Multiple publications have recognized Ottawa as one of the best cities to live in. Known as a green city, Ottawa has many scenic trails with fitness-friendly bike lanes to promote activity and traffic-free commuting options.
Ottawa combines the career opportunities of Canada’s capital with neighbourhoods built around schools, parks and community life. Located on the Ottawa River across from Quebec, the city had an estimated population of more than 1.1 million at the end of 2025.
Living in Ottawa means having waterfront pathways, national museums and restaurants close to home. The Rideau Canal provides a setting for walking and cycling, while the ByWard Market brings together independent shops, cafés and dining options. These amenities make the city appealing to families, professionals and newcomers looking to establish roots.
For households that need more time to prepare for a mortgage, rent-to-own programs offer a way to move into a qualifying home while building savings toward its purchase.
Pre-qualify for Rent-to-own Homes
See how much home you can afford. Get a free, personalized estimate in about two minutes.
Pre-qualifying is quick, free, and won't hurt your credit score.
Real estate trends in Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa’s housing market offered buyers more selection in September 2026, with new listings increasing and prices remaining below the previous year’s levels. According to the Ottawa Real Estate Board’s September market report, the average residential sale price was $685,640. The composite benchmark price, which tracks the value of a typical home, stood at $623,500, down 0.3 percent year over year.
Prices varied considerably by property type. WOWA’s September 2026 figures show single-family homes selling for an average of $823,449, compared with $543,337 for townhouses and $431,645 for apartments. Townhouses and apartments therefore offered lower average entry prices for buyers working with smaller budgets.
There were 1,010 home sales during September, alongside 2,927 new listings. Active inventory reached 4,813 properties, and months of inventory increased to 4.8. Homes sold for an average of 97.5 percent of their asking price, suggesting more room for negotiation. Buyers had a broader selection of properties and more opportunity to compare their options.
Ottawa also maintained a price advantage over Canada’s most expensive major markets. Its September average of $685,640 compared with approximately $1.01 million in the Greater Toronto Area and $1.23 million in Metro Vancouver. For households considering a move, Ottawa offers access to capital-city employment and amenities at a lower average purchase price.
Transportation in Ottawa
OC Transpo operates Ottawa’s bus and O-Train services, connecting residential neighbourhoods with employment areas, schools and shopping destinations. O-Train Line 4 serves Ottawa International Airport, with a connection to Line 2 at South Keys Station. This provides a rail option for residents travelling to and from the airport.
Highway 417 forms the main east-west road corridor, while Highway 416 connects Ottawa with Highway 401. For travel beyond the city, VIA Rail provides connections to Toronto and Montréal.
Walking and cycling are also part of daily life, particularly in neighbourhoods near the Rideau Canal and central pathways. When choosing a home, consider how its location fits your commute, school routines and preferred transportation options.
Economy in Ottawa
Ottawa’s economy draws on government, technology, healthcare and education. The federal public service is a major source of employment, while the city’s universities, healthcare organizations and private businesses provide opportunities across a wide range of professions.
Technology is another important part of the local economy. Invest Ottawa identifies software, communications technology, cybersecurity, aerospace and defence among the city’s key technology sectors. These industries support careers in engineering, software development, research and business operations.
Tourism, hospitality and retail contribute to the city’s employment mix, supported by its national attractions and events. For people planning a long-term move, this range of industries provides several avenues for building a career or establishing a business.
Education in Ottawa
Ottawa offers English- and French-language education through four publicly funded school boards:
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board: English public education.
Ottawa Catholic School Board: English Catholic education.
Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario: French public education.
Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est: French Catholic education.
For post-secondary studies, the city is home to the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, Algonquin College and La Cité. These institutions give residents access to university degrees, college credentials and career training without leaving Ottawa.
This variety makes Ottawa a practical choice for families considering their children’s education and adults preparing for a career change. Checking school attendance boundaries before selecting a property can help you find a home that suits your family’s plans.
The benefits of rent-to-own in Ottawa
Putting down roots in Ottawa involves more than finding a property. You may want to settle near work, establish a school routine or stay close to family. Waiting until you qualify for a mortgage can leave those plans on hold.
Rent-to-own connects your housing choice with your preparation for ownership. You select a qualifying home, agree on its future purchase pricing and move in while working toward your down payment and mortgage readiness.
Let’s say you find a home in Ottawa for $600,000, but need another two years before you can qualify for a mortgage. You have two options.
Rent a home in Ottawa for two years and purchase at market prices
With an ordinary rental agreement, your payments cover your accommodation. You still need to save for a down payment separately, and your lease does not normally secure a purchase price or the right to buy the property.
If home prices increased by 10 percent annually, a $600,000 property would cost $726,000 after two years. That would leave you facing a purchase price $126,000 higher than when you started saving.
Availability is another consideration. The property you want today could be sold before you are ready, meaning another home search and potentially another move once your mortgage is approved.
Rent-to-own in Ottawa with Requity Homes
With Requity Homes’ rent-to-own program, you choose an eligible property within your approved budget and establish its purchase pricing before moving in. Your monthly payment includes rent and a separate savings contribution toward your future down payment.
Using a 5 percent annual compounded increase, the same $600,000 home would have a purchase price of $661,500 after two years. That is $64,500 less than the purchase price in the 10 percent growth scenario above. The agreed pricing gives you a clear target instead of leaving your future purchase price entirely dependent on market conditions.
During those two years, you can settle into the neighbourhood, build your down payment savings and work on your mortgage application while living in the home you intend to purchase. Once you qualify for financing and complete the purchase, you become the owner without having to start your housing search again.
“
Our biggest obstacle was being a new small business. We didn't qualify with any major banks to get a mortgage.
Customer Story
Amanda & Brad's Journey to Homeownership
Business owners who overcome mortgage challenges of entering homeownership in Sault Ste. Marie
Requity Homes helps aspiring homeowners move from renting toward ownership through an agreed purchase plan, monthly savings and time to prepare for a mortgage. The program can support households that have steady income but need to strengthen their credit history or accumulate a larger down payment.
Use our rent-to-own payment calculator to estimate your budget, and contact the team to confirm whether your preferred Ottawa location and property qualify.
You can choose almost any move-in-ready home listed publicly or privately, as long as it meets our program criteria.
Eligible homes typically:
Are freehold single-family homes or townhouses
Are connected to municipal water and sewer
Are priced between $150,000 and $600,000
Are located in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, or Saskatchewan in communities with established municipal services and a population of 20,000 or more.
In some cases, newly built condo townhouses with reasonable condo fees may be approved. If approved, condo fees are added to your monthly payment.
Homes must be in good condition. Major systems such as roof, furnace, HVAC, and water heater should be within reasonable age limits. All properties are reviewed to confirm they meet our inspection and funding requirements.
We do not purchase rural properties, fixer-uppers, homes sold as-is, or properties with structural or safety concerns.
Once you are pre-qualified, you can tour homes with a partner agent or your own realtor and we will confirm eligibility before purchase.
Depending on the type of income, we will ask for different supporting documents to verify your income. Our goal is to make sure you can afford rent-to-own payments during the lease term.
Traditional employment (Hourly, Salaried or Commission)
Employment letter
Most recent pay stubs
Notice of assessment from the last two years
Bank statements for the past 6 months
Self-employed
Sole proprietorship
T1 General tax returns for the last 2 years
Notice of Assessment for the last 2 years
Business bank statements for the last 6 months
GST returns if applicable
Incorporated
T1 General tax returns for the last 2 years
Notice of Assessment for the last 2 years
Articles of Incorporation
Business bank statements for the last 6 months
Accountant prepared financial statements for the last 2 years
Corporate tax returns or CRA balance to verify corporate tax
GST returns if applicable
Pension & Disability Incomes
Proof that such payments are expected to be longer than three years
Alimony & Child Support
Proof that such payments have been made consistently in the past 6 months
What is the interest rate?
There is no interest rate during the rent-to-own term because this is not a mortgage.
When you are ready to buy the home, most clients get a mortgage from a lender to complete the purchase.
All content on this website, including but not limited to text, program structure, rent-to-own model descriptions, customer pathways, and proprietary frameworks, is the exclusive property of Requity Homes. Any reproduction, adaptation, or use of this content, in whole or in part, for commercial purposes without express written consent is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.
As a realtor, mortgage broker, or Requity Homes ambassador, you can now help more community members achieve their homeownership goals while streamlining your workload. Partner with us to expand your impact and create success stories with less work.
Multiple publications have recognized Ottawa as one of the best cities to live in. Known as a green city, Ottawa has many scenic trails with fitness-friendly bike lanes to promote activity and traffic-free commuting options.
Ottawa combines the career opportunities of Canada’s capital with neighbourhoods built around schools, parks and community life. Located on the Ottawa River across from Quebec, the city had an estimated population of more than 1.1 million at the end of 2025.
Living in Ottawa means having waterfront pathways, national museums and restaurants close to home. The Rideau Canal provides a setting for walking and cycling, while the ByWard Market brings together independent shops, cafés and dining options. These amenities make the city appealing to families, professionals and newcomers looking to establish roots.
For households that need more time to prepare for a mortgage, rent-to-own programs offer a way to move into a qualifying home while building savings toward its purchase.
Pre-qualify for Rent-to-own Homes
See how much home you can afford. Get a free, personalized estimate in about two minutes.
Pre-qualifying is quick, free, and won't hurt your credit score.
Real estate trends in Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa’s housing market offered buyers more selection in September 2026, with new listings increasing and prices remaining below the previous year’s levels. According to the Ottawa Real Estate Board’s September market report, the average residential sale price was $685,640. The composite benchmark price, which tracks the value of a typical home, stood at $623,500, down 0.3 percent year over year.
Prices varied considerably by property type. WOWA’s September 2026 figures show single-family homes selling for an average of $823,449, compared with $543,337 for townhouses and $431,645 for apartments. Townhouses and apartments therefore offered lower average entry prices for buyers working with smaller budgets.
There were 1,010 home sales during September, alongside 2,927 new listings. Active inventory reached 4,813 properties, and months of inventory increased to 4.8. Homes sold for an average of 97.5 percent of their asking price, suggesting more room for negotiation. Buyers had a broader selection of properties and more opportunity to compare their options.
Ottawa also maintained a price advantage over Canada’s most expensive major markets. Its September average of $685,640 compared with approximately $1.01 million in the Greater Toronto Area and $1.23 million in Metro Vancouver. For households considering a move, Ottawa offers access to capital-city employment and amenities at a lower average purchase price.
Transportation in Ottawa
OC Transpo operates Ottawa’s bus and O-Train services, connecting residential neighbourhoods with employment areas, schools and shopping destinations. O-Train Line 4 serves Ottawa International Airport, with a connection to Line 2 at South Keys Station. This provides a rail option for residents travelling to and from the airport.
Highway 417 forms the main east-west road corridor, while Highway 416 connects Ottawa with Highway 401. For travel beyond the city, VIA Rail provides connections to Toronto and Montréal.
Walking and cycling are also part of daily life, particularly in neighbourhoods near the Rideau Canal and central pathways. When choosing a home, consider how its location fits your commute, school routines and preferred transportation options.
Economy in Ottawa
Ottawa’s economy draws on government, technology, healthcare and education. The federal public service is a major source of employment, while the city’s universities, healthcare organizations and private businesses provide opportunities across a wide range of professions.
Technology is another important part of the local economy. Invest Ottawa identifies software, communications technology, cybersecurity, aerospace and defence among the city’s key technology sectors. These industries support careers in engineering, software development, research and business operations.
Tourism, hospitality and retail contribute to the city’s employment mix, supported by its national attractions and events. For people planning a long-term move, this range of industries provides several avenues for building a career or establishing a business.
Education in Ottawa
Ottawa offers English- and French-language education through four publicly funded school boards:
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board: English public education.
Ottawa Catholic School Board: English Catholic education.
Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario: French public education.
Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est: French Catholic education.
For post-secondary studies, the city is home to the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, Algonquin College and La Cité. These institutions give residents access to university degrees, college credentials and career training without leaving Ottawa.
This variety makes Ottawa a practical choice for families considering their children’s education and adults preparing for a career change. Checking school attendance boundaries before selecting a property can help you find a home that suits your family’s plans.
The benefits of rent-to-own in Ottawa
Putting down roots in Ottawa involves more than finding a property. You may want to settle near work, establish a school routine or stay close to family. Waiting until you qualify for a mortgage can leave those plans on hold.
Rent-to-own connects your housing choice with your preparation for ownership. You select a qualifying home, agree on its future purchase pricing and move in while working toward your down payment and mortgage readiness.
Let’s say you find a home in Ottawa for $600,000, but need another two years before you can qualify for a mortgage. You have two options.
Rent a home in Ottawa for two years and purchase at market prices
With an ordinary rental agreement, your payments cover your accommodation. You still need to save for a down payment separately, and your lease does not normally secure a purchase price or the right to buy the property.
If home prices increased by 10 percent annually, a $600,000 property would cost $726,000 after two years. That would leave you facing a purchase price $126,000 higher than when you started saving.
Availability is another consideration. The property you want today could be sold before you are ready, meaning another home search and potentially another move once your mortgage is approved.
Rent-to-own in Ottawa with Requity Homes
With Requity Homes’ rent-to-own program, you choose an eligible property within your approved budget and establish its purchase pricing before moving in. Your monthly payment includes rent and a separate savings contribution toward your future down payment.
Using a 5 percent annual compounded increase, the same $600,000 home would have a purchase price of $661,500 after two years. That is $64,500 less than the purchase price in the 10 percent growth scenario above. The agreed pricing gives you a clear target instead of leaving your future purchase price entirely dependent on market conditions.
During those two years, you can settle into the neighbourhood, build your down payment savings and work on your mortgage application while living in the home you intend to purchase. Once you qualify for financing and complete the purchase, you become the owner without having to start your housing search again.
“
Our biggest obstacle was being a new small business. We didn't qualify with any major banks to get a mortgage.
Customer Story
Amanda & Brad's Journey to Homeownership
Business owners who overcome mortgage challenges of entering homeownership in Sault Ste. Marie
Requity Homes helps aspiring homeowners move from renting toward ownership through an agreed purchase plan, monthly savings and time to prepare for a mortgage. The program can support households that have steady income but need to strengthen their credit history or accumulate a larger down payment.
Use our rent-to-own payment calculator to estimate your budget, and contact the team to confirm whether your preferred Ottawa location and property qualify.
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