Should You Move This Summer? A Local Guide for Kanata and Stittsville Homeowners

Considering a move this summer in Ottawa, especially in the Kanata or Stittsville area? You're not alone. Summer is one of the most popular times of year to buy or sell a home. The weather’s better, the days are longer, and many families try to time their move around the school calendar.

But that doesn’t mean summer is the best time for you. Every situation is different, and the decision to move should come down to more than just the calendar.

Here’s what I tell my clients who are wondering whether this summer is the right time to make a move. I’ll walk you through what’s happening in the local market, the pros and cons of moving now, and how to figure out if the timing works for your goals.

Why Summer Is a Prime Time to Move in Ottawa

There are some clear advantages to making your move during the summer months:

1. Favourable weather conditions
   Ottawa winters are no joke, and even spring can be unpredictable. Summer brings dry roads, fewer delays, and no snowbanks to shovel before a showing or a move.

2. More daylight hours
   Longer days make it easier to view homes after work, host open houses, and stage your property with natural light. For sellers, that extra sunlight is a huge advantage when it comes to curb appeal.

3. Kids are out of school
   If you’ve got school-aged children, summer moves reduce disruption. A move in July or August gives kids time to adjust to a new neighbourhood or school before September rolls around.

4. More listings hit the market
   Summer tends to bring an influx of new listings, which can be great for buyers. But sellers take note: more inventory means more competition. You’ll want your home to stand out with great presentation, pricing, and marketing.

5. Ottawa’s seasonal rhythm
   In areas like Kanata and Stittsville, summer is prime time for relocations. With tech-sector moves, federal job changes, and growing families shifting around, there’s usually a healthy mix of buyers and sellers looking to make it work before fall.

What the Ottawa Real Estate Market Looks Like Right Now

It’s not just about the weather. Here’s what’s happening in the local market heading into the summer of 2025:

• We’re seeing more balanced conditions. The extreme seller’s market from a couple of years ago has softened. That means buyers have a bit more breathing room, and sellers need to be strategic about pricing and presentation.

• Inventory is climbing. There are more homes on the market compared to earlier in the year, especially in Kanata and Stittsville. This gives buyers more choice, but also increases competition among sellers.

• Interest rates are still a factor. Many buyers are recalibrating based on where mortgage rates are sitting. Some are adjusting their budgets; others are waiting for potential rate changes later this year.

If you're not sure how these trends affect your situation, I’m happy to walk you through the numbers and what they mean for your neighbourhood.

Questions to Help You Decide if a Summer Move is Right

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to "Should I move this summer?" But here are a few questions I ask clients who are weighing the decision:

1. What’s motivating your move?
   Are you outgrowing your space? Wanting a shorter commute? Looking to get into a certain school zone? Make sure your reasons are grounded in real needs, not just seasonal momentum.

2. Do your finances support the move?
   Whether you're buying, selling, or both, now’s the time to look at the big picture. That includes your mortgage pre-approval, potential sale price, closing costs, moving expenses, and plans for your next home.

3. What’s your ideal timeline?
   If you want to be settled before the end of summer, you’ll need to act quickly. From prepping a home for market to closing and moving, timing matters.

4. Are you staying local or relocating farther?
   If you're planning to stay in Kanata, Stittsville, or another part of Ottawa, I can help you map out what’s available and what’s realistic for your goals. If you’re heading out of town, I’ll help you line up the right resources.

5. Do you feel ready?
   Some people like to think about moving for a while. Others are more decisive. Either way, if you're not sure what your next step is, we can have a no-pressure conversation to talk through the options.

What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know Right Now

If you’re seriously considering a summer move, here’s what I’d recommend based on whether you’re buying, selling, or both.

For Buyers:

• Get pre-approved now.
  With more competition returning to the market, a solid pre-approval puts you in a stronger position to act fast when the right property comes up.

• Narrow your search early.
  Think about what’s non-negotiable: location, layout, price range, etc. Summer listings tend to move quickly, so the clearer you are, the better.

• Factor in timing.
  Most closings happen 30 to 60 days after an accepted offer. If you want to move by the end of August, it’s smart to start looking in June.

For Sellers:

• Prep your home for the spotlight.
  Power wash the exterior, tidy up gardens, and stage your outdoor spaces. Summer buyers love homes that feel move-in ready, inside and out.

• Price with intention.
  The right price is still one of the biggest factors in getting strong offers. I use up-to-date local comps and market insights to help set a price that’s competitive and realistic.

• Make your listing shine.
  From professional photos to well-written descriptions and strategic marketing, a great listing makes a big difference. I handle all of that for my clients.

Doing Both?

If you're buying and selling at the same time, I’ll help you coordinate the timing, plan for the transition, and reduce the stress of juggling two sides of the deal.

How I Can Help You Move With Confidence

Real estate decisions come with a lot of moving parts. My job is to help you cut through the noise, understand what’s really happening in the local market, and make smart, informed decisions based on your goals.

Here’s what working with me looks like:

• Straightforward advice.
  I’ll always give you honest feedback about what’s realistic, what’s worth doing (or not doing), and how to set yourself up for success.

• Neighbourhood knowledge.
  I live and work in the west end, so I know the ins and outs of Kanata, Stittsville, and Ottawa’s surrounding communities.

• Support from start to finish.
  From the first conversation to the final closing date, I’ll be there with a plan, a calm approach, and the right connections to make things easier.

I also know that not everyone who reaches out is ready to move right away. And that’s totally fine. Whether you’re just starting to think about it or ready to list tomorrow, I’m here to help you figure out what makes sense.

Let’s Talk About Your Summer Move

Every move is personal. The right time for one person might not be the right time for another.

If you're thinking about selling your home or making a move this summer, I’d be happy to connect. We’ll talk about your goals, your neighbourhood, and what’s possible in the current market. No pressure. Just a real conversation to help you move forward.

Use the contact form on my website or email me directly to set up a time to chat.

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