By Kyle Dawson, REALTOR® | Ottawa Real Estate
Whether you're being posted to Ottawa with the Canadian Armed Forces, relocating with the Department of National Defence, transferring with the RCMP, or moving through another federal relocation program, having an experienced local REALTOR® can make the process significantly easier.
As a registered SIRVA (formerly BGRS) REALTOR®, I understand the timelines, procedures, and unique requirements involved in government relocations. From virtual home tours and neighbourhood advice to coordinating tight possession dates, I help make your transition to Ottawa as smooth as possible.
Book Your Complimentary Relocation ConsultationEvery posting season, thousands of Canadian Armed Forces members, DND employees, and RCMP officers relocate to Ottawa and the National Capital Region. Many are buying in a city they've never lived in, on a timeline they didn't choose, while coordinating with a relocation provider, a lender, lawyers, and movers — often from thousands of kilometres away.
As an Ottawa military relocation REALTOR®, I help government relocation clients buy (and eventually sell) with confidence — this page explains how, and what makes a military posting or RCMP transfer to the NCR different from an ordinary home purchase.
Moving to Ottawa isn't like moving to most Canadian cities. The National Capital Region is large, spread out, and split by the Ottawa River — and where you work matters enormously to where you should live.
I'll help you narrow down neighbourhoods that fit both your lifestyle and your daily commute — before you spend a single house-hunting trip day looking in the wrong end of the city.
If your relocation is being administered through SIRVA, you're probably familiar with the name BGRS (Brookfield Global Relocation Services).
Beginning in 2026, SIRVA became the new Contracted Relocation Service Provider for newly authorized Canadian Armed Forces relocation files, replacing BGRS for new moves — while earlier authorized files continue under the previous system. Whether your posting file is with SIRVA or still under BGRS, I can work within your program's requirements.
As a registered SIRVA REALTOR®, I can assist throughout your relocation, including:
If your move falls under the CAF Integrated Relocation Program (IRP) or another federal relocation policy, I'm familiar with the documentation, timelines, and house-hunting trip (HHT) structure these programs involve.
Every relocation is different. I've worked with clients relocating from across Canada and understand the unique pressures that come with posting season — compressed timelines, a short house-hunting trip, and a family's whole life packed into a possession date.
I'll help coordinate everything before you even arrive in Ottawa.
Guided video tours of every room, the street, and the neighbourhood — on your schedule.
Live showings where you direct the camera and ask questions in real time.
Attend your home inspection remotely and hear findings directly from the inspector.
Every document signed digitally from anywhere in Canada — or overseas.
…allowing them to arrive in Ottawa with confidence, keys in hand.
Ottawa's major DND, CAF, and RCMP workplaces are spread across the region — and each one points to a different set of ideal neighbourhoods. Here's how the map breaks down for relocation clients.
Explore the National Capital Region above, then use the guide below to match your posting location to its best-commute communities.
These are the communities my relocation clients ask about most — each with its own balance of commute, schools, home styles, and value.
Ideal for Carling Campus, Shirley's Bay and west-end employment, with established schools, tech-sector amenities, and quick Highway 417 access.
Explore Kanata real estatePopular with military families because of newer homes, schools and good value — and minutes from RCMP National Headquarters.
Explore Barrhaven real estateExcellent access to Uplands and Leitrim, with newer construction and a fast-growing family community along the Rideau River.
Explore Riverside South real estateStrong family neighbourhood with excellent schools and recreation, a large bilingual community, and LRT access to downtown NDHQ.
Explore Orléans real estateGrowing community offering larger homes and newer developments, a short drive from Carling Campus and Connaught Range.
Explore Stittsville real estateFor buyers looking for executive homes and larger lots — village charm with a manageable commute to RCMP HQ and the south end.
Explore Manotick real estateFrom your first phone call to possession day (and beyond), here's what's included when you work with me on a military relocation, RCMP transfer, or government employee relocation to Ottawa:
Many military and RCMP families eventually receive another posting. When it's time to leave Ottawa, I can help you sell on your program's timeline — not the market's.
This creates a long-term relationship instead of simply helping with one transaction: many of my relocation clients work with me on both ends of their Ottawa posting.
Yes. Many of my clients purchase remotely using virtual tours, video calls and electronic signatures — and arrive in Ottawa with their home already secured.
Yes. I am a registered SIRVA REALTOR® and regularly assist clients relocating through government relocation programs, including files that began under BGRS.
Absolutely. I work with RCMP members relocating to Ottawa and the National Capital Region, including members posted to RCMP National Headquarters.
Yes. I regularly help relocation clients purchase both resale homes and new construction, including guidance on Ottawa builders, timelines, and closing considerations specific to new builds.
I can also represent you when your next posting takes you elsewhere — coordinating your sale, staging, marketing, and possession dates around your relocation timeline.
Whether you're relocating with the Canadian Armed Forces, Department of National Defence, RCMP, or another federal department, I'll help you find the right home while making the buying process as seamless as possible.
Schedule Your Complimentary Relocation Consultation TodaySend me a few details about your relocation and I'll be in touch within one business day — usually sooner during posting season. There's no cost and no obligation.
Prefer to reach out directly? Email [email protected] any time.
I'll reply personally — no automated drip campaigns and no handoff to a call centre. We'll talk through your timeline, your posting location, and the neighbourhoods that fit your commute, then start building a shortlist before your house-hunting trip.