Updated March 2025 · Full cost breakdown for Ottawa home buyers
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Get KOHO Free — Use Code 45ET55JSYA| Cost Item | Typical Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario Land Transfer Tax | $6,475–$14,475 | On $500K–$900K homes; FTB rebate up to $4,000 |
| Legal / Notary Fees | $1,500–$2,500 | Ottawa real estate lawyers typically $1,500–$2,500 |
| Home Inspection | $400–$600 | Strongly recommended in Ottawa's market |
| Title Insurance | $200–$400 | One-time fee, required by most lenders |
| CMHC Mortgage Insurance | $0–$19,000+ | Required if down payment under 20% |
| Moving Costs | $500–$3,000 | Within Ottawa; more for long-distance |
| Home Appraisal | $300–$500 | Often required by lender |
| Property Tax Adjustment | Varies | Proration at closing |
| Utility Setup | $200–$500 | Hydro Ottawa, Enbridge gas deposits |
Ottawa buyers pay only the provincial Ontario Land Transfer Tax — there is no additional municipal LTT (unlike Toronto). This is a significant advantage for Ottawa buyers. The Ontario LTT is calculated on a marginal basis: 0.5% on the first $55,000; 1.0% on $55,001–$250,000; 1.5% on $250,001–$400,000; 2.0% on $400,001–$2,000,000; and 2.5% on amounts over $2,000,000.
If your down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price, you must purchase CMHC mortgage default insurance. The premiums are: 4.00% for 5–9.99% down, 3.10% for 10–14.99% down, and 2.80% for 15–19.99% down. This premium is typically added to your mortgage and amortized over the loan term.
Ottawa's residential property tax rate is approximately 1.0–1.1% of assessed value annually. For a $650,000 home, expect roughly $6,500–$7,150 per year in property taxes. Property taxes in Ottawa are slightly higher than Toronto but generally in line with other Ontario municipalities.
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage before house hunting is essential in Ottawa's competitive market. TD, RBC, and Scotiabank all have dedicated Ottawa mortgage centres. Consider opening a KOHO or EQ Bank savings account to accumulate your down payment faster with no fees and competitive interest rates.
Federal public servants in Ottawa benefit from exceptional mortgage qualification thanks to stable, pensionable incomes. The Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) is recognized by all major lenders as strong income security. Many Ottawa government workers qualify for preferred mortgage rates at TD and RBC due to their employer's institutional relationships.