How Long Does It Really Take to Buy or Sell a Home in Ottawa?
Most people think buying or selling a home is a single moment — but the truth is, it’s a process. And in Ottawa’s 2025 market, that process is full of variables: timelines shift depending on neighbourhood, price point, competition, mortgage approval, and even the season.
So how long does it actually take to buy or sell a home in Ottawa right now?
At New Purveyors, we break down the full timeline — not just the closing date — so you can plan your move without second-guessing every step.
If You’re Buying a Home in Ottawa…
Here’s what a typical (but realistic) timeline looks like in 2025:
Week 1–2: Financial prep + neighbourhood discovery
→ Mortgage pre-approval, budget check, and pinpointing your ideal area(s).
→ We help connect you with the right mortgage broker if you don’t already have one.
Week 2–5: Showings + offers
→ In higher-demand areas, you may compete. In quieter ones, you may negotiate.
→ It could take 1 offer — or 4. But we’ll be watching market data every day to guide your approach.
Week 6–8: Conditional period + financing + inspections
→ If your offer includes conditions (and many still do), this is when your bank signs off, inspectors do their job, and we manage the paperwork.
→ Condos may also include status certificate reviews, which can add time.
Week 9–16+: Closing + move-in
→ Most closings in Ottawa are 30–90 days out from offer acceptance. You’ll sign final paperwork, lock in your moving date, and transfer funds.
Total time from first chat to keys in hand: About 2–4 months, minimum.
Want to move faster? It’s possible — we’ve done it in under 30 days. But you’ll need a responsive mortgage team, a flexible schedule, and the right opportunity.
If You’re Selling a Home in Ottawa…
Here’s how the timeline usually looks in 2025:
Week 1: Home prep and staging
→ You declutter, we consult. We’ll guide you on what to fix, clean, or remove — and how to present your home for maximum impact.
→ We cover the cost of professional photography and videography for every listing, along with extra marketing including print materials, targeted social media, and email outreach. It’s all part of what we do — no surprise fees or upcharges.
Week 2: Marketing + going live
→ Your listing goes live on Realtor.ca, Instagram, and through our private networks of buyers and agents.
→ With every detail polished and promoted, we hit the market with confidence — and strategy.
Week 2–3: Showings + offers
→ Depending on pricing and neighbourhood demand, offers may come in quickly — or it may take a few weeks to find the right one.
→ We help you weigh each offer’s fine print: financing, conditions, closing dates, and buyer strength.
Week 4–8: Conditional period + closing prep
→ Once an offer is accepted, you may go through a conditional period (home inspection, financing, status review).
→ You’ll also start packing, arranging movers, and booking your lawyer.
Week 9–12+: Closing
→ Final walkthroughs, paperwork, and key handoff — and you’re on to your next chapter.
Total time from listing prep to closing: Roughly 6–12 weeks.
We’ve had listings sell in 48 hours and others take a few weeks — the key is pricing and presentation.
So… Why Does This Matter?
Because when you understand the full timeline, you can plan better. Avoid surprises. And feel less pressure to rush into anything that doesn’t feel right.
At New Purveyors, we don’t just throw up a listing or unlock a few doors. We walk with you from day one — helping you figure out your real timeline, your options, and your plan.
Thinking about buying or selling this year? Let’s figure out what your timeline looks like.
Whether you’re months away or ready to go, we’re happy to chat strategy.
Fill out the form below for more info.
