When buying a condo in Ottawa, one of the biggest price jumps you’ll face comes down to parking.
A single spot can add $30,000–$60,000 to the purchase price—and not every buyer actually needs one.

So how do you know if it's worth it?

We’re breaking down the true pros and cons of owning a condo with or without a parking spot in Ottawa, and how to make the right decision for your lifestyle and future resale.

1. The Cost of Parking in Ottawa Condos

In most buildings, a deeded parking spot will cost you:

$30,000–$45,000 in mid-range buildings
$50,000+ in luxury buildings or those in the core
$200–$400/month in rental options if not purchased

Not only do you pay up-front, but spots also come with higher monthly condo fees and sometimes property taxes.

2. Do You Actually Need It?

Ask yourself:

Do you drive every day?
Do you work from home or commute by transit/bike?
Is the building in a walkable neighbourhood (like Centretown, Little Italy, or the ByWard Market)?
Are car-sharing services nearby? (Communauto is huge in central Ottawa right now.)

If you’re not using a car often, you may be better off saving the upfront cost and renting a spot occasionally—if and when you need it.

3. How It Affects Resale Value

Here’s the truth: A condo with parking almost always sells faster than one without.

But not having one isn’t always a dealbreaker—especially if:

The building is centrally located
The unit is priced accordingly
The buyer demographic is younger, car-free, or values walkability

Pro tip: Even if you don’t need it, buying a spot may still make sense purely for resale strategy—especially in buildings where only a small percentage of units include parking.

4. Alternatives to Parking

If your dream unit doesn’t include parking, consider:

Underground rental spots in your building (often available through property managers or neighbours)
Neighbourhood monthly parking (check Kijiji, Parkopedia, or community Facebook groups)
Communauto car-sharing memberships
OC Transpo pass or LRT proximity

Ottawa’s transit infrastructure is steadily improving—especially near Rideau Centre, Bayview, Lyon, and Lees stations.

5. Parking Stackers, Lifts, and Tandem Spots

Some newer buildings are offering parking stackers or tandem-style spots—which can save space but have quirks:

Limited access
Height/vehicle restrictions
May not work well for larger vehicles
Slower resale due to buyer hesitations

Final Thoughts

Buying a condo with parking in Ottawa isn’t always necessary—but it is an investment.
For some, it’s peace of mind. For others, it’s an extra $50K they’ll never use.

If you're unsure, we’ll help you weigh the cost, lifestyle, resale value, and neighbourhood factors to make the right move for you.