Ottawa Real Estate FAQs: Your Complete Guide to Buying and Selling Homes in 2025
If you’re buying or selling a home in Ottawa, you’ve likely already found yourself Googling questions like “How much is land transfer tax in Ontario?” or “Do I need a real estate agent to buy a home?”
This guide brings together the most common questions buyers and sellers ask — in clear, honest terms — so you can move forward confidently.
Whether you’re taking your first step toward home ownership or preparing to list your property, understanding how real estate works in Ottawa will save you time, money, and stress.
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Buying a Home in Ottawa
How much do I need for a down payment?
In Canada, the minimum down payment depends on the purchase price:
5% for homes under $500,000
10% for the portion between $500,000 and $999,999
20% for homes $1 million or more
If your down payment is under 20%, mortgage default insurance (often called CMHC insurance) is required.
👉 Government of Canada mortgage down payment rules
What are the closing costs when buying a home?
Closing costs typically range from 1.5% to 4% of the purchase price and may include:
Ontario Land Transfer Tax
Legal fees and title insurance
Home inspection fees
Property tax adjustments
Moving expenses and insurance
Ottawa buyers should also budget for utilities setup, small repairs, and furniture once they move in.
👉 Ontario Land Transfer Tax calculator
How long does it take to buy a home?
Timelines vary, but most buyers spend 1–3 months actively searching before finding a home and another 30–60 days from offer to closing.
Your mortgage pre-approval, flexibility on location, and market conditions will influence this timeline.
Do I need a real estate agent to buy a home?
Technically, no — but it’s strongly recommended.
A licensed real estate agent helps interpret listings, identify fair pricing, negotiate terms, and handle paperwork. Buyer representation in Ontario typically comes at no direct cost to the buyer, as the seller pays the commission.
Working with an agent familiar with Ottawa’s neighbourhoods, zoning rules, and market trends can help avoid costly mistakes.
Can I buy a home before selling my current one?
Yes, but it’s situational.
Some homeowners use bridge financing to temporarily cover the gap between buying and selling. Others choose to sell first to avoid carrying two mortgages.
A real estate agent and mortgage broker can help evaluate which option fits your finances and comfort level.
Selling a Home in Ottawa
How do I know what my home is worth?
The most accurate way to determine market value is through a comparative market analysis (CMA) — an assessment of similar homes recently sold in your area.
An agent familiar with your neighbourhood can provide a CMA and discuss how upgrades, lot size, and location affect value.
What are the costs involved in selling a home?
Costs can include:
Real estate commission (split between buyer and seller agents)
Legal fees
Mortgage discharge or penalty fees, if applicable
Repairs or staging costs before listing
Some teams include professional photography and online marketing as part of their service. Always confirm what’s included before signing a listing agreement.
How long does it take to sell a home?
In balanced market conditions, most Ottawa homes sell within a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on price point and neighbourhood.
Well-presented listings, competitive pricing, and professional marketing typically lead to faster results.
Should I stage my home before selling?
A staged home — even just lightly decluttered and neutralized — tends to photograph better and leave a stronger impression on buyers.
Professional staging isn’t mandatory, but a clean, bright, and depersonalized space almost always helps attract higher offers.
When is the best time to sell in Ottawa?
Spring and early fall are traditionally active, but every market cycle is different.
Some sellers benefit from listing during quieter months when inventory is lower and competition drops.
Your strategy should depend on your personal timeline, property type, and local market trends.
Ottawa Market & Neighbourhood Questions
Is now a good time to buy or sell in Ottawa?
Ottawa’s real estate market tends to remain more stable than many Canadian cities, thanks to a large public-sector workforce and steady housing demand.
Interest rates, housing supply, and personal financial readiness should guide your decision more than general timing.
What are the most popular neighbourhoods in Ottawa right now?
It depends on your lifestyle and budget.
Barrhaven: Family-oriented with modern amenities and good schools
Kanata: Known for tech employment and suburban convenience
Centretown & The Glebe: Walkable, vibrant, close to downtown
Orleans: Great for first-time buyers and commuters
Each area has its own strengths — from walkability to resale potential — so it’s worth exploring several before deciding.
What’s the difference between a freehold and a condo?
Freehold means you own the property and land outright.
Condo means you own the unit but share ownership of common elements (parking, hallways, landscaping) through a condo corporation.
Condo ownership often includes monthly fees covering maintenance and repairs.
Are condo fees worth it?
They can be, depending on what’s included.
Many Ottawa condo fees cover building insurance, landscaping, snow removal, and sometimes utilities.
If the amenities align with your needs, the convenience can outweigh the added cost.
Financing & Legal Questions
What’s the difference between mortgage pre-approval and pre-qualification?
Pre-qualification is an estimate based on self-reported income.
Pre-approval involves verification by a lender and gives you a clearer budget range.
Sellers often prefer offers from pre-approved buyers because they show financial readiness.
What happens on closing day?
Closing day is when ownership officially transfers.
You’ll meet with your lawyer (or sign digitally), funds are exchanged, and the title is registered in your name.
You’ll typically get keys once the lawyer confirms the transaction is complete.
Do I need a lawyer when buying or selling?
Yes — in Ontario, real estate lawyers are required to complete the transfer of property ownership.
They handle title searches, fund transfers, and registration of the deed.
Working With a Real Estate Agent in Ottawa
How do I choose the right agent or team?
Start by interviewing a few professionals. Ask:
How long have you worked in Ottawa real estate?
What’s your communication style?
How do you market listings?
What support systems or specialists are part of your process?
Choose someone who provides clear answers and listens to your goals — not just someone with the highest sales numbers.
Can I work with multiple agents?
You can, but once you sign a Buyer Representation Agreement or Listing Agreement, that agent or brokerage represents you exclusively for that transaction.
If you’re unsure, discuss expectations before committing to any paperwork.
What’s the best way to contact an agent?
Most agents respond quickly by email, call, or text, depending on your preference.
If you’re just beginning, start with a short consultation to discuss your goals, price range, and timeline.
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Final Thoughts
Real estate in Ottawa can feel complex, but most of the process becomes straightforward once you understand the basics.
Having the right guidance — whether it’s from a mortgage specialist, lawyer, or licensed agent — makes each step smoother and better informed.
If you have more questions or want to discuss your plans, we’re always here to help.
