Debunking the Fear of Real Estate Market Crashes: Why Ottawa's Market Is Here to Stay
The Ottawa real estate market has been a topic of concern lately, with many people speculating about the possibility of a market crash. However, as experienced real estate agents who spend every day in the market and are familiar with its history, we do not see an impending crash. In fact, the Ottawa real estate market has been strong and stable for over 60 years, with high growth followed by moderate growth cycles. Even before the pandemic, we were seeing an upswing in the market, moving from low growth to moderate to high growth.
Understanding the Ottawa Real Estate Market
The Ottawa real estate market is unique in that it is influenced by a variety of factors, including immigration, interprovincial migration, and the local economy. Unlike other areas in Canada, the Ottawa real estate market is more stable due to its diversified economy, which includes private tech companies, public and private colleges and universities, and health care facilities. This has contributed to a solid economic base that has helped keep the real estate market in Ottawa remarkably resilient.
Additionally, the demand for homes in Ottawa is tied to the number of people looking for homes, which is in turn connected to immigration from outside Canada and interprovincial migration. According to the latest census, Ottawa is expected to welcome an additional 1.3 million residents in the next two years. This means that no matter how many new homes are built or how many older homes go on the market, there will always be a steady demand for homes.
Factors Influencing the Real Estate Market
Traditionally, high interest rates, low demand, and high unemployment are factors that can lead to a housing market crash. However, the situation in Ottawa is different from that of the US in 2008. In the US, borrowing money was too easy, which is not the case in Canada. Lenders in Ottawa and across Canada ensure that buyers can pay their mortgages.
Recently, the Bank of Canada raised interest rates by a quarter of a point, but this increase won't have a significant impact on buyers. Even if there are further rate hikes, the number of people looking for homes in Ottawa won't be affected. The demand for homes in Ottawa is high, and the supply of available homes is expected to remain low. Even if more homes are built in the area, demand is still likely to outpace supply.
The Resilience of the Ottawa Real Estate Market
The Ottawa real estate market has proven to be incredibly resilient in the face of economic downturns and other challenges. This is due in part to the diversified nature of the local economy, which has helped to insulate the real estate market from some of the more significant economic swings experienced by other areas in Canada.
In conclusion, the Ottawa real estate market is unlikely to crash. The market has room for growth, and demand will continue to be high due to immigration and interprovincial migration. Additionally, the stable economy and the absence of the three primary factors that cause a housing market crash suggest that the market will continue to remain stable.
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