What’s the minimum down payment to buy a home in Ottawa or Ontario?

In Ontario, you need 5% down on the first $500,000 of a home, and 10% on the portion between $500,000–$999,999. For homes $1M+, the minimum is 20%. Many Ottawa buyers fall into the 5–10% range.

How much land transfer tax do I pay when buying in Ottawa?

You’ll pay Ontario’s provincial land transfer tax. Ottawa doesn’t add an extra city tax (Toronto does). First-time buyers may qualify for a rebate of up to $4,000.

How long does it take to sell a home in Ottawa?

In most Ottawa neighborhoods, average days on market (DOM) are about 25–40. Homes that are well-priced and staged often sell in under a week.

What fees should I expect as a seller?

Common costs include realtor commission (negotiable, often 4–5%), legal fees, mortgage penalties (if applicable), and moving costs. Some sellers also invest in staging and photography to boost sale price.

What is the typical return on investment (cap rate) in Ottawa?

Cap rates in Ottawa are usually 4.5–6% depending on property type and area. Smaller multi-units (duplexes/triplexes) may see lower cap rates, while larger properties or those in areas like Vanier can offer higher returns.

Can non-residents invest in Ottawa real estate?

Yes, but non-resident buyers must pay a 25% Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST) unless exempt. Financing also requires stricter conditions compared to Canadian residents.

How much notice does a landlord need to give to end a tenancy in Ontario?

For personal use (landlord or family moving in), the landlord must give 60 days’ notice and pay one month’s rent as compensation. Other situations (like major renovations) may require different notice periods.

Can Ottawa landlords ask for more than one month of rent up front?

No. In Ontario, landlords can only collect first and last month’s rent. Extra deposits (for pets, keys, etc.) are not allowed under the Residential Tenancies Act.

FAQs | Explore, Learn, Act Now

As an investment-first real estate brokerage — we help clients make real estate decisions using strategy, data, and long-term planning. Whether you’re buying a home or investing in income properties, our approach focuses on measurable value and portfolio growth.

Lotful Realty offers a multi-disciplined approach. Our agents specialize in residential sales, property investment, leasing, and management, providing clients with a comprehensive service experience. Advice is backed by data and delivered with personalized care.

Our boutique brokerage operates independently and is built on collaboration, agility, and personalized service. Our clients and agents benefit from close mentorship, data-driven strategies, and expert attention that large firms simply can’t replicate.

Lotful Realty serves clients across Ottawa and surrounding areas, including new developments and key investment corridors. Our agents bring in-depth local market knowledge and expertise in both residential and investment real estate.

We serve a wide range of clients—from first-time homeowners to seasoned investors. Whether you’re purchasing your first property, expanding a rental portfolio, or selling a family home, Lotful Realty’s real estate advisors tailor their approach to your goals.

Yes, we work with home buyers and sellers across Ottawa and surrounding areas. Our investment-first approach enhances traditional real estate transactions by applying financial insight and market data to help clients make smart, future-focused decisions.

We provide seamless support for property owners through our sister company, Inovo Property Management. Services include tenant placement, leasing, rent collection, and asset optimization—giving landlords and investors peace of mind with end-to-end management.

Yes, Lotful Realty supports commercial investors and developers in identifying, acquiring, and repositioning properties. Our team provides market research, ROI analysis, and strategic guidance on Ottawa’s emerging commercial opportunities.

Yes, our team works closely with new investors to identify opportunities, evaluate properties, and plan long-term strategies. We’ll guide you through every step of the process—from analyzing cash flow to building your real estate portfolio with confidence. You can read some of our insights about real estate investments through our Insights.

Yes, we guide first-time buyers through every step—from understanding financing to evaluating long-term value. Our investment-first approach ensures your first home purchase also supports your financial future.

Our investment approach blends market insight, financial analysis, and long-term strategy. We help clients make decisions based on data and opportunity, not speculation—ensuring each move supports your bigger financial picture.

Our agents act as trusted advisors. We focus on communication, education, and transparency so clients understand every step of their real estate journey. Whether buying, selling, or investing, our goal is to help you make informed decisions that align with your goals.

Getting started is simple. Fill out the short form below or call our office to be matched with an agent who can help with your goals. We’ll begin with a discovery consultation to understand your needs and plan your next steps.

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