How the Federal Election Could Affect Real Estate in Ottawa and Orleans

With the federal election right around the corner on April 28, 2025, homeowners, homebuyers, and investors in Ottawa are beginning to feel the ripple effects in the real estate market. Elections often create a sense of uncertainty, and when it comes to big financial decisions—like buying or selling property—many people lean toward caution. If you’re in the Ottawa or Orleans area, here’s what you need to know about how the federal election might influence the real estate market and how to prepare for the weeks ahead.

Buyer Uncertainty During Election Season

Elections often represent a major shift in the country’s political, social, and economic direction, and buyers tend to tread carefully amid this uncertainty. When it comes to real estate, buyer confidence is a critical driver of market activity. Many Ottawa residents are currently choosing to wait until after the election is over before committing to purchasing a property. The thought process is simple—why take on a new mortgage or make a significant investment if policies or economic conditions might change in just a few weeks?

However, a recent rate cut by the Bank of Canada could counteract some of this hesitancy. Lower rates mean cheaper borrowing costs, which can encourage buyers to re-enter the market, even amid election uncertainty. For buyers who feel ready to make a move, now might actually be a good time to take advantage of reduced rates and increased inventory options before demand picks up again post-election.

Sellers Want to Close Deals Quickly

On the flip side, sellers in Ottawa and Orleans are feeling the pressure to list their homes and close deals as soon as possible. Many are concerned that prolonged buyer uncertainty will lead to homes sitting on the market for longer than usual, especially since Spring is typically a more active season for real estate.

Currently, the Ottawa and Orleans real estate market is seeing an influx of new listings, largely driven by the seasonal Spring market boost. Orleans, in particular, has quite a bit of inventory available, giving buyers more options than usual. While this abundance of listings is good news for buyers, sellers should act quickly to get their property on the market and ensure it’s competitive. This includes pricing homes appropriately, staging them effectively, and ensuring they meet buyers’ expectations—homes that seem like a bargain are more likely to attract offers during uncertain times.

A Changing Market Dynamic

The election is coinciding with a balanced market in Ottawa, where neither buyers nor sellers hold a significant advantage. However, with homes taking longer to sell and more conditions appearing in offers, we’re still seeing some cautious behavior on both sides.

That said, Ottawa’s real estate market is resilient. Historically, any slowdown tied to election season has been temporary. Once the election is over, optimism tends to return, and market activity picks up again. With the federal election concluding on April 28, 2025, many experts anticipate a surge in buyer confidence and activity by May. This could shift the market towards a busier pace, especially with the continuing impact of favorable interest rates.

Impact on Real Estate Outlook

For both buyers and sellers, the impacts of the coming weeks will hinge on the election outcome and its perceived effect on personal finances, interest rates, and housing policies. The relatively short slowdown associated with elections typically resolves itself as clarity returns to the market.

If you’re a buyer, now is a great time to evaluate your options while inventory levels in Orleans and Ottawa are healthy, and competition is softer. Take advantage of the low-interest-rate environment to lock in favorable mortgage terms before demand potentially spikes post-election.

For homeowners planning to sell, preparation is key. Listing your home sooner rather than later could help you attract serious buyers who want to close deals quickly before the post-election activity sets in.

Optimism Ahead

While federal elections inevitably bring short-term hesitancy, Ottawa and Orleans’ real estate markets are well-placed to bounce back strongly. Following April 28, renewed confidence and optimism among buyers and sellers alike should bring about a more active market dynamic in May.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply keeping an eye on the real estate landscape, the key takeaway is to plan strategically during election season. Ultimately, the fundamentals of Ottawa’s housing market remain strong, and with favorable interest rates, there are opportunities for every kind of participant in the market.

Stay informed, be prepared, and when clarity comes post-election, you’ll be ready to act. For personalized insights and advice tailored to your real estate goals, reach out to Marc-Andre Perrier Orleans Realtor with Century 21 who understands the unique dynamics of the Ottawa and Orleans markets.