What is the rental vacancy rate in Ottawa right now?
The vacancy rate is the share of rental units sitting empty in Ottawa. A low number means rentals are scarce — which pushes rents up and can push renters toward buying.
The percentage of rental units in Ottawa that are currently empty. A low vacancy rate means rentals are scarce, which puts upward pressure on rents and can push renters toward buying.
As of July 2026, Ottawa's strongest market signal is Hold at 72% — Buy 46%, Hold 72%, Sell 49%.
Market conditions strongly favour holding — prices are stable and inventory is balanced.
What this means for you
A tight rental market (low vacancy) often nudges renters into buying, adding demand. A looser market eases that pressure.
Low vacancy supports rental demand and can make income properties more attractive to buyers.
Ottawa market context
Canada's capital — a stable, government-anchored market less prone to boom-bust swings.