Ottawa–Gatineau Real Estate Market: June 2026 Review
Ottawa and Gatineau are part of the same large region, but their housing markets present different realities.
In June 2026, buyers will have a greater choice of properties on both sides of the river. However, the market remains a bit tighter in Ottawa, while Gatineau generally offers better affordability and more opportunities for comparing properties and negotiating.
Ottawa and Gatineau at a glance
| Indicator | Gatineau | Ottawa |
|---|---|---|
| Residential sales | 375 | 1 518 |
| Current inscriptions | 1 804 | 4 982 |
| Median price | 480 000 $ | 655 000 $ |
| Inventory Month | Around 4.8 | 3,3 |
| General reading | Balanced market, with more choices | Balanced market |
| Most favorable segment for buyers | Condominiums | Apartment condos |
The difference between the median prices reached 175 000 $. In other words, the median price in Gatineau is approximately 27 % (lower) to that of Ottawa.
However, this comparison should be interpreted with caution. The neighborhoods, property types, age of the buildings, their size, and the composition of sales are not identical in the two cities. Therefore, a property in Gatineau does not automatically cost 175,000 $ less than a comparable property in Ottawa.
The Gatineau real estate market in June 2026
According to data from Matrix and Centris compiled for June 2026, Gatineau recorded 375 residential sales, a decrease of approximately 13 % compared to June 2025.
During the same period, the number of active properties increased by nearly 50 %, reaching 1,804 inscriptions.
Despite this significant increase in supply, the median residential price stood at 480 000 $, representing an increase of approximately 3.2 % year-over-year.
These results do not show a general decrease in property values. Rather, they indicate a rebalancing of the power dynamic between buyers and sellers.
Buyers have more choices, while sellers must pay close attention to the asking price, the presentation of their property, and the current competition in the market.
The different sectors in Gatineau
| Property type | Sales | Median price | Estimated inventory months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detached single-family house | 144 | 545 000 $ | 4,4 |
| Semi-detached or row house | 95 | 460 000 $ | 3,0 |
| Condo or apartment | 100 | 310 000 $ | 6,8 |
The market for semi-detached and row houses remains the tightest segment in Gatineau.
Conversely, condos feature approximately 6.8 months of inventory. This level of supply generally gives buyers more time to compare units, review condominium documents, and negotiate when the asking price does not match market conditions.
Ottawa real estate market in June 2026
In Ottawa, 1,518 residential properties were sold in June, which is 4.9 % fewer than a year ago.
The median price was 655 000 $, down 1.3 % year-over-year. The average price, meanwhile, reached 733 648 $, an increase of 1.3 %.
The difference between the average price and the median price highlights that the average price can be influenced by the proportion of more expensive properties sold during the month.
With 3.3 months of inventory, Ottawa remains, overall, in a balanced market. The ratio of sales price to asking price held steady at 98.5 1Q3Q, while the median time to sale increased from 19 to 22 days.
The different neighborhoods in Ottawa
| Property type | Sales | Inventory Month |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family home | 879 | 2,8 |
| Row house | 429 | 3,2 |
| Apartment condo | 178 | 5,3 |
Single-family homes remain the most stable segment in Ottawa.
Row houses are experiencing more competition among sellers, while condominiums represent the most buyer-friendly segment, with 5.3 months of inventory.
These results demonstrate why it is important to examine the type of property and the neighborhood rather than relying solely on general city statistics.
Gatineau or Ottawa: which market is best suited for your project?
From an acquisition price perspective, Gatineau generally remains more accessible.
A lower price can notably mean:
- a smaller down payment;
- lower mortgage financing;
- potentially lower monthly payments;
- the possibility of obtaining a larger property for a comparable budget.
However, the purchase price is only part of the decision.
Commuting, municipal taxes, condo fees, insurance, utilities, financing, provincial tax regime, and lifestyle should also be considered.
A less expensive property that results in longer daily commutes will not necessarily be the most economical option or the best fit for the household's needs.
Also read: senior taxation
For retirees and future retirees, the province of residence can also affect taxes, contributions, credits, and benefits received.
I have dedicated a separate analysis to the net tax burden on senior households in Quebec and Ontario.
To read: Seniors: stay in Ottawa or move to Gatineau? The tax threshold that can make the difference
This analysis shows, among other things, that Quebec can be advantageous for several low-to-middle income seniors, while Ontario can become more competitive in certain higher-income scenarios.
However, taxation should never be analyzed separately from the cost of housing, services, healthcare needs, transportation, and the desired lifestyle.
This tax information is presented for general purposes and does not replace personalized analysis.
What buyers should keep in mind
The June 2026 market offers more opportunities for comparison than during the very tight markets of recent years.
In Gatineau, buyers generally benefit from better accessibility and a wider selection of properties, particularly in the condo market.
In Ottawa, conditions are also more favorable in the condo apartment segment. Well-located and correctly priced single-family homes, however, continue to attract relatively stable demand.
A higher inventory does not mean all properties can be negotiated in the same way.
The neighborhood, the condition of the building, renovations, condominium fees, work to be done, and recent comparable sales must be analyzed before determining an offer price.
What salespeople should remember
In a market where buyers have more choices, the initial price becomes the deciding factor.
A property listed at too high a price risks remaining on the market longer and requiring one or more price reductions.
Conversely, a well-prepared, well-presented property, and one positioned according to comparable sales, can still generate serious interest.
An effective go-to-market strategy should consider:
- properties currently for sale;
- recent sales closed;
- number of months of inventory in the segment;
- of the state and presentation of the property;
- conditions specific to the neighborhood.
Conclusion
Ottawa and Gatineau remain two active markets, but their dynamics differ.
Gatineau offers a more accessible median price and higher inventory, generally giving buyers more choices.
Ottawa's market remains balanced, with tighter conditions for single-family homes and more flexibility in the condo apartment segment.
The best decision therefore does not depend solely on the city. It depends on the neighborhood, the type of property, the budget, the commute, the cost of ownership, and long-term goals.
As a real estate professional on both sides of the river and a CPA, my approach is to examine the complete picture: the property, market conditions, and the financial implications of the decision.
Need support for your real estate project?
Whether you're considering buying, selling, or comparing your options in Ottawa and Gatineau, every decision deserves clear, personalized analysis.
I will support you with a structured, transparent, and human approach to help you make a decision that is suitable for your reality and your goals.
Contact me to discuss your real estate project.
Sources and methodology
Gatineau's data comes from Matrix/Centris and was compiled for June 2026. Gatineau's months of inventory were calculated as an indicator by dividing the number of active listings by the number of sales made during the month.
Ottawa's data comes from the Ottawa Real Estate Board, including its report titled Ottawa Market Remains Balanced as Supply Shapes June Conditions.
As the Ottawa Real Estate Board uses its own methodology for calculating months of inventory, the data presented primarily allows for comparison of broad trends in the two markets. It should not be used to establish an exact equivalence between the two cities or to determine the value of a specific property.