10 BIGGEST Mistakes People Make When Moving to Ottawa
Thinking about moving to Ottawa? It’s one of Canada’s most liveable cities with great schools, green spaces, and strong communities. But before you start packing boxes, you need to hear this.
These are the 10 biggest mistakes I see homebuyers make when moving to the capital. Whether you’re coming from Toronto, Vancouver, Alberta, East Coast or even just across town, these tips can save you thousands of dollars and a ton of regret. And make sure to stick around for mistake #10, because it’s the one even seasoned buyers still get wrong.
MISTAKE 1 – Underestimating Ottawa Winters
Ottawa is one of the coldest capital cities in the world, with average winter temperatures often dropping below -10°C and snowfalls reaching 220 cm annually. That means everything from your wardrobe to your car needs to be winter-ready. Newcomers often forget about the added costs: snow tires, windshield washer fluid that works in -40°C, and tools like a roof rake or snowblower. Homes with older windows or inefficient heating systems can also rack up high energy bills. Before buying, always ask about the age of the furnace, whether the attic is properly insulated, and if the windows are double- or triple-paned.
MISTAKE 2 – Picking a Neighbourhood Without Knowing the Vibe
Too many buyers focus on the house and forget about the setting. Each Ottawa neighbourhood has its own rhythm. Westboro is trendy and walkable, Kanata is suburban and tech-driven, and Orleans leans heavily into family living with newer developments. Visit during different times of day. What’s traffic like at 8 a.m.? Are there cafés, bike paths, or playgrounds nearby? Even street noise or the number of parked cars can affect your daily experience. Think about how you live your life—not just where you sleep
MISTAKE 3 – Believing All Suburbs Are Created Equal
Kanata, Barrhaven, and Orleans are all suburbs, but they offer very different lifestyles. Kanata has a major tech hub and great access to nature like the South March Highlands. Barrhaven is filled with new builds, top-ranked schools, and family-friendly retail like Costco and Farm Boy. Orleans offers excellent bilingual school options and strong French-speaking communities. Some suburbs have better public transit, others have easier highway access. Consider your job location, language needs, and how often you plan to go downtown. Choosing the wrong suburb can mean an extra hour on the road every day.
MISTAKE 4 – Buying Sight Unseen Without Local Guidance
Photos can be deceiving. I’ve seen listings where a beautiful backyard is actually backed by a power tower cables or an industrial warehouse just out of frame. Others forget to look into any busy intersections, upcoming construction, or homes located on streets with winter parking bans. A local expert will know if there’s a new subdivision or apartment complex going up across the street. They’ll also know if a property has been sitting unsold for months—and why. If you can’t be here in person, your agent becomes your eyes and ears. Don’t buy blind.
MISTAKE 5 – Trusting Commute Times From Google Maps
Online directions rarely reflect reality—especially in winter. A trip from Stittsville to downtown may look like 30 minutes on a app but can balloon to over an hour with snow, school buses, or a single accident on the 417. Some neighbourhoods also have limited bus service, and if you’re relying on OC Transpo or waiting for the LRT expansion, it’s crucial to verify what options exist now versus what’s “planned.” Even a move from one end of Kanata to another can shift your daily schedule dramatically. Test it out or ask your agent for firsthand commute experience.
MISTAKE 6 – Waiving Key Conditions in a Hot Market
I’ve seen buyers get so emotionally invested in a property that they drop conditions entirely to compete—but that’s risky. A home inspection might reveal water damage, foundation cracks, or knob-and-tube wiring in older homes. Waiving financing conditions could put you on the hook for a deposit you can’t afford if the bank pulls back. There are strategies that balance competitiveness and caution: consider a pre-inspection, fast review periods, showings with expert realtor and a trusted contractor, or limited condition windows. An experienced agent will walk you through your options while protecting your interests.
MISTAKE 7 – Ignoring Property Tax & Utility Costs
Ottawa’s property taxes vary by location and MPAC assessments. That charming older home in the Glebe may have high taxes and poor insulation. Ask for a full breakdown: what are the heating costs (gas, electric, oil)? What was the last Enbridge or Hydro bill? Don’t forget water bills, especially if you’re moving from a city where it might be covered. Even garbage collection schedules and snow removal fees can impact your budget. It’s not just about your mortgage payment—it’s about what it really costs to live there month-to-month.
MISTAKE 8 – Overlooking School Zones
School zones affect resale value and family logistics. Even buyers without kids benefit from proximity to top-ranked schools. But it’s not as straightforward as you think. Ottawa has four boards—OCDSB (Ottawa Carlton) , OCSB (Ottawa Catholic), CECCE (French Catholic), and CEPEO (French Public)—and catchments don’t always follow logic. Some homes on the same street are zoned for different schools. And just because a school is nearby doesn’t mean your kids are eligible. Always verify zoning on the school board’s website and look into things like before/after school care, immersion programs, and busing options.
MISTAKE 9 – Overcommitting on Home Size or Reno Projects
Bigger homes require more than a bigger budget—they take time, effort, and energy. Heating and cooling a 3,000-square-foot home can cost double what a smaller house would. And if you’re thinking of renovations, know that skilled trades in Ottawa are in high demand. Permits can take weeks, even months. Material costs are unpredictable. If you work full-time or are new to the city, managing a major project could delay your move-in or drain your savings. Consider turnkey options or homes that need only minor cosmetic updates.
MISTAKE 10 – Waiting Too Long to Connect With an Expert
The earlier you get advice, the smoother your transition. I work with clients 3–6 months before they move. That way, we can narrow down neighbourhoods, refer a mortgage specialist, prep their sale if they’re moving from another city, and book showings during their visits. Waiting too long might mean missing your window or rushing into a poor decision. A good local agent is not just a salesperson—they’re your relocation strategist.
Avoiding these 10 mistakes could save you thousands of dollars, hours of frustration, and years of regret.
And if you are thinking of relocating to Ottawa feel free to reach out to us. Give us a call, shoot us a text, or send us an email—we’re here to help. Moving to Ottawa or anywhere in Canada? We’ve got your back. You can even wrap it in a bow and send it first class—we’ll be ready!
You can learn more about the city of Ottawa by visiting its official website: https://ottawa.ca/en.
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