Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Home in Ottawa
Buying a home in Ottawa is exciting — but it’s also one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. From saving for a down payment to moving into your new neighbourhood, here’s a local step-by-step guide tailored to Ottawa buyers.
1. Get your finances in order
Down payment: In Canada, you’ll need at least 5% of the first $500,000 of the purchase price, and 10% on the portion above that. For homes over $1.5M, 20% is required.
Closing costs: Budget about 1.5%–4% of the purchase price for lawyer fees, title insurance, land transfer tax, and adjustments. Ottawa buyers may qualify for Ontario’s Land Transfer Tax Refund for First-Time Buyers, which can save up to $4,000.
Mortgage insurance: If your down payment is under 20%, you’ll need mortgage default insurance (through CMHC or another provider).
💡 Ottawa tip: Homes in central neighbourhoods like Centretown, Westboro, and The Glebe tend to be more expensive, so plan for higher down payments. Suburban areas such as Barrhaven, Kanata, and Orleans often offer more space for less money.
2. Get pre-approved for a mortgage
Meet with a bank or mortgage broker to get pre-approved. This gives you a clear price range and locks in an interest rate (usually for 90–120 days).
💡 Ottawa tip: Ottawa has a large public-service workforce, so lenders are often familiar with steady federal government employment when assessing mortgage approvals.
3. Choose your Ottawa neighbourhood
Ottawa is diverse, and location matters:
Westboro & Hintonburg: Trendy, walkable, lots of cafes and local shops.
The Glebe & Old Ottawa South: Family-friendly, near schools, and close to Lansdowne Park.
Kanata & Barrhaven: Suburban living, bigger homes, and good schools. Popular with families.
Orleans: East-end affordability, French-English bilingual communities, and easy access to Hwy 174.
Centretown & ByWard Market: Condo living, nightlife, and walking distance to Parliament Hill.
Many other neighbourhoods, each offering something unique.
Think about commute times — the O-Train LRT Line 1 runs east–west, and future expansions (like to Barrhaven and Kanata) will affect property values.
4. Hire us
An Equity One agent knows Ottawa neighbourhoods, schools, and zoning, and can help you compete in hot markets.
5. Start house-hunting & make an offer
Tour homes in your price range. When you’re ready, we will draft an Agreement of Purchase and Sale, including:
Price and deposit
Closing date
Conditions (financing, home inspection, condo status certificate if applicable)
💡 Ottawa tip: In fast-moving neighbourhoods like Westboro or The Glebe, expect bidding wars. In suburban areas, you may have more room to negotiate.
6. Book a home inspection
Hire a professional inspector to check the roof, foundation, plumbing, and electrical systems.
💡 Ottawa tip: Older homes in Sandy Hill, Centretown, and Hintonburg may need more extensive inspections for things like knob-and-tube wiring, asbestos, or outdated plumbing.
7. Finalize your mortgage & hire a lawyer
Once conditions are satisfied:
Your lender confirms financing.
You arrange home insurance.
Your lawyer completes a title search, registers the mortgage, and handles funds on closing day.
💡 Ottawa tip: Ask your lawyer about the first-time buyer land transfer tax refund to save money at closing.
8. Closing day in Ottawa
On closing day:
Your lawyer transfers funds to the seller.
The deed and mortgage are registered.
You get your keys!
9. Move into your new Ottawa home
Transfer utilities (Hydro Ottawa, Enbridge Gas, city water).
Update your address with ServiceOntario, Canada Post, and your bank.
Explore your neighbourhood — whether that’s skating on the Rideau Canal, biking along the Ottawa River Pathway, or shopping at the ByWard Market.
Final Thoughts
Buying a home in Ottawa doesn’t have to be stressful. With Equity One Real Estate, you’ll have an experienced Ottawa team by your side — saving money, avoiding pitfalls, and finding the perfect place to call home. Whether you’re settling in Kanata for more space, buying your first condo downtown, or looking for a family-friendly neighbourhood in Barrhaven or Orleans, Ottawa has something for everyone.