professionally photographed, and priced with precision sold in under three weeks; those that weren't sat and chased the market downward.
Here's how key Ottawa neighbourhoods performed in September:
| Neighbourhood | Avg. Price | Days on Market | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kanata | $795,000 | 19 | Rising |
| Barrhaven | $732,000 | 22 | Stable |
| Orleans | $655,000 | 24 | Rising |
| Nepean | $702,000 | 23 | Stable |
| Downtown (Condos) | $475,000 | 31 | Buyer-friendly |
History tells us Ottawa's autumn market runs strong through October before slowing into the holidays. With inventory healthy and interest rates steady, buyers and sellers alike have a clear window: act decisively in the next six to eight weeks to get the best outcome before the winter lull. If you're planning a 2026 move, September was your signal to start.
Whether you're buying, selling, or just curious about your home's value, I'm here to help you navigate it with confidence.
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