There are a number of ways to invest in real estate in Ottawa, and there’s soon to be one more. For anyone who enjoys collecting rental income, you may be in luck as Ottawa is looking into allowing coach houses across our city.
A coach house is a secondary building on a residential property, which permits residential dwellings (think garage converted to a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment). Currently this style of residence is not allowed, but that may be ending this year. How will this benefit Ottawans? If you live in an area with a strong demand for rental homes (which is thankfully most of Ottawa as our vacancy rates are quite low), and if you have the space in your backyard or driveway, then you would be eligible to build a 2nd separate residential structure on your property. Of course, the building will need to meet certain codes, restrictions, setbacks, etc (exact city codes for these dwellings has yet to be announced).
Investors and property owners get ready, my prediction is that coach houses will become the new hot way to expand your real estate investment portfolio. More info at the city of Ottawa’s site.
You can also contact me for details on this exciting new change to Ottawa’s laws. Of course, that is only if gets passed 
CHRIS STEEVES