In short
You're in charge of everything: the roof, the furnace, the driveway and the lawn.
Total freedom comes with total responsibility for upkeep.
What freehold means in Ontario
Freehold is the most complete form of ownership. You own the house and the land it sits on, with no time limit, and you can sell it, rent it out, renovate it or leave it to someone in your will, within the law and local zoning.
Detached homes are usually freehold, and so are many semi-detached homes and townhouses in Ottawa. The listing will say freehold or condominium, and your lawyer confirms it from the title search.
Freehold ownership is recorded on the property's parcel register in Ontario's Land Titles system, which lists you as owner of the land and the buildings on it.
Freehold vs condo
With a condo, you own your unit and share ownership of common areas through a condo corporation, which collects monthly fees and makes rules for the building.
With freehold, there's no condo corporation, no monthly condo fee and no condo board approving your changes. You're still bound by municipal zoning, building permits, and any easements or restrictions registered on title.
You also make every decision yourself: paint colours, landscaping, renovations and whether to rent part of the home, within zoning and permit rules. There's no board approval or building rulebook.
Budgeting for freehold ownership
Freehold owners pay for everything themselves: the roof, furnace, windows, driveway, lawn and snow removal. There's no reserve fund behind you, so it's on you to save for big repairs.
A common rule of thumb is to set aside 1% to 3% of the home's value a year for maintenance, depending on the age and condition of the house. You also pay property tax directly to the City and arrange your own home insurance.
In Ottawa, property tax is billed by the City in instalments through the year, or it can be paid through your mortgage lender if your lender collects it with your payments.
A home inspection before you buy helps you plan which big items are coming up first.
Common questions about freehold
What is the difference between freehold and condo?
With freehold, you own the house and the land outright and handle all upkeep yourself. With a condo, you own your unit plus a share of common areas, and pay monthly fees to a condo corporation that maintains them and sets rules. Freehold has no condo fees, but no shared reserve fund either.
Do freehold homes have monthly fees?
Standard freehold homes don't have condo fees. You still pay property tax, home insurance, utilities and your own maintenance. Some properties carry other shared costs, so check the listing and ask your lawyer to confirm what's registered on title. Your lender may also collect property tax with your payments.
Is a freehold townhouse a good choice?
A freehold townhouse can suit buyers who want to own the land and avoid condo fees. You're responsible for your own roof, exterior and repairs, and you may share walls or a driveway with neighbours under easements. Review those arrangements with your lawyer before buying.
How much should I budget for maintenance on a freehold home?
A common rule of thumb is 1% to 3% of the home's value a year. Older homes, or homes with an aging roof, furnace or windows, usually need the higher end. A home inspection helps you see which big-ticket items are coming up.
Sources
General information for Ontario, updated October 2026. Not legal, tax or mortgage advice. Rules change, so confirm with your lawyer, lender or the source above before you rely on it.