Market Insight January 2026

Posted by admin on February 5, 2026

Market Update

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As we move through the early part of 2026, many clients are asking whether the market feels different than it did this time last year. The short answer is yes, but not in a bad way. When we compare year-to-date numbers to 2025, the data points to a market that is slowing down, catching its breath, and becoming more balanced. That shift creates different opportunities for buyers and sellers, depending on their goals and timing.

In Ottawa, the market has eased from the fast pace of early 2025. Year-to-date home sales declined from 605 to 556, a decrease of just under 8 percent. Average sale prices moved from $672,744 to $639,416, about a 5 percent change. Homes are taking a bit longer to sell, with cumulative days on market increasing from 51 to 59 days. We are also seeing fewer multiple-offer situations, with the percentage of homes selling above list price dropping from 12.4 percent to 9 percent. Altogether, these are signs of a market shifting toward balance rather than correction.

In Lanark County, the same theme shows up even more clearly in buyer behaviour. Sales are down from 68 to 60 homes year to date. Average prices have remained remarkably steady, dipping just 0.38 percent from $559,161 to $557,043. The most noticeable change is competition. Last year, 17.6 percent of homes sold above list price. This year, that figure sits at 3.3 percent. Homes are also spending more time on the market, with days on market rising from 65 to 75.

To close, it’s worth remembering that a more balanced market is often a healthier one. Buyers have the space to make thoughtful decisions without feeling rushed, while sellers who price well and prepare their homes properly can still achieve strong results. The key difference this year is strategy. What worked in 2024 or early 2025 may not be the right approach now. Whether you are planning a move soon or simply watching the market, this is a good time to ask questions, review your options, and make decisions based on solid information rather than urgency.

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