A new report suggests that some of Ontario’s most affordable housing markets are not in the province’s largest cities, but instead clustered around the Ottawa region.
According to recent data, seven of the top 10 most affordable housing markets in Ontario are located in Ottawa and the surrounding Ottawa Valley, highlighting a growing regional divide in housing affordability across the province.
The findings come from a study by Zolo Realty, which analyzed 96 Ontario cities and towns based on home prices, household income, population growth, and unemployment rates.
Smaller Communities Rank Among the Most Affordable
The report found that several smaller communities within commuting distance of Ottawa ranked among the most affordable in Ontario.
Top-performing markets included:
- Arnprior
- Carleton Place
- Rockland
These areas, typically with populations between 10,000 and 30,000, offer significantly lower home prices compared to larger urban centres.
At the time of the study:
- Arnprior had an average home price of approximately $399,995
- Carleton Place averaged $642,500
- Rockland averaged $580,000
The report noted that smaller cities are increasingly becoming viable options for buyers, particularly those willing to commute.
Larger Ottawa Suburbs Also Rank Highly
Among larger communities with populations over 100,000, Ottawa suburbs also performed well.
- Kanata ranked as one of the most affordable larger markets
- Nepean followed closely behind
Average home prices in these areas were:
- Kanata: approximately $623,750
- Nepean: approximately $615,000
Higher household incomes in these areas also contributed to improved affordability metrics.
Affordability Still Challenged Across Ontario
Despite these pockets of relative affordability, broader market conditions remain challenging.
According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, housing activity in Ontario is expected to remain below the 10-year average, even as lower prices and improving incomes begin to support demand.
Other reports suggest affordability pressures have not fully eased. Data from the National Housing Bank indicates that housing costs in the Ottawa-Gatineau region have continued to rise in recent periods, even as the area remains more affordable than many other urban markets.
What This Signals for Ontario Buyers
The latest data reinforces a key trend in Ontario’s housing market. Affordability is increasingly shifting away from major urban cores and toward smaller cities and suburban regions.
For buyers, this means:
- More affordable options may exist outside major city centres
- Commuter markets are becoming more attractive
- Regional differences in affordability are widening
While these areas may offer relative value, broader affordability challenges across Ontario continue to limit accessibility for many buyers.
References
Abebe, A. (2026, April 12). Seven Ottawa-area markets ranked in top 10 for affordable housing in Ontario. Is Ottawa area the beacon of affordable housing in Ontario? | Ottawa Citizen
Zolo Realty. (2026). Ontario housing affordability report.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. (2026). Housing Market Outlook.
National Housing Bank. (2026). Housing Affordability Monitor.
Canada Housing Market 
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