Ottawa’s condo market has been through its ups and downs over the last few years. Prices surged, then balanced out. Interest rates climbed, then fluctuated. Remote work reshaped how and where people wanted to live. But in 2025, one thing is clear: buying a condo in Ottawa is still one of the best moves you can make—whether you’re a first-time buyer, an investor, or just tired of paying rent.
Here’s why.
1. The Cost of Renting vs. Owning Is Still in Your Favour
People love to say, “Buying is always better than renting,” but that’s not always true. In some cities, rent is so much lower than a mortgage that it makes sense to stay put as a tenant.
That’s not the case in Ottawa.
Rents have climbed to record highs, and while mortgage rates are still a factor, the gap between renting and owning a condo has narrowed. If you’re paying $2,500/month in rent for a one-bedroom, that’s $30,000 per year gone. In many cases, that’s not far off from what you’d be paying in a mortgage for a comparable unit—except you’re actually building equity instead of funding your landlord’s retirement.
Yes, buying comes with upfront costs (like a down payment and closing fees), but if you’re planning to stay put for at least five years, owning could still work in your favour financially.
2. Condos Offer Low-Maintenance Living in a High-Interest World
A big concern in 2025 is affordability. With interest rates still above pandemic-era lows, freehold homes can feel out of reach.
Condos? They’re often the more affordable entry point into homeownership. Not only do they come with a lower price tag than detached homes, but they also eliminate the surprise maintenance costs that catch homeowners off guard.
No roof replacements
No unexpected plumbing disasters
No weekends spent shoveling snow or mowing the lawn
Instead, condo fees cover these responsibilities, allowing you to budget with more predictability. And as long as you do your research into well-managed buildings, condo fees won’t be the nightmare people love to make them out to be.
3. The Right Buildings Are Holding Their Value (and Then Some)
There was a time when people worried condos wouldn’t appreciate as well as houses. That’s not the case in Ottawa’s best buildings.
Newer, well-located condos with solid management are still seeing steady demand. Why? Because there’s a massive influx of people who need housing—students, young professionals, downsizers, and investors looking for stable long-term returns.
Some of the top buildings in Ottawa have even increased in value faster than freehold homes in the last few years. If you’re smart about where you buy, your investment isn’t just safe—it’s likely to grow.
4. The Urban Shift Is Back—With a Twist
During the peak of remote work, suburban real estate exploded. People wanted space, home offices, and backyards. But now that hybrid work is the norm, living in the city is making a comeback.
That said, it’s not just about any downtown condo. Buyers in 2025 are looking for:
✔ Proximity to transit (with Ottawa’s LRT finally becoming more reliable)
✔ Walkability to restaurants, cafes, and parks
✔ Modern amenities like coworking spaces, fitness centres, and rooftop terraces
✔ Efficient layouts that maximize livable space
The best condo buildings aren’t just places to sleep—they’re places to live. And in a city where single-family homes in walkable neighbourhoods are expensive, condos offer a lifestyle that feels both convenient and financially attainable.
5. The Resale Market Is Gaining Momentum
One of the biggest hesitations people have about buying a condo is resale value. But here’s what’s happening in 2025:
More buyers are priced out of freehold homes and turning to condos as a permanent option
Investors are seeing the high rental demand and coming back into the market
Older buildings with spacious layouts and reasonable condo fees are attracting downsizers
Unlike pre-construction, where delays and unpredictable pricing have made people wary, the resale condo market in Ottawa is seeing solid, steady growth. If you buy a unit that checks the right boxes (good location, well-managed building, reasonable fees), you’ll have no trouble selling it down the road.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been on the fence about buying a condo in Ottawa, 2025 is shaping up to be a great time to make your move. The rental market is expensive, condos are still relatively affordable, and demand is steady. Plus, the right buildings are proving to be strong long-term investments.
At the end of the day, real estate isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s about how you want to live. If you love the idea of an urban lifestyle, minimal maintenance, and locking in your housing costs instead of dealing with unpredictable rent hikes, buying a condo might be your best move yet.
And if you need help finding the right one? You know where to find us.
