Ottawa housing has been a hot topic in recent years, with many people searching for affordable homes in this beautiful city. Ottawa has increased significantly, making it challenging for many people to afford their dream homes. However, many affordable neighbourhoods within the city remain, with homes available for purchase or rent at reasonable rates. The rental market in Ottawa is also quite competitive, with many people searching for affordable and comfortable rental properties.
Are you currently living in a bungalow, split-level, or multi-family home? It’s important to know the official designation of the type of home you’re living in or looking to buy. Understanding the various home designations can help you make an informed decision about Ottawa housing and narrow down your search more efficiently.
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned real estate investor, it’s essential to be familiar with the different types of homes available in the market. Some of the popular home designations you may come across include townhouses, condos, detached, semi-detached, and duplex.
Each type of home has its unique features and benefits, and understanding them can help you make the right choice for your lifestyle and budget. For example, a townhouse is an ideal option for those looking for a low-maintenance property that offers some outdoor space. On the other hand, a detached home is a great choice for those seeking privacy and more room to move around.
It’s worth noting that some homes may have modifications that make them a hybrid of two different categories. For instance, you may find a detached home with a built-in apartment or a townhouse that has been modified to include a backyard.
Knowing the different types of Ottawa housing and their designations can help you communicate effectively with real estate agents and ensure you find the right home for your needs. So whether you’re looking for a single-family home or a multi-family property, take the time to familiarize yourself with the various designations and make an informed decision.
Single-family homes are one of the most common types of residential properties. They fall into two broad categories: attached and detached homes. A detached home is a stand-alone structure that is physically separated from any other building or structure, except for a garage. These homes are typically located on a single lot with no other residential structures.
Detached homes come in various sizes and styles, making them a popular choice for many homebuyers. They offer greater privacy and space compared to attached homes, and homeowners can modify and personalize them according to their preferences. A very popular choice for Ottawa housing.
Looking for a home with fewer stairs? Bungalows may be the perfect type of Ottawa home for you. As one of the most popular types of homes, bungalows can be found in many older neighbourhoods throughout the city.
A bungalow is a one-story detached home where the primary living area is all on the same level. This means that your living room, kitchen, dining room, and bedroom are all conveniently located on one floor. And while bungalows are typically single-story homes, they can have a finished basement with additional living spaces.
Are you living in a bungalow and not even realizing it? The bi-level/split entrance bungalow is a variation of the traditional bungalow and could be the perfect home for you.
This type of home effectively uses the lower basement areas by having the main level slightly raised. This means that the basement is raised above grade, allowing for larger windows that can make your basement feel less like a traditional basement. Your front door opens to a foyer that is split between the two main levels, creating a unique layout that provides ample living space for your family.
If you’re looking for a more cost-effective option in Ottawa housing than a bungalow, consider a two-level home with a high-pitched roof. This type of home makes better use of the building’s footprint by having about 60% of the total living area on the first floor. With more square footage on the same footprint as a bungalow, you can get more living space for your money.
The upstairs bedrooms in a two-level home often have slanted walls/ceilings due to the high-pitched roof. Dormers or projections out of the roof with a window can also add character and functionality to the upstairs space. Despite being less expensive than a traditional two-storey home, a two-level home still offers many of the same benefits.
Two-storey detached single-family homes are incredibly popular and common across Ottawa. They are great for those who want more space and are looking to maximize their living area. The ground floor typically features the main living area, kitchen, dining room and bathroom. The second level is usually reserved for the bedrooms and main bathroom, which can be quite spacious in these homes.
Two-storey homes offer a wide variety of styles, making it easy to find one that matches your lifestyle and taste. They are available in different sizes and price ranges, but setting a budget will help narrow down your search. If you are looking for a spacious home with plenty of living space, a two-storey home may be right for you.
Split-level homes are a less common but unique style of home that can be found in older developments or rural settings. The most popular split-level homes in Ontario were built in the 1970s and early 1980s. There are two types of split-level homes: back split and side split. The layout of a back split home runs from front to rear, while a side split home has a layout that runs from left to right. You may spot these homes while driving around, as they often appear to be a bungalow on one side and slightly elevated on the other side.
Split-level homes usually consist of 2-3 levels, but more complex designs can have up to 5 levels. These homes typically have a few stairs up to a sleeping area, similar to bungalows, but with more separation between the living and sleeping areas. If you’re looking for a unique home that stands out from the typical styles, consider adding split-level homes to your list.
Attached homes are a type of residential structure that shares a wall with another property. In Ottawa housing, these can be side-by-side units that are still on separate lots while being attached. Attached homes offer many advantages, including more space than condos, and a price advantage compared to a fully detached home. These homes are often a good option for young families looking for more space than a condo can offer. Attached homes come in a variety of styles and sizes, including townhouses, duplexes, and triplexes, so there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for a home that offers a balance of space and affordability, attached homes are worth considering.
Townhouses are among the most popular types of homes in suburban areas and can offer spectacular, beautifully finished living spaces. Defined as being connected to two or more other units, townhouses typically feature a full basement, main living area, and upper level for bedrooms. They can be located on their land or as part of a condominium complex, offering a lot of living space in great locations. Townhouses in Ottawa housing are no exception and can be amazing homes for families or individuals looking for an easy-maintenance yard and less snow shovelling. Explore the many townhouse options available in Ottawa today.
In Ottawa, housing condos are an excellent option for first-time home buyers or investors looking to enter the Ottawa real estate market. They can range from affordable entry-level homes to luxurious units with high-end finishes. Typically located in buildings with shared amenities like a front lobby, pool, and exercise room, condos offer urban living with convenience and comfort. However, it’s important to consider the monthly association fee that comes with living in a condo. Condos are ideal for those who want to live in the heart of the city, as they require less maintenance and snow clearing during the winter months.
Duplexes are structures divided into two separate living units, often side by side or one on top of the other. Each unit typically has its own entrance, providing independent living spaces. They can be an attractive option for homeowners seeking rental income or shared living arrangements while maintaining some level of privacy.
Similar to duplexes, triplexes consist of three separate living units within one structure. These units can vary in size and layout, accommodating different living needs. Triplexes often appeal to investors or homeowners interested in multiple rental units within a single property.
Stacked units refer to residences that are vertically aligned, typically on two or more floors within a building. These units can vary in design but often consist of one unit placed directly above another, sharing a similar layout. Stacked townhomes or condos offer the advantages of a multi-level living space, resembling a traditional townhome layout while being part of a larger condominium complex.
These units can offer various configurations, such as having separate entrances for each level, providing a sense of privacy akin to a standalone townhome. Stacked condos often feature modern designs, and open layouts, and may include balconies or terraces for outdoor spaces.
Jason Polonski– Ottawa REALTOR®, understands the importance of finding the perfect home that aligns with your lifestyle, needs, and budget. Whether you’re looking for a spacious single-family detached home, a cozy bungalow, or an elegant townhouse. Ottawa’s diverse housing market has something for everyone. With Jason’s expertise and dedication, he is committed to guiding you through the home-buying process.
A detached house in Ottawa refers to a single-family home with a private lot and no shared walls. These houses are commonly found in suburban neighborhoods.
A condo in Ottawa is a type of residential property where individual units are owned by the occupants and the common areas are jointly owned by all the condo owners.
Some good areas for families in Ottawa include Barrhaven, Kanata and Orleans.
Some tips for buying a house in Ottawa include doing research on the neighborhood, getting pre-approved for a mortgage, and hiring a reliable real estate agent.
Some hidden costs when buying a house in Ottawa include land transfer taxes, legal fees, home inspection fees, and moving costs.
Whether you’re thinking about listing your house, beginning your search for a new home, or simply just have a question, we would love to hear from you.
The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.
