Thinking about buying your first home in Ottawa? Whether you’re leaning toward a downtown condo or envisioning your first backyard barbecue in a single-family home, it’s a big decision—and one that deserves thoughtful consideration.

Affordability matters, but so does alignment. Your first home should reflect your lifestyle, support your goals, and offer room to grow over time. In this post, we’ll walk through the pros and cons of each option to help you make a decision that feels right—both today and in the years ahead.

The Market Right Now: What’s the Price Difference?

As of June 2025, Ottawa’s real estate market is showing signs of balance, with prices holding steady and more inventory giving buyers added flexibility. According to the latest figures from the Ottawa Real Estate Board:

• The average sale price across all home types was $723,152, up 5.2% from June 2024.
• The benchmark price for a single-family home reached $707,600, marking a 1.6% year-over-year increase.
• Townhouses continue to outperform, with a benchmark price of $467,900—up 9% from last year.
• Apartment condos saw a slight dip, with the benchmark price landing at $411,500, down 0.6%.

With more options and stable pricing, conditions are favourable for both buyers entering the market and sellers who price strategically.

The takeaway? Condos remain one of the most accessible entry points into homeownership—especially for those working with a modest down payment or seeking a lower monthly commitment. 

Why You Might Choose a Condo First

For many first-time buyers—particularly those seeking convenience, walkability, and a simplified lifestyle—condos offer a smart, approachable way to enter the market.

The Upside

• Low-maintenance Lifestyle

Day-to-day upkeep like snow removal, exterior repairs, and landscaping is usually managed by the condominium corporation. That means fewer to-do lists for you—but it’s important to confirm what’s covered by your monthly fees.

• Highly Walkable Locations

Many condo developments are located in central or transit-friendly neighbourhoods, often within walking distance of grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants, and the LRT. For buyers prioritizing convenience and car-free living, this can be a major advantage.

• Amenities That Elevate Everyday Living
  

From fitness centres and rooftop terraces to shared lounges and co-working spaces, many condo buildings include thoughtfully designed amenities that enhance your lifestyle and reduce the need for external memberships

Things to Consider

• Monthly Condo Fees

Condo fees can typically range from $200 to $800 per month, depending on the size, age, and amenities of the building. These fees contribute to shared expenses such as building maintenance, insurance, and long-term reserve funds. While they simplify ownership, they’re an important factor in your monthly budget.

• Living Space

Condos generally offer less square footage than freehold homes, and may not include features like private outdoor space, storage sheds, or a garage. It’s worth considering how much space you truly need, both now and in the years ahead.

• Rules and Governance

Condominium corporations set bylaws and policies that residents must follow. These may include restrictions on pets, short-term rentals, renovations, or even balcony décor. Before purchasing, it’s essential to review the status certificate to understand the building’s rules and financial health.

• Long-term Appreciation

While all real estate has the potential to grow in value, condos historically appreciate at a slower pace than freehold properties. This can impact your equity growth over time, particularly if you plan to sell and move up the property ladder in a few years.

If convenience, central location, and low-maintenance living are at the top of your list, a condo can be a smart and approachable first step into homeownership—especially if you’re comfortable trading a bit of space for everyday ease.

Buying a home for the first time? You may find these blogs helpful!

• Am I Ready to Buy My First Home?
• How to Budget For Your First Year of Homeownership
• What to Know About Buying a New Build Home in Ottawa

Why You Might Choose a House First

While purchasing a house as your first home often comes with a higher up-front cost, many buyers find the flexibility, privacy, and long-term potential well worth the investment.

Advantages of Starting with a House

• Space to Evolve

Freehold homes typically offer more space—indoors and out. Whether it’s a backyard, basement, or extra bedroom, a house gives you the flexibility to accommodate a growing family, create a home office, or welcome a four-legged friend.

• Privacy and Autonomy

No shared walls, no elevators, and no condo board restrictions. In a house, you’re free to enjoy a greater sense of independence and make your own decisions about how your space is used and maintained.

• Creative and Functional Freedom

Dreaming of a backyard deck, custom landscaping, or solar panels? Homeownership gives you the freedom to personalize your space without navigating building rules or approval processes.

• Stronger Equity Potential

While every market is different, land tends to appreciate more reliably than buildings. As a result, freehold homes have historically seen stronger long-term growth compared to condo units—especially in high-demand neighbourhoods.

Considerations to Keep in Mind

• Greater Initial Investment

With a higher purchase price comes a larger down payment, increased closing costs, and a higher land transfer tax. It’s important to plan ahead for these additional expenses.

• Full Responsibility for Maintenance

From furnace repairs to roof maintenance, you’re fully responsible for the upkeep of your home. Budgeting for both routine and unexpected costs is key to managing the day-to-day realities of homeownership.

• Location and Commute

Depending on your price range, you may need to consider properties outside the downtown core. While this often means more space, it can also lead to longer commutes or reduced walkability.

If you’re financially prepared and looking for long-term flexibility, buying a house as your first home can be a rewarding investment. With more space, autonomy, and equity-building potential, it’s a path that suits many first-time buyers ready to put down deeper roots.

Aligning Your Home with Your Lifestyle

To help clarify your path, consider the following:

• How long do I plan to stay?

If your timeline is under five years, a condo may offer a more practical entry point with fewer upfront costs and less maintenance. Planning to stay longer? A freehold home might provide stronger equity growth over time.

• What kind of lifestyle do I want?

Prefer walkable neighbourhoods, low-maintenance living, and easy access to transit? A condo might be the right fit. Dreaming of backyard barbecues, gardening, or extra space for kids or pets? A house may be a better match.

• How hands-on are you willing to be?

If regular maintenance and occasional repairs feel daunting, a condo’s managed approach could offer peace of mind. But if you’re comfortable with DIY projects or calling in a contractor when needed, a house can offer more freedom.

• Do you need room to grow?

Whether you’re planning a family, starting a home-based business, or simply want extra space for hobbies or guests, a house gives you room to evolve. A condo may meet your needs today, but might feel limiting as life changes.

Hoping to find the right Ottawa neighbourhood for you? Check out these other blogs next!

• Does Ottawa Have Walkable Communities?
• Ottawa’s Commuter-Friendly Communities
• Manotick Vs. Greely, Where Should You Buy?

Finding the Right Fit

There’s no singular path to homeownership—and that’s what makes it so personal. For some, a condo offers the ease and accessibility to step into the market with confidence. For others, a house provides the space, independence, and long-term flexibility to truly settle in and grow.

Rather than starting with numbers alone, begin with a vision. Consider how you live today, and how you hope to live tomorrow. Think about your routines, your priorities, and the people you share your life with.

When you’re ready to take that next step, we’re here to guide you—thoughtfully and with your goals at the centre of it all.