Q. What are the housing types, property styles, and property types used to classify properties in Ottawa?
A. The following housing types, property styles, and property types are used by Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board to classify properties listed for sale. These designations can help you narrow your search for your ideal property.
Housing Types
Residential
The residential property class includes detached, semi-detached, multi-unit (townhouse/stacked/apartment), properties that are NOT registered as condominiums. The property owner holds freehold title to the dwelling unit and accompanying block of land.
Condominium
The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, stacked etc.) which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties which are co-operatives, life leases, and timeshares.
Lot
A piece of property which is typically without buildings or structures. (A structure may exist on the property but the property is being sold for the land value only.) The property does not have a commercial zoning designation.
Commercial
Commercial property class refers to buildings or land intended to be used either for the operation of a business enterprise or to generate a profit either from capital gains or rental income. Businesses intended to generate a profit are also included in the commercial property class.
Multi-Family (Residential)
Multi-Family (Residential) is a property which is a double (side-by-side), duplex (up and down), triplex, or a fourplex. Properties which have 5+ units must be listed under the Commercial Property Class.
Farm
A farm, ranch, or agribusiness.
Rental
Any Residential property that is available for rent.
Property Styles
Detached
A single dwelling unit standing alone, separately titled.
Row Unit
One dwelling unit of a group of three or more attached, self-contained dwelling units of similar design and size, each unit separately titled.
Semi-Detached
One of a pair of self-contained dwelling units, often of mirror image design, attached by a common wall but detached from other buildings; separately titled from one another.
Apartment
One unit of a complex of self-contained units lying within a low, mid or high rise building, offering common areas such as hallways, parking lots, stairwells, etc.
Stacked
One unit in a complex containing individual residences stacked on top of each other like apartments, but all contained in a single structure resembling traditional row houses. Units are often multi-level. Each unit has a separate entrance and is separately titled.
Property Types
One Level (1LEVEL)
Apartment with all rooms on one level.
1 ½ Storey (1.5STY)
Single family dwelling with 2 levels above grade, upper level is full height at the centre peak but dramatically slopes to shorter height along the outer walls.
2 Storey (2STOREY)
A single family dwelling with 2 levels above grade.
3 Storey (3STOREY)
A single family dwelling with 3 levels above grade.
Bungalow (BUNGLOW)
A single family dwelling with 1 level above grade.
Double Side by Side (DBL-SXS)
Building which consists of two dwelling units beside one another; under single ownership (one legal description); looks like a semi-detached.
Duplex-Up/Down (DUP-UD)
Building which consists of two dwelling units, one above the other; under single ownership (one legal description).
Hi Ranch (HIRANCH)
Single family dwelling with 1 level above grade and the basement level elevated partially above grade, entry is located halfway between basement level and main level.
Mobile (MOBIL)
A trailer or other moveable structure that is used as a permanent structure, usually connected to utilities; may or may not have a permanent foundation. Land might be leased.
Split Level (SPLIT)
Single Family dwelling with multiple levels above grade, separated by small flights of stairs.
Other (OTHER)
Any other dwelling type not detailed here.
