Ottawa Housing Market to Remain Balanced Into 2015

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 22, 2014) - According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) Housing Market Outlook, Spring 2014 edition for the Ottawa Census Metropolitan Area (CMA), total starts will decline in 2014 as condominium apartment construction trend below the 10 year average. As economic activity accelerates, starts will rebound in 2015 to 5,200 units. Row construction will moderate from its 2013 level, but will remain robust as builders and consumers have already begun to gradually shift to this less costly alternative to single-detached homes and more spacious one to apartments.

"While lower than historical average mortgage rates remain supportive of housing demand, weaker employment conditions in Ottawa have slowed down resale market activity. Consequently, it is expected that sales of existing homes will retreat in 2014 by over 2 per cent, before picking up slightly in 2015 as economic and employment conditions improve," said Sandra Pérez Torres, CMHC's Senior Market Analyst.

The resale market will remain in balanced market territory until 2015, increasing by 1.1 per cent the growth in MLS® prices. On the supply side of the market, this spring and summer the listings will begin to slow relative to sales, as pent-up demand accumulated over the last months hits the market. Although, the number of existing-home sales will moderate by the end of the year, 2015 will bring positive news once again as economy-wide employment picks up.

As Canada's national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 65 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable and affordable housing solutions. CMHC also provides reliable, impartial and up-to-date housing market reports, analysis and knowledge to support and assist consumers and the housing industry in making informed decisions.

For more information, visit www.cmhc.ca or call 1-800-668-2642. CMHC Market Analysis standard reports are also available free for download at CMHC Housing Market Information.

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