Relocating to Ottawa: Your Guide to Moving and Buying a Home from Another Province or the U.S.

Jun 6

Thinking about relocating to Ottawa? Whether you’re moving from another province or crossing the border from the U.S., Ottawa is a city that blends opportunity, affordability, and charm in a way few other capital cities can match.

From navigating the home buying process to getting settled in your new community, here’s everything you need to know about making Ottawa your next home.

Why Ottawa?

Canada’s capital is more than just politics. Ottawa offers a balanced lifestyle — beautiful green space, walkable urban neighbourhoods, top-tier healthcare, and stable employment options, especially in government, tech, and healthcare.

It’s also one of Canada’s more affordable major cities, with average home prices significantly lower than Toronto or Vancouver, making it an attractive destination for home buyers.

Buying a Home in Ottawa from Another Province

If you're moving from elsewhere in Canada, the good news is: the process is fairly familiar. However, there are still local nuances:

Financing: You’ll still work with a Canadian lender, but ensure your pre-approval reflects Ottawa prices and property taxes.
Realtor Representation: Work with an Ottawa-based REALTOR® who knows the local neighbourhoods and can be your eyes on the ground.
Remote Tours & Offers: Many buyers now rely on video tours or virtual walk-throughs to make informed decisions before arriving. We help coordinate inspections, appraisals, and even document signing remotely.
Interprovincial Differences: Expect some changes in property tax rates, legal fees, and closing costs compared to your home province.

Moving to Ottawa from the U.S.? Here’s What to Know

Buying a home in Canada as a U.S. citizen is totally possible — but it comes with a few added layers:

Residency & Visa: You don’t need to be a Canadian resident to buy property, but you’ll need to navigate visa or work permit requirements if you’re planning to stay long-term.
Down Payments: Most Canadian lenders will require a larger down payment (often 35% or more) for non-residents, unless you’re employed in Canada.
Financing: Some Canadian banks will work with U.S. buyers, especially the major ones (RBC, TD, Scotiabank) that have U.S. branches. You may also need to transfer funds across the border — talk to your bank about currency exchange and wire options.
Foreign Buyer Ban: As of 2025, the federal government’s foreign buyer ban still applies in some scenarios, but U.S. citizens are typically exempt. Always confirm with your REALTOR® and lawyer.

Choosing Where to Live in Ottawa

Your lifestyle will shape where you land. A few popular neighbourhoods for newcomers:

Westboro: Trendy, walkable, and great for food lovers.
The Glebe: Family-friendly, central, and full of historic homes.
Kanata: Ideal for tech professionals, with great schools and newer builds.
Orleans: Affordable and quiet, with great value for upsizing families.
Downtown & Centretown: Urban living with walk-to-everything convenience.

Not sure what neighbourhood fits you best? We’ll help narrow it down based on your budget, commute, and lifestyle.

What’s the Cost of Living Like in Ottawa?

Compared to other Canadian and U.S. cities, Ottawa offers a relatively affordable cost of living. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Average Home Price (2025): ~$680,000 (across all home types)
Property Taxes: About 1% of the assessed value annually
Utilities: ~$150–300/month for a typical home
Transit: OC Transpo monthly adult pass is $128.75

Tips for a Smooth Relocation to Ottawa

Start with a REALTOR®: Seriously. We can help you find a home, connect you with a lawyer, mortgage broker, and moving company — all from a distance.
Plan for Weather: Winters here are cold — but they’re beautiful. Make sure you consider snow removal, heating costs, and winter tires if you're bringing a car.
Explore Before You Commit: If you can, visit for a few days. Drive around neighbourhoods, grab coffee in different areas, and get a feel for where you belong.
Ask Questions: From school zones to basement flooding zones, don’t guess — ask. We’re happy to be your local guide.

Ready to Make the Move?

Whether you’re relocating from British Columbia, New York, or anywhere in between, Ottawa has something for you. At New Purveyors, we specialize in helping newcomers get settled — not just into a home, but into a neighbourhood, a community, and a new chapter of life.

If you're thinking about moving to Ottawa, let's talk. We’ll walk you through every step, from your first video tour to handing you the keys.