For many first-time buyers in Ottawa, one of the most nerve-wracking questions is: “How long will this process actually take?” The journey from making an offer to holding your new house keys is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect.
While timelines can vary depending on the property, financing, and conditions, most buyers in Ottawa can expect the process to take 30 to 90 days after their offer is accepted. Let’s break it down step by step so you know what happens along the way.
1. The Offer Stage (1–3 Days)
Once you’ve found the home you love, your real estate agent helps draft an offer. Here’s what happens:
Offer Submitted – This outlines your price, closing date, and any conditions (like financing or inspection).
Negotiation – The seller may accept, reject, or counter your offer.
Acceptance – Once both parties agree, the offer becomes a legally binding Agreement of Purchase and Sale.
👉 Timeline Tip: In Ottawa’s competitive market, offers often move quickly. Sometimes homes sell within hours, especially in hot neighborhoods.
2. Conditional Period (5–10 Days)
Most offers in Ottawa include a conditional period. This gives you time to confirm key details before finalizing the purchase. Common conditions include:
Financing Approval – Even if pre-approved, lenders want to confirm the property fits their requirements.
Home Inspection – A professional checks for structural or maintenance issues.
Status Certificate (for condos) – Outlines financial health of the condo corporation.
👉 Timeline Tip: Most conditions are cleared within a week, but unexpected inspection issues or financing delays can extend this phase.
3. Firm Sale to Closing Day (30–60 Days)
Once all conditions are satisfied, your offer becomes firm, and now it’s a countdown to closing. During this period:
Your lawyer reviews the property title to ensure no liens or legal complications.
The bank finalizes your mortgage documents and prepares funds for closing.
You arrange home insurance (required before closing).
Final walkthrough happens a day or two before closing to confirm the home’s condition hasn’t changed.
👉 Timeline Tip: Closing dates are negotiable, but in Ottawa, 30–60 days is most common. For vacant homes, closing might be quicker. For seller-occupied homes, sellers may request more time.
4. Closing Day (1 Day)
This is the big day! On closing:
Your lawyer transfers the money to the seller’s lawyer.
The property title is officially transferred into your name.
You pick up your keys—usually by late afternoon.
👉 Timeline Tip: Closings typically happen during business hours. If you’re planning movers, schedule them for later in the day or the following morning.
5. Factors That Can Speed Up or Delay the Process
Not every Ottawa purchase follows the exact same timeline. Here’s what might impact it:
Faster Closing (2–3 weeks possible if):
You’re paying cash.
The property is vacant.
No complex conditions are attached.
Delays May Happen If:
Financing approval takes longer than expected.
Title or legal issues need resolution.
Seller requests a longer closing to align with their move.
6. Average Ottawa Buyer Timeline (2025 Snapshot)
Final Thoughts
For most buyers in Ottawa, the process from offer to keys takes about 1–3 months. While that might feel like forever when you’re eager to move in, remember: this time ensures financing, inspections, and legal work are done properly to protect your investment.
If you’re house hunting in 2025, knowing the step-by-step timeline can help calm nerves, set realistic expectations, and keep your move as smooth as possible.
