Moving to Ottawa?
Let's make it easy.
Your Complete Ottawa Relocation Resource
Whether you're being transferred as a federal public servant, following a career opportunity, or simply choosing Canada's capital as your next home — I'm here to guide you every step of the way. No obligation, no pressure. Just honest advice from someone who knows Ottawa inside and out.
Book a Free Relocation ConsultationA capital city that feels like home.
Ottawa offers the amenities of a major Canadian city with a quality of life that consistently ranks among the best in the country. Stable employment, short commutes, world-class green space, and a genuine sense of community make it one of Canada's most sought-after places to live.
From the UNESCO-designated Rideau Canal to Gatineau Park, the ByWard Market, and a thriving arts and food scene — Ottawa has far more to offer than most people expect.
| Population | ~1.1 million (Ottawa-Gatineau region) |
| Languages | English and French — fully bilingual |
| Climate | Four seasons; warm summers, snowy winters |
| Major Employers | Federal government, tech, healthcare, education |
| Distance to Toronto | ~4.5 hrs by car · ~1 hr by flight |
| Property Tax Rate | Approx. 1.0–1.1% of assessed value |
Navigating your posting — I know the IRP process inside and out.
The federal Integrated Relocation Program (IRP) provides significant support for eligible public servants relocating to Ottawa — but making the most of your House Hunting Trip requires preparation. That's where I come in.
Your IRP Entitlements May Include:
- House Hunting Trip (HHT) — typically 5 business days
- Real estate commission assistance on your home sale
- Interim housing allowance if you arrive early
- Moving expense reimbursement for household goods
- Mortgage breakage penalty coverage
- Destination Inspection Trip for your family
How I Support Your House Hunting Trip:
- 01 Pre-HHT Video ConsultationUnderstand your needs and budget before you land.
- 02 Curated Property ShortlistReceive a tailored list matched to your commute before your trip.
- 03 Guided Neighbourhood ToursEfficient tours of your top 2–3 areas so you make the most of your days.
- 04 Full RepresentationOffer, negotiation, and conditions — handled even after you fly home.
| Downtown / Parliament Hill | Finance, PCO, TBS, Global Affairs → Centretown, Glebe, Westboro |
| Carling Ave Corridor | DND HQ → Westboro, Nepean, Kanata |
| Tunney's Pasture | Health Canada, StatsCan, PHAC → Westboro, Hintonburg |
| Gloucester / East Ottawa | CSIS, CSEC, NRC → Orléans, Barrhaven, Riverside South |
| Gatineau Departments | Heritage, ESDC, ECCC → Hull, Aylmer or Ontario side |
Find your corner of the capital.
Ottawa's communities each have a distinct character. Here's a snapshot of the most popular areas for incoming buyers — I'll help you figure out which one is right for your family, commute, and budget.
Tree-lined streets, classic Ontario architecture, Bank Street boutiques, and walking distance to the Canal and Lansdowne Park. One of Ottawa's most prestigious addresses.
Vibrant village feel with excellent restaurants, independent shops, and easy access to the Ottawa River Parkway. Popular with young professionals and growing families.
Ottawa's arts and culture hub. Eclectic, independent, and increasingly sought-after. Great food scene and more affordable than Westboro, with prices rising steadily.
Ottawa's tech hub. Excellent schools, newer homes, great amenities. Perfect for federal contractors and tech workers. Straightforward highway access to downtown.
One of Ottawa's fastest-growing communities. Ideal for families seeking newer homes at competitive prices. Excellent schools, parks, and community infrastructure.
A predominantly francophone community with excellent French and English schools. Newer housing stock, great value, and a strong bilingual community identity.
Tell me where you'll be working, how many kids you have, your commute tolerance, and your budget — and I'll narrow it down to your top two or three options before you visit.
Four school boards, two languages — let's find the right fit.
Ottawa's publicly-funded school system reflects its bilingual character. Choosing the right school board — and understanding French Immersion catchment boundaries — is a key part of choosing the right neighbourhood.
Both English boards offer French Immersion, and spots in popular schools can be limited. Checking catchment boundaries before you choose a neighbourhood is strongly recommended. I can help you map this out during our consultation.
| OCDSB | Ottawa-Carleton District School Board — largest English public board in the region |
| OCSB | Ottawa Catholic School Board — strong academic reputation |
| CEPEO | Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario — French public board |
| CECCE | Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est — French Catholic board |
| Private | Ashbury College, Elmwood School, Lycée Claudel (French International) |
Nine steps from search to keys in hand.
- 01Mortgage Pre-ApprovalKnow your ceiling before you start touring.
- 02Define Your NeedsBudget, neighbourhood, commute, schools, and home type — mapped out together.
- 03Tour PropertiesIn-person or via video for out-of-town clients — full virtual tours for HHT buyers.
- 04Submit an OfferA competitive strategy based on current market conditions.
- 05Negotiate & AcceptI handle all negotiations on your behalf.
- 06Due DiligenceHome inspection, status certificate review, and lawyer review of documents.
- 07Waive ConditionsOnce satisfied, conditions are waived and the deal becomes firm.
- 08Lawyer ClosesYour real estate lawyer handles title transfer. Typical fees: $1,500–$2,500.
- 09Keys in HandClosing day — welcome to Ottawa.
Ontario charges Land Transfer Tax on purchases. First-time buyers may qualify for a rebate of up to $4,000. Your lawyer handles this at closing — I'll walk you through what to expect well in advance.
Download the complete Ottawa Relocation Guide.
Everything on this page — and more — in a single document you can save, share, and refer back to throughout your move. Federal transfer specifics, neighbourhood breakdowns, school boards, cost of living, and your step-by-step buying guide. All in one place.
- Federal IRP & SIRVA overview
- Neighbourhood comparison by commute and lifestyle
- School board and French Immersion guide
- Cost of living snapshot and market prices
- Step-by-step Ottawa buying process
Ready to start your Ottawa relocation?
A free, no-obligation consultation is the best first step. I'll get to know your situation, your timeline, and what matters most — and help you arrive in Ottawa feeling prepared and confident.
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Video or phone, at a time that works for you — wherever you're moving from.
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Ottawa · Kanata · Barrhaven · Orléans and all surrounding communities.