Ottawa homeowners thinking about selling in 2026 often focus on the sale price and commission, but the full cost of selling a home involves a longer list of expenses that can add up to 6%–10% of the sale price. Here's an honest accounting of every cost Ottawa sellers should plan for.
Real Estate Commission
The largest selling cost for most Ottawa homeowners. Commission rates are negotiable but typically run 3.5%–5% of the sale price, split between your listing agent and the buyer's agent.
On a $680,000 Ottawa home at 4.5%: $30,600 + HST = $34,578
Discount brokerages offer listing services for 1%–2% (you still offer the buyer's agent commission of ~2.5%). These can save $10,000–$15,000 but come with trade-offs in service and negotiation support.
Legal Fees
Ottawa real estate lawyers charge $1,200–$1,800 for a straightforward home sale. This covers title transfer, mortgage discharge, trust account management, and closing documentation. Complex transactions (power of sale, estate, divorce) run higher.
Budget: $1,500
Mortgage Discharge (Prepayment Penalty)
If you're selling before your mortgage term ends, your lender will charge a prepayment penalty. For fixed-rate mortgages (the most common in Ottawa), this is typically the greater of 3 months' interest or the Interest Rate Differential (IRD), and the IRD can be enormous.
Ottawa homeowners with a large fixed-rate mortgage at 2.5% (taken during the pandemic) selling before renewal could face IRD penalties of $10,000–$30,000+. Check your mortgage documents before listing.
Pre-Listing Repairs and Updates
Most Ottawa sellers invest in cosmetic updates before listing. Common expenses:
- Interior painting: $3,000–$8,000
- Cleaning/decluttering: $500–$1,000
- Minor repairs (fixtures, caulking, touch-ups): $500–$2,000
- Landscaping/curb appeal: $500–$1,500
Budget: $5,000–$12,000
Staging
Professional staging for an Ottawa home:
- Consultation only: $150–$300
- Occupied home staging (using existing furniture + rented accents): $500–$1,500
- Full vacant home staging: $2,500–$5,000/month
Budget: $1,000–$4,000
Photography and Marketing
Your agent typically covers professional photography in their commission. If not:
- Professional photos: $300–$600
- Drone footage: $200–$400
- Virtual tour: $200–$350
Moving Costs
Ottawa moving companies for a local move (within the city):
- Studio/1-bedroom: $800–$1,500
- 3-bedroom home: $2,000–$4,500
Summary: Total Selling Costs on $680,000 Ottawa Home
| Cost | Low | High | |------|-----|------| | Commission (4.5%) | $30,600 | $30,600 | | Legal fees | $1,200 | $1,800 | | Pre-listing updates | $3,000 | $10,000 | | Staging | $500 | $3,500 | | Moving | $1,500 | $4,000 | | Total | $36,800 | $49,900 |
Plan for 5%–8% of your sale price in total selling costs before netting your proceeds. Ottawa sellers who budget for the full picture avoid unpleasant surprises at closing.
