In a market where not every condo sees the same long-term growth, knowing how to choose a building that holds its value is one of the smartest decisions you can make — whether you're buying your first place or your fifth.
At mattrichling.com, we’ve tracked resale data across hundreds of Ottawa buildings. The truth? Some condos appreciate consistently year after year, while others plateau — or worse — dip after only a few ownership cycles.
If you’re planning to buy in 2025, here are five key indicators we look at when determining whether a condo building is built to hold its value in Ottawa’s evolving market.
1. A Location That’s Still Improving — Not Just Already Good
Everyone knows about the obvious winners: the Glebe, Westboro, the ByWard Market. But the buildings that gain value over time tend to be in areas that are actively improving — think LRT expansions, new commercial developments, and cultural growth.
In 2025, we’re watching neighbourhoods like:
Bayview / Lebreton Flats (transit hub, Zibi expansion)
Vanier North (redevelopment, proximity to downtown)
Little Italy / Preston Street (high walkability, new mixed-use buildings)
These areas offer a mix of livability now and upside later — the ideal formula for value retention.
2. Reasonable Condo Fees Backed by a Healthy Reserve Fund
Low fees are great — until they’re unsustainable. And high fees aren’t always bad — if they come with real value. What we look for is balance.
Signs of a well-managed building:
Steady, moderate fee increases over time (not sharp jumps)
A transparent, fully funded reserve study
No history of special assessments (or signs that another is looming)
If you’re buying resale, we’ll review the status certificate and guide you through the financials. If you're buying pre-construction, we’ll flag which developers have solid track records — and which cut corners.
3. Layouts That Age Well
Square footage matters, but so does how it’s laid out. Long, narrow units? Tough resale. Bedrooms with no windows? Red flag. Tiny kitchens with no storage? Future buyer objections waiting to happen.
The best long-term performers offer:
At least one clear “primary” bedroom with natural light
Proportional living/dining space (not an afterthought)
Storage — inside the unit or accessible via locker
Outdoor space, even if it’s small
Buyers in Ottawa are getting smarter. They’re thinking about quality of life. And so are investors who want long-term tenants.
4. Strong Comparables Within the Building
One of the clearest signs of a condo building that holds value? A strong track record of sales.
When we pull data, we look at:
Number of sales per year (a good sign if units are trading hands consistently)
Sale-to-list price ratios
Days on market (DOM) compared to the city average
Some buildings — like The Galleria, The Mondrian, or The Hudson — have long-standing reputations for strong resale performance. Others may look sleek but don’t hold up when you look at the numbers.
5. A Building That’s Lived-In — Not Just Looked-At
If you’re buying into a building that feels like a ghost town, ask why. In 2025, the Ottawa condo market still has investor-heavy buildings with high vacancy or short-term rental issues — and that can hurt resale value down the road.
We favour buildings that:
Are at least 70–80% owner-occupied
Have an active property management presence
Prioritize livability (good elevators, gym, package handling, cleanliness)
This is the stuff you don’t find on a feature sheet — but it matters when you're reselling or renting out your unit.
The Bottom Line: Smart Condo Buyers Ask Different Questions
In a competitive condo market, the smartest buyers aren’t just asking what looks good — they’re asking what performs over time. We’ll show you how to recognize the signs of a strong building, decode the data, and find a unit that works for you today and holds value tomorrow.
Looking to make a condo move in 2025?
Let’s sit down and talk about your goals. Whether you're buying to live or to hold, we’ll help you make a decision rooted in market truth — not sales pitch.
