Mortgages in Riverside South
A newer community south of the airport, along the Rideau River, with family homes and townhouses near the Trillium Line extension. Here’s what buying there costs and which rules apply, before you compare lenders with one licensed mortgage professional.
Short answer
Riverside South is in Ottawa, so Ottawa’s tax rates and Ontario’s rules apply. On a $750,000 home you’d need at least $50,000 down and $11,475 in land transfer tax ($7,475 for a first-time buyer).
Buying in Riverside South
A newer community south of the airport, along the Rideau River, with family homes and townhouses near the Trillium Line extension.
Newer homes, parks along the river and the light rail extension make it popular with families who work downtown or near the airport. Much of the housing has been built in the last two decades.
What to know about a mortgage in Riverside South
If you’re buying new construction in Riverside South, plan for builder deposits paid in stages and closing dates that can move. Your mortgage approval needs to be ready, or renewable, for the actual closing date, and the final price can include adjustments you won’t see in the purchase price.
How NorthMerit can help
Tell us what you’re planning and we’ll connect you with one licensed mortgage professional who compares lenders for you. It’s free, and there’s no obligation.
What it costs to buy a $750,000 home in Riverside South
| Repeat buyer | First-time buyer | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum down payment | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Mortgage insurance (added to the loan) | $28,000 | $28,000 |
| Sales tax on insurance (cash) | $2,240 | $2,240 |
| Ontario land transfer tax | $11,475 | $7,475 |
| Cash at closing | $63,715 | $59,715 |
Example price, not a local average. Minimum down payment and a 25-year amortization; legal fees, title insurance and adjustments are extra.
Ottawa rules that apply in Riverside South
Ottawa charges a Vacant Unit Tax on residential properties left vacant. It was set at 1% of the assessed value; check the City’s page for the current rate and the yearly declaration. Source
Ontario’s Planning Act allows up to three units on most serviced residential lots, such as a main home plus a basement apartment and a garden suite, as long as you meet the building code and local zoning details. Source
Ottawa doesn’t license long-term rentals. Instead, its Rental Housing Property Management By-law sets landlord duties, such as response times for repairs and pest control. Source
Sources
We checked these figures against official sources in October 2026. Rules and rates change, so confirm the details with your mortgage professional, lawyer or the source before you rely on them.
- Minimum down payment (Financial Consumer Agency of Canada)
- Mortgage insurance premiums (CMHC)
- Calculating land transfer tax (Government of Ontario)
- Land transfer tax refunds for first-time buyers (Government of Ontario)
- Additional residential units, up to three per lot (Environmental Registry of Ontario)
- Ottawa: vacant home tax
- Ottawa: rental licensing
Common questions
How much down payment do I need for a home in Riverside South?
What property tax will I pay in Riverside South?
Can I add a rental unit to a home in Riverside South?
Who can help me get a mortgage in Riverside South?
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