Ottawa is a city filled with a rich history. As the capital of Canada, it has Parliament Hill, a national historic site. However, it isn’t just the official buildings that offer unique charm dating back to the 1800s. Many historic and heritage properties within the town lines give people a unique look into where the city came from and the architecture that lived through it all.

Heritage homes for sale in Ottawa

Designated heritage sites in Ottawa are rarely, if ever, put on the market. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get your shot at owning one. For example, 692 Echo Drive, a building built in 1913 with an Edwardian Classicism design, was on the market for a cool $1.9 million. The home has remained in exceptional shape, offering unmatched old-world craftsmanship.

Things to consider when buying a heritage home

When a home, such as 692 Echo Drive, comes on the market, people may jump at the opportunity to own a heritage home. However, you'll need to consider some aspects of owning this type of property before jumping into the deep end.  

For example, these properties are protected by the Ontario Heritage Act, so if you want to take down any part of the building, build on to it, or make any significant structural changes, you’ll have to go through proper ministerial channels. You could get denied, as well.

Heritage homes are also worth more than other properties, so you may have to pay more than you would for a home with similar features because of its historical significance. That does mean that the resale value is higher for the new owner, but if you have a specific budget that doesn’t quite match up with the cost, you may be disappointed.

If the heritage home has all of its original pipes, wiring, furnaces, and heating systems, like many do, upgrading those to match modern standards will also cost money. You are also limited in what you can renovate, and the front rooms must be preserved in their original style and structure.

How to preserve the integrity of a heritage home

If you move into a heritage home because you love the old-world style, it’s essential to know that maintenance and upkeep will be different than in a more modern building. To ensure that you’re keeping up with preservation without sacrificing the historical integrity of the home, you can:

• Understand the heritage home’s history to appreciate the imperfections as they are and make informed preservation decisions

• Get regular inspections and maintenance done on both the interior and exterior to prevent minor problems from turning into large, more costly ones

• Hire experts to do repairs and restorations as opposed to doing it yourself (unless you are an expert) so that when preservation is done, it’s done right and with people who have worked on heritage properties

• Make changes that will help to keep the structural integrity of the home intact, such as insulating to modern standards and upgrading windows or doors

• Pay special attention to the exterior of the property, and hire professional landscapers if need be

• Connect with others who are well-versed in the preservation of heritage homes to learn about other tips and resources you can utilize

Owning a piece of history in Ottawa isn’t for the fainthearted, but with the right attitude and know-how, living in and caring for a heritage home can be a rewarding experience.

Not intended to solicit those already under contract.