The Most Expensive House Ever Sold in Ottawa

Jan 8

Ottawa is often known for having one of the most stable real estate markets in Canada. While prices tend to grow steadily rather than dramatically, there have still been a handful of properties that stand far above the rest. One of the most notable examples is a luxury estate located at 737 Manor Avenue in Rockcliffe Park, which is widely recognized as one of the most expensive homes ever sold in Ottawa.

This property gained significant attention not only because of its location, but also because of its size, architectural presence, and record-setting sale price. Rockcliffe Park is one of Ottawa’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, known for its large estate lots, mature trees, privacy, and proximity to diplomatic residences and the Ottawa River. Homes in this area are rarely listed, and when they are, they tend to attract national attention.

A Record-Breaking Sale in Ottawa

The home at 737 Manor Avenue was originally listed for $7 million and sold for $6.3 million on January 13, 2023. The sale was handled by Marilyn Wilson of Dream Properties Inc., a brokerage that specializes in high-end and luxury real estate in Ottawa.

At nearly 13,961 square feet, the home is significantly larger than most residential properties in the city. It is a two-storey estate featuring seven bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a double attached garage, along with expansive formal living areas designed for entertaining. Properties of this scale and caliber are extremely rare in Ottawa, which is one of the main reasons this sale stood out.

Why This Sale Matters

There have been references over the years to an Ottawa residential sale reaching approximately $8.3 million in 2003, but very little public information is available about that transaction. No confirmed address, listing history, or detailed records are easily accessible. Because of this lack of documentation, the sale of 737 Manor Avenue is widely regarded as the highest publicly documented residential sale in Ottawa’s history.

In real estate reporting, publicly verifiable data matters. Without accessible records, older sales are difficult to confirm or compare. As a result, 737 Manor Avenue currently holds a unique place in Ottawa real estate history as the most transparent, verifiable example of an ultra-luxury transaction in the city.

Features That Set the Property Apart

Beyond the sale price, several features contributed to the property’s value:

A prestigious Rockcliffe Park location, surrounded by ambassador residences and estate homes
Nearly 14,000 square feet of interior living space
Grand formal rooms suited for large-scale entertaining
High-end finishes, including marble flooring, custom millwork, and statement lighting
A landscaped lot with a circular driveway and significant setback from the street, offering privacy that is increasingly rare

These elements combined to create a property that appealed to a very specific segment of buyers looking for space, privacy, and status within Canada’s capital.

Ottawa’s Luxury Market in Context

Ottawa is not typically compared to cities like Toronto or Vancouver when it comes to luxury real estate pricing, but this sale highlights an important reality. While the luxury market is smaller, it is still very much present. High-net-worth buyers continue to seek out Ottawa properties for lifestyle reasons, privacy, and long-term stability.

In recent years, other high-value homes in Ottawa have sold in the $4 to $5 million range, particularly waterfront properties and large custom estates. However, none have surpassed the 2023 sale of 737 Manor Avenue. This reinforces how exceptional the property truly was, even within the city’s upper tier of real estate.

What This Sale Says About Ottawa Real Estate

The sale of 737 Manor Avenue shows that Ottawa’s real estate market, while generally balanced and steady, is capable of producing headline-making luxury transactions. It reflects ongoing demand for rare, high-quality homes in prestigious neighbourhoods and demonstrates that Ottawa can compete, on a smaller scale, with other major Canadian cities in the luxury space.

As of 2026, this property remains one of the most expensive homes ever sold in Ottawa based on publicly available records. Its sale continues to be a reference point for luxury listings in the city and a clear example of how location, scale, and exclusivity can drive value even in a traditionally stable market.