10 Things You Didn’t Know About Buying a Home in Ottawa

Mar 7

Buying a home in Ottawa is an exciting milestone, but there are plenty of lesser-known aspects that can make or break your experience. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, these insights will help you navigate the market with confidence.

1. Ottawa’s Property Taxes Vary by Neighbourhood

Not all areas of Ottawa have the same property tax rates. Certain neighbourhoods, especially those outside the Greenbelt, may have lower tax rates due to municipal assessments and services provided. If you're torn between two areas, checking the tax rates could help tip the scales in your decision-making.

2. Not Every Home Qualifies for CMHC Insurance

If you're planning to buy with less than a 20% down payment, you'll need mortgage insurance from CMHC (or a private insurer). But did you know that homes over $1 million don’t qualify for this insurance? If you’re eyeing a higher-priced home, you’ll need at least 20% down upfront.

3. You Can Avoid Land Transfer Tax (In Certain Cases)

Ottawa buyers only pay Ontario’s provincial Land Transfer Tax—unlike Toronto, where an additional municipal tax applies. First-time homebuyers in Ontario can receive a rebate of up to $4,000, which can significantly reduce closing costs.

4. Your Offer Might Need a "Rural Well and Septic" Clause

Buying in areas like Manotick, Greely, or Dunrobin? Many homes outside of Ottawa’s urban core rely on private wells and septic systems instead of city water and sewer. You’ll want to include a condition in your offer for a well and septic inspection to avoid costly surprises.

5. Condo Fees Can Increase, and You Can’t Always Predict It

While condo fees cover maintenance and repairs, many buyers don’t realize that these fees can (and often do) increase over time. Reviewing the condo corporation’s financial statements before buying can help you gauge whether the reserve fund is healthy—or if a special assessment might be on the horizon.

6. Ottawa’s Home Insurance Costs Are Lower Than in Other Cities

Compared to Toronto and Vancouver, Ottawa has relatively affordable home insurance rates. This is due in part to lower risks of extreme weather events and fewer high-value claims. However, homes in flood-prone areas, like Britannia or parts of Gloucester, may require additional coverage.

7. Newer Homes Can Have Higher Utility Costs

While newer homes are often marketed as energy-efficient, some have higher utility bills due to larger square footage, extensive use of electric heating, or lack of mature trees providing shade in the summer. Checking past utility bills before buying can help you budget more accurately.

8. Not All Neighbourhoods Have the Same Internet Options

If you work remotely or rely on high-speed internet, don’t assume every area of Ottawa has equal service. Some rural or developing communities may have limited internet providers or slower speeds. Checking broadband availability before you buy can save you from headaches later.

9. Some Older Homes May Contain Kitec Plumbing or Knob-and-Tube Wiring

Homes built between 1995 and 2007 might contain Kitec plumbing, a type of piping that is prone to failure and can be expensive to replace. Older century homes in areas like Centretown or The Glebe may still have knob-and-tube wiring, which can make getting home insurance tricky. Always have a thorough home inspection to check for these issues.

10. Off-Market Sales Are More Common Than You Think

Not every home in Ottawa is listed on the MLS. Some sellers prefer to sell off-market through private sales or real estate networks like Knokd. Working with a well-connected real estate agent can give you access to these hidden opportunities before they hit the open market.

Final Thoughts

The Ottawa real estate market has its quirks, and being informed about these lesser-known details can make your buying experience smoother. Whether you’re purchasing a downtown condo or a country home in Carp, working with a knowledgeable real estate team can help you navigate these nuances and find the perfect property.

Thinking about buying in Ottawa? Contact us to get started!