One of the main reasons I wanted to start The Chris Scott Show was simple: I always felt like I had more to say. Our monthly market videos are great, but Ottawa real estate isn’t something you can properly explain in 60 seconds. There’s context, nuance, and a lot happening under the surface.
For the first episode, I sat down with Colin Raines, my longtime partner. We talked through what we’ve been seeing day to day with buyers and sellers and how the past year has really set the stage for what’s ahead.
Looking back on 2025, it wasn’t a bad year, but it was definitely an uncertain one. Between political shifts, trade talk, and a late winter, a lot of people hesitated early on. If you didn’t have to move, many people chose to wait. That said, Ottawa once again showed how resilient it is. Being a government and military town matters. People still needed to buy and sell for renewals, relocations, and life changes.
Even in a year that felt slower, our team had our best year ever. After 20 years in this business, that’s something I’m really proud of. It’s a good reminder that while headlines can sound alarming, the fundamentals of the Ottawa real estate market remain solid.
One of the biggest topics we discussed was mortgage renewals. A large number of homeowners bought in 2021 when prices surged and rates were incredibly low. Now those mortgages are coming up for renewal, and in some cases payments will be significantly higher. That doesn’t mean a crash is coming, but it does mean some households will feel pressure, and a portion may decide—or need—to sell.
Looking ahead to 2026, the biggest local factor is public service employment. Even the possibility of job cuts can slow buyer confidence. When people feel uncertain about their jobs, they tend to pause major decisions. Interest rates will matter too, but likely in a more modest way. Small cuts could help affordability, but they won’t fundamentally change the market on their own.
Inventory is where things really diverge. Single-family homes are sitting in a fairly balanced range. Townhomes are surprisingly tight. Condos remain the toughest segment, with higher inventory and more competition. This is why the market can feel very different depending on what type of home you’re buying or selling.
For buyers, this is a far more reasonable market than a few years ago. There’s more choice, less pressure, and more room to be strategic. Good homes are still selling—sometimes with multiple offers—but buyers no longer need to overreach to compete.
For sellers, preparation matters more than ever. Pricing correctly, presenting the home well, and creating a bit of a wow factor can make all the difference. Homes that stand out are moving; homes that don’t can sit longer. Patience is part of the process right now.
What stood out most from last year were the client wins—helping military families relocate smoothly, negotiating strong value for buyers, and taking listings that hadn’t sold before and getting them across the finish line. Those messages months later saying, “We’re so happy here,” are what make this work worthwhile.
If you listened to the episode, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let us know what you think of this interview-style conversation about the current Ottawa real estate market, and whether this kind of deeper discussion is something you’d like to hear more of.
