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Ottawa · Old Ottawa South

Old Ottawa South Real Estate

By Bo Yu, Broker, Right at Home Realty, Brokerage

Locals just call it OOS. Tucked between the Rideau Canal and the Rideau River, it's anchored by Bank Street's Mayfair Theatre, Carleton University, and Brewer Park, and it's leafy enough that you forget how central it actually is.

Demand here rarely lets up. Restored Edwardian homes, infill duplexes, and walkable canal-side living keep OOS near the top of the list for families who want an established neighbourhood.

Prices, rates, and program rules change often. Treat the figures here as general guidance, not advice for your specific situation. Ask Bo for current OREB comparables, and confirm program eligibility with your lender or lawyer.

On the market

Homes for sale in Old Ottawa South

Condos, townhomes, semis, and detached homes from the Ottawa MLS board, refreshed daily. Commercial, land, and rental listings aren't included here.

Listing information is supplied by third-party brokerage and listing data sources. Status, price and details can change without notice, are believed reliable but are not guaranteed, and must be independently verified. Shown for personal, non-commercial use. Not intended to solicit properties already listed with another brokerage. Full disclosures.

Community overview

Most of OOS went up between 1900 and 1940, so expect a tight grid of Edwardian and early-20th-century homes on lots narrower than Alta Vista or the Glebe. The Canal, the river, Bronson, and Lansdowne mark its borders.

Tree-lined Ottawa street of century brick homes in autumn
Central Ottawa's century homes and mature maple canopy.

Schools in Old Ottawa South

Hopewell Avenue PS is the main elementary school, with Mutchmor PS in catchment for parts of the neighbourhood. Glebe CI and Lisgar CI are the popular high school choices, and French immersion is widely available.

Transportation & commute

Bank Street, Bronson, and Riverside get you downtown in about 10 minutes by car outside peak. Carleton University sits at the south edge on the Trillium Line, and plenty of residents just walk or bike downtown along the Canal.

Rideau Canal beside the Château Laurier in summer
The Rideau Canal — a UNESCO World Heritage site running through the city.

Parks & recreation

Brewer Park, Windsor Park, Brighton Beach, the Canal pathways, and Hog's Back Falls are all within walking distance — this is one of the greenest central neighbourhoods in the city.

Shopping & amenities

Bank Street south of Lansdowne is the main strip: independent restaurants, the Mayfair, cafés, everyday retail. Lansdowne Park, with its Whole Foods and Sens/Redblacks/67's games, sits at the north edge.

ByWard Market produce stalls in downtown Ottawa
ByWard Market — Ottawa's historic downtown shopping district.

Lifestyle

This is a walk-everywhere family neighbourhood. Cycling the Canal, skating in winter, summer afternoons at Brewer Pool, and the community paper The OSCAR shape daily life — many families stay through several housing upgrades rather than leave.

Real estate market

Demand is strong and consistent, and inventory stays tight. Heritage detached homes lead the market, with infill duplexes and a small run of low-rise condos filling in the rest. Renovation quality varies a lot street to street, so inspect carefully.

Average home prices

Heritage detached homes generally trade between $1.1M and $2M, with fully renovated homes on Canal-adjacent streets clearing higher. Semi-detached and infill duplexes start in the high $700,000s.

Who should live in Old Ottawa South

Public servants, university faculty, and professionals — plus families drawn to walkable, central living with strong schools and a real sense of community.

Questions People Ask

A few common questions

What is the average home price in Old Ottawa South?
Heritage detached homes typically trade between $1.1M and $2M, with fully renovated homes on Canal-adjacent streets clearing higher. Semi-detached homes and infill duplexes start in the high $700,000s.
How does OOS compare to the Glebe?
OOS runs slightly more affordable than the Glebe, with a quieter, more residential feel and less commercial frontage. The Glebe wins on main-street scene and Lansdowne; OOS wins on the Canal, Brewer Park, and family vibe. Plenty of buyers cross-shop both.
Is OOS good for cyclists?
Yes — the Rideau Canal pathway runs the entire western edge, linking downtown to Hog's Back. Plenty of residents bike downtown year-round.
Which schools serve Old Ottawa South?
Hopewell Avenue PS is the main neighbourhood elementary, with Mutchmor PS in catchment for parts of the area. Glebe CI and Lisgar CI are the popular high school picks, and French immersion is widely available.
Is parking a problem in OOS?
On some heritage streets, yes — narrow lots mean tandem or single-pad parking, and permit street parking is the norm on side streets. Confirm the parking arrangement before you write; it's the most common surprise here.

Straight From the Source

Check the numbers yourself

These are the official sources I use for current Ottawa real estate data, government programs and buyer protection.

Tour Old Ottawa South with an experienced Ottawa realtor.

Get live comparables, school catchment maps, and the new-build pipeline for Old Ottawa South.

Book a Old Ottawa South consultation

Ottawa in focus

What the city actually looks like

Tree-lined Ottawa street of century brick homes in autumn
Central Ottawa's century homes and mature maple canopy.
Rideau Canal beside the Château Laurier in summer
The Rideau Canal — a UNESCO World Heritage site running through the city.
ByWard Market produce stalls in downtown Ottawa
ByWard Market — Ottawa's historic downtown shopping district.