Your Complete Guide to Buying a Home in Ottawa

Before you fall for a listing, get a real picture of your budget. Lenders weigh your income against your existing debt and the new mortgage payment (your GDS and TDS ratios) to determine what you qualify for — and that number is often different from what you assume.

Minimum down payment in Canada is 5% on the first $500,000 of the purchase price, 10% on the portion between $500,000 and $1.5 million, and 20%+ above that. Anything under 20% down typically requires mortgage default insurance (CMHC or similar).

Getting pre-approved — not just pre-qualified — locks in a rate for a set period and tells sellers you are a serious, financeable buyer. Try our mortgage calculator for a first estimate, then book a free mortgage consultation for real numbers.

Ottawa is really a collection of very different markets. Kanata is the tech corridor — family-friendly, newer builds, strong schools. Nepean is established and offers some of the best value per square foot. Barrhaven is one of the fastest-growing suburbs, with a steady supply of new construction. Orleans is more affordable with a strong francophone community. Gatineau, just across the river in Quebec, often means significantly lower prices for a short commute downtown. Downtown and Centretown suit buyers who want walkability and condo living.

Use property search to filter by area, price, and beds/baths with a live map view, or just describe what you want to HAI and let it pull matching listings and comparable market data for you.

A strong offer is about more than price — deposit size, conditions, and closing date all signal how serious and how financeable you are. Common conditions include financing, a home inspection, and (for condos) reviewing the status certificate.

Once your offer is accepted, a real estate lawyer handles the legal transfer, a final walkthrough confirms the home's condition, and closing day is when the keys change hands. Budget for legal fees, land transfer tax, and title insurance on top of your down payment — see the Closing Costs section below.