The Truth About Shared Driveways, Laneways, and POTLs in Ottawa
In Ottawa, not all freehold homes are created equal, and sometimes, what looks like a “dream home” on paper comes with a few quirks you didn’t expect.
If you’ve ever toured a cute semi-detached with a shared driveway, or found a home with a mysterious monthly “road fee,” you’ve probably encountered one of Ottawa’s most common property curveballs: shared driveways, laneway access homes, or POTLs (Parcels of Tied Land).
This guide breaks down what those terms mean, why they’re more common than you think, and how to decide if one of these unique homes is right for you.
What’s a Shared Driveway, Really?
Let’s start with one of the most common—and confusing—quirks in older Ottawa neighbourhoods.
A shared driveway usually means you and your neighbour both use the same strip of pavement to access your individual parking spots. This can work in one of two ways:
Deeded and registered: The access rights are written directly into the property title.
Informal or historical use: It’s been used that way for years, but there may be no formal easement in place.
What to watch for as a buyer:
You may have to coordinate with your neighbour about parking times or snow removal.
Some shared driveways are so narrow that only one car can use it at a time.
You may not be able to build fences, widen the space, or park in certain spots without mutual consent.
Is it a dealbreaker? Not necessarily. For some buyers, especially those who walk or bike often, it’s a minor inconvenience. But if you own two cars or value private access, it’s worth thinking twice.
Laneway Access Homes: Charming or Challenging?
Laneway-access homes are common in areas like Hintonburg, Westboro, and parts of the Glebe and Sandy Hill. In many cases, the home’s front door faces the street, but the parking or garage is only accessible from a laneway, often shared with multiple other properties.
These homes can feel quaint and urban, but they do come with trade-offs:
Pros:
Great use of small lot space in central neighbourhoods
Laneways often feel private and quiet
Some have garage access where street parking isn’t possible
Cons:
Snow removal may not be city-maintained (you may pay into a private contract)
Deliveries and service vehicles may struggle with access
Some buyers feel uneasy about visibility or lighting in narrow back laneways
Pro tip: Always ask who owns and maintains the laneway. In some cases, it’s jointly owned or part of a separate agreement.
What Is a POTL—and Why Does It Have a Fee?
POTL stands for Parcel of Tied Land. It’s a type of freehold ownership that’s “tied” to a common element condominium—often a private road, parkette, or shared infrastructure like sewer or lighting systems.
That means you own your home and lot freehold, but pay a monthly fee for the maintenance of shared features.
These fees are usually much lower than traditional condo fees (think $80–$120/month), and are not for things like a pool or concierge—but rather for snow plowing, lawn care, garbage removal, and sometimes infrastructure repairs on the shared road.
Common POTL communities in Ottawa include:
Avalon Encore in Orléans
Trailwest in Kanata
Fairwinds in Stittsville
Newer infill developments in Alta Vista and Vanier
Why this matters:
Some buyers don’t realize their freehold home comes with monthly fees until late in the process. Others assume they’re buying a condo and are confused by the hybrid structure.
POTLs are often well-managed and predictable, but it’s important to read the declaration and status certificate to understand your responsibilities and rights.
Should You Avoid These Homes?
Honestly? Not at all. In fact, many of our clients prefer POTLs and laneway homes—especially if they value low-maintenance living but want more privacy than a condo offers.
But like anything in real estate, it comes down to understanding what you’re buying.
Here’s how we typically guide buyers:
Buy a home with a shared driveway if you’re comfortable coordinating parking and don’t have multiple vehicles.
Buy into a POTL if you value convenience and don’t mind paying for snow removal and shared road maintenance.
Avoid these properties if privacy, full control over your property, or zero monthly fees are top priorities for your lifestyle.
Selling a Home With One of These Features?
If you’re a seller, you may worry that a shared driveway or POTL fee will turn off potential buyers. But the key is clear, confident marketing.
Here’s what we recommend:
Don’t hide it. Be upfront in your listing about shared access or road fees.
Reframe the value. A shared driveway can be pitched as low-maintenance; a POTL fee can mean no snow to shovel or grass to mow.
Use visuals. Photos of the laneway or driveway situation help buyers picture how it works.
At New Purveyors, we work closely with sellers to make sure buyers understand the full context, so there are no surprises, just well-matched offers.
Final Thoughts
Buying a home in Ottawa means navigating some unique quirks—but that’s part of what makes our neighbourhoods so interesting.
Whether you're unsure about a shared driveway or trying to make sense of a surprise condo fee on your freehold listing, we can help. Our team has walked buyers and sellers through these situations many times before, and we’ll make sure you’re confident in every step of your journey.
📩 Have a question about POTLs, shared access, or quirky Ottawa properties?
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