When Is the Best Time to Sell a House in Ottawa? A Season-by-Season Breakdown for Homeowners
Thinking about selling your home but not sure when to list it? You’re not alone.
One of the most common questions Ottawa homeowners ask is:
“When is the best time to sell my house?”
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, there are pros and cons to each season—especially in a city like Ottawa, where our weather and buyer behaviour change drastically throughout the year.
If you're planning ahead (or ready to go now), here's what to consider when timing your sale.
Spring: The Classic Seller’s Market
March – May
Spring is traditionally the most active time for the Ottawa real estate market. Buyers are eager, listings move fast, and homes show beautifully as snow melts and curb appeal returns.
Pros:
Higher buyer demand = more competition
Homes show well with bright natural light and blooming gardens
Great time to list family homes (families want to move before the next school year)
Cons:
You’ll face more competition from other sellers
Need to prep your home in winter (repairs, painting, staging) to be ready in time
Verdict:
If you're ready to prep early, spring is often the best time to maximize your sale price.
Summer: Slower, but Still Strong
June – August
Summer can be hit-or-miss in Ottawa. Some buyers are away at cottages or on vacation, but others—especially those relocating for work—are very motivated.
Pros:
Motivated buyers who want to move before fall
Longer daylight hours mean more showing flexibility
Your home looks its absolute best with green lawns and sunny skies
Cons:
Lower buyer volume, especially around long weekends and holidays
Hot weather can make showings less pleasant (especially in older homes without A/C)
Verdict:
If you’re not quite ready for spring, a well-marketed summer listing can still perform well—just expect slightly less activity.
Fall: Underrated & Often Overlooked
September – early November
Fall is a strong second-best to spring for home sales. Buyers who didn’t land a home earlier in the year are still out shopping, and inventory starts to drop.
Pros:
Less competition from other listings
Serious buyers with clear intentions
Cool weather and fall décor make homes feel cozy and inviting
Cons:
A smaller window before winter hits
Need to keep up with leaf cleanup and exterior maintenance
Verdict:
If your home is move-in ready, early fall is a fantastic time to sell. Listings still move quickly—especially with fewer new homes hitting the market.
Winter: Slower, But Not Impossible
Late November – February
Most people assume winter is a bad time to sell. While it’s true that things slow down, there are still buyers out there—and they’re often more motivated.
Pros:
Very low competition from other listings
Serious buyers (not just “browsers”)
Corporate relocations often happen in January
Cons:
Poor curb appeal (snow, grey skies, bare trees)
Fewer showings due to holidays, cold weather, and travel
You may not get top dollar
Verdict:
If timing matters more than price, winter can work—especially for townhomes or condos. Just be realistic with expectations and price accordingly.
So… When Should You Sell?
Ask yourself:
Do I want to maximize my sale price? Aim for early spring or early fall.
Do I want less competition? Consider summer or winter.
Do I need to move for work or personal reasons? Then the best time is when you’re ready—not just when the market is hot.
At the end of the day, a well-prepared, well-marketed home can sell any time of year. The key is having the right strategy for the season.
Final Thoughts
Timing matters—but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. What really makes a difference is:
Proper pricing
Great marketing
Smart prep work
Knowing what buyers want now
At New Purveyors, we’ll guide you through it all—from strategy to staging to sold. Whether you’re selling next month or next year, we’re here to help you plan it out.
