Relocating / Buying
Relocating to Ottawa: A Practical Buyer’s Guide
Relocating to Ottawa goes best when you settle your priorities before you visit: your commute, your type of home and the part of the city that suits your household. Ottawa is Canada’s capital, a bilingual city on the Ottawa River with distinct settings, from heritage villages near downtown to large suburban communities. A planned visit and a clear shortlist do most of the work.
By Poonam Babbar, REALTOR®, eXp Realty of Canada, Inc., Brokerage
Published Updated 2 min read
Key takeaways
- Decide where you will work and how you will travel first, because the commute shapes everything else.
- Ottawa is a bilingual city of distinct settings: heritage villages, waterfront villages and large suburbs.
- Plan one focused visit: see shortlisted areas at different times of day and meet your lender and lawyer.
- Ask early about mortgage options for newcomers and about rules that apply to non-Canadian buyers.
- Allow for the seasons: Ottawa winters are cold and snowy, so see the area in winter if you can.
Buying in a city you have not yet lived in is easier once the order of decisions is settled: where you will work, how you will travel, and which part of Ottawa fits your household. This guide takes them in that order.
Why do people relocate to Ottawa?
Many people arrive for work in the public service, technology, health care or education, or to be closer to family. Ottawa is Canada’s capital, set on the Ottawa River, with Gatineau, Quebec directly across the water. The Rideau Canal runs through the city and doubles as a skating route in winter when conditions allow.
Which part of the city suits you?
Ottawa is easier to choose from once you know your priorities. Here is a short orientation, with a guide for each area.
- Central and heritage: Rockcliffe Park, New Edinburgh, The Glebe and Westboro have older homes, mature trees and quick access to downtown.
- Waterfront village: Manotick sits on the Rideau River, with larger lots and a small-town main street.
- Suburban communities: Kanata in the west, Barrhaven in the south and Orleans in the east offer a wide range of home types, parks and everyday amenities.
For a method you can use on any shortlist, read how to choose the right Ottawa neighbourhood.
How do transit and commuting work?
OC Transpo runs the buses and the O-Train. Major roads, including Highway 417 and Highway 416, link the suburbs to the centre. Whichever area you favour, test the real commute at rush hour before you decide, and check that your route works in winter as well as summer.
What should you plan before you move?
- Mortgage. Speak to a mortgage professional early. Lenders have their own rules for buyers who are new to Canada or who earn income from abroad, and a pre-approval tells you your range.
- Rules for non-Canadian buyers. Federal and Ontario rules can apply if you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Ask a real estate lawyer before you make an offer.
- Schools. Ottawa has English and French, public and Catholic school boards. Confirm catchments and programs with the board for any address.
- Timing. Think about the gap between closing and your move-in date, and whether you need temporary housing.
- Winter. If you are moving between December and March, plan the move around snow and cold.
How can Poonam help?
Poonam Babbar works with clients in English, Hindi and Punjabi. A short call is the easiest place to start: she can help you shape a shortlist, plan a single focused visit and connect you with the lawyers and lenders you will need. You can also read the relocation page for more on how this works.
Once you have a likely move date and a workplace address, get in touch to plan a single focused visit.
Note: this article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules, rates and limits change, so confirm current details with your lender, lawyer or accountant. Poonam Babbar, REALTOR®, eXp Realty of Canada, Inc., Brokerage.
Questions this article answers
Is Ottawa a bilingual city?
English and French are both widely spoken in Ottawa, and many services are available in either language. Orleans, in the east end, has a francophone heritage and a bilingual character.
Do I need to visit Ottawa before I buy?
Seeing the city in person is strongly recommended, ideally in more than one season. If you cannot visit first, ask Poonam for detailed video walkthroughs, and ask Poonam and your lawyer which steps can be completed remotely.
Can non-Canadians buy a home in Ottawa?
It depends on your status and on the property. A federal prohibition on most purchases of residential property by non-Canadians is currently in force, with exceptions, and is scheduled to end on January 1, 2027 unless the government changes that. Ontario also charges a non-resident speculation tax. Speak to a real estate lawyer before you make an offer.
How does public transit work in Ottawa?
OC Transpo runs the city’s buses and the O-Train light rail. Check routes and schedules at the source for any address you are considering, and test the commute at rush hour.
Which Ottawa neighbourhoods suit people who are new to the city?
There is no single answer. Many households look at suburban communities such as Kanata, Barrhaven and Orleans for newer homes and parks, while people who want a walkable setting look at the Glebe or Westboro. Start with your commute and budget, then shortlist.
Neighbourhoods in this article
Rockcliffe Park neighbourhood guide
Northeast of downtown. Rockcliffe Park is a protected village on the Ottawa River, known for large lots, mature trees and a long diplomatic presence.
New Edinburgh neighbourhood guide
Northeast of downtown. New Edinburgh is a heritage village on the Rideau River, beside Rideau Hall and close to downtown, with tree-lined streets of older houses.
The Glebe neighbourhood guide
Central Ottawa. The Glebe is a walkable central neighbourhood beside the Rideau Canal, built around Bank Street and the redeveloped Lansdowne Park.
Westboro neighbourhood guide
West of downtown. Westboro is an urban village west of downtown, between Richmond Road and the Ottawa River, with a lively main street and a public beach.
Manotick neighbourhood guide
South Ottawa, Rideau River. Manotick is a village on the Rideau River, about 25 kilometres south of Parliament Hill, centred on Watson’s Mill and Dickinson Square.
Kanata neighbourhood guide
West Ottawa. Kanata is a large west-end community with a major technology employment area, established neighbourhoods and newer subdivisions.
Barrhaven neighbourhood guide
South Ottawa. Barrhaven is a large suburban community in Ottawa’s south end, beyond the Greenbelt, known for newer homes and everyday amenities.
Orleans neighbourhood guide
East Ottawa. Orleans is an established east-end community with a francophone heritage, a bilingual character and Ottawa River green space nearby.
About the author
Poonam Babbar
REALTOR®, eXp Realty of Canada, Inc., Brokerage
Poonam Babbar guides buyers, sellers and people relocating to Ottawa. She works in English, Hindi and Punjabi.
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