Military Relocation to Ottawa: What to Expect on Your Posting

Apr 11

Each spring, Ottawa becomes a key destination for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members as military posting season begins. If you’ve received new orders and are preparing for a House Hunting Trip (HHT) or a full relocation, you’re likely balancing tight deadlines, big decisions, and a lot of moving parts.

As a local real estate agent with years of experience supporting military relocations to Ottawa, I understand how to navigate the unique challenges that come with a CAF posting. Whether you’re arriving for a whirlwind in-person trip or need full virtual support from across the country, I’m here to make your move seamless, strategic, and stress-free.

Why Work with a Military Relocation Specialist?

Military moves aren’t like regular real estate transactions. There’s more at stake, less time, and specific steps involved — especially when working through Brookfield Global Relocation Services (BGRS). As a local Ottawa REALTOR® with years of experience assisting CAF members and their families, I offer tailored services designed specifically for military postings in Ottawa, including:

Expert knowledge of the DND and RCMP relocation process
A network of BGRS-approved lawyers, inspectors, and service providers
Neighbourhood guidance to align with your posting location, commute, and lifestyle
Detailed video tours for clients who can’t make it in person or want to get a head start on their HHT
Fast response times and flexible scheduling during your HHT
A deep understanding of the Ottawa real estate market, including schools, commute times, and family-friendly neighbourhoods

What to Expect From Your House Hunting Trip (HHT)

Most military families relocating to Ottawa have just 5–7 days to find a new home. That’s a tight window, which is why my process is built around preparation, speed, and clarity.

Here’s what a typical HHT looks like when working with me:

Initial consult: We meet by phone or video call to go over your goals, budget, posting location, and lifestyle preferences
Curated listing packages: You’ll receive hand-picked properties based on commute times to DND offices, access to schools or transit, and home size
Daily showings: Booked back-to-back for maximum efficiency and flexibility
Video tours: For those buying sight unseen. I provide comprehensive video walk-throughs of properties tailored to your needs. These tours go beyond quick clips—I’ll point out features, flag potential concerns, and give you an honest, on-the-ground perspective so you feel confident and informed, even from a distance.
Offer strategy: Once you find “the one,” I handle negotiations, paperwork, and conditions — all in line with BGRS guidelines and your timeline

Neighbourhoods Military Families Love in Ottawa

Ottawa is filled with diverse neighbourhoods that offer something for everyone — from urban professionals to growing families.

Some of the most popular areas for CAF families relocating to Ottawa include:

Orleans – East-end suburb with bilingual schools and quick access to Montfort and RCMP offices
Kanata – Ideal for families and west-end postings, with parks, schools, and tech-sector jobs
Barrhaven – A top pick for young families looking for great schools and larger homes
Westboro & Hintonburg – Trendy, walkable, and perfect for those posted downtown
Riverside South & Gloucester – Conveniently located for commuting with great access to the airport and downtown

If you’re unsure where to start, I’ll walk you through your options and help you narrow in on a neighbourhood that fits your family’s lifestyle, budget, and commute.

Why Military Families Trust Me

Relocating to a new city — or a new country — is no small task. Whether it’s a CAF posting, an international move, or a cross-country transition, I’ve helped countless families navigate the logistics with confidence and ease. Here’s what some of them had to say:

“Reed is an exceptional agent. He goes above and beyond for every client. We bought our house with his help being out of Canada and our hopes were not high. But Reed made it possible. He found time to respond to every email we sent and provided us with great advice based on knowledge and experience. Our family is very grateful to Reed for all the support and help, his professionalism and accuracy. We would recommend Reed without hesitation. If you are looking for a great agent, Reed is the one.”
— Bibi E, Military Relocation

“Reed was fantastic in helping my fiancé and I buy our first home together. We were moving across the country from Vancouver to Ottawa, so there were obstacles in terms of viewing listings, but Reed handled things on our behalf in a way that made us confident he was looking out for us. He wasn’t shy to be hands-on and prompt with any task, including getting a last-minute inspection during a short visit. He negotiated a price well below list on a property we weren’t sure we could afford. If you're looking for someone who goes the extra mile, Reed is your guy.”
— Matt G, Out-of-Province Buyer

“If you told me we’d buy our forever home over FaceTime, I would have said you were crazy. But travelling five hours each way during a pandemic just wasn’t realistic. We couldn’t have done it without Reed. He got to know our family, took detailed videos, pointed out pros and cons of each home, and gave timely, trustworthy advice. When we finally saw our new home in person, there were no surprises — just lots of smiles and excitement. Thank you, Reed, for making our dreams come true!”
— Michelle F, Relocating Family

Why I Care About Military Relocations

Every September, I lace up for the Canada Army Run — a small way to support and celebrate the service members and families I work with. Wearing the camo jersey and running alongside veterans, active members, and supporters reminds me why this work matters. Helping CAF families feel at home in Ottawa is more than just real estate — it’s about service, stability, and community.