New Construction Homes & Builder Developments in Ottawa

Most new homes in Ontario are covered by the Tarion warranty. Coverage runs in three stages: one year for defects in work and materials, two years for items such as water getting through the basement or building envelope and defects in the electrical, plumbing and heating systems, and seven years for major structural defects. Keep records and report issues within the warranty deadlines.

Yes. The builder’s sales team represents the builder. Your own REALTOR® can compare communities and floorplans, review incentives and the agreement before you sign, and help with deposits and closing. Many builders ask that your agent is registered with you on your first visit, so bring them along or mention them from the start.

A pre-construction home is bought before it is built, which usually means more choice of lot and finishes, but a longer wait and the chance of closing delays. A move-in ready or inventory home is already built or nearly finished, so you close sooner with fewer choices. In Ontario, buyers of new pre-construction condominiums have a 10-day cooling-off period after signing. Freehold homes generally do not.

Yes. Between the federal government and the Province of Ontario, sales tax relief on a qualifying newly built home now reaches up to $130,000 for a first-time buyer. Eligibility rules and price limits apply, so check the details in my first-time home buyer programs guide and confirm with your lawyer.

New build agreements often include closing adjustments on top of the price, such as the Tarion enrolment fee, utility and water meter connection charges, and in some cases development charge adjustments. Have a real estate lawyer review the agreement of purchase and sale before it becomes firm so you know your total cost to close.