How to evaluate Ottawa-area multi-unit rental properties using actual sale prices, rental income, operating expenses, capitalization rates, cash flow, and return on investment (ROI). See more archived sold buildings at our YouTube Channel.
Key points
• Real-world investment examples: The page analyzes recently sold duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, fiveplexes, and six-unit buildings across Ottawa.
• Rental income matters: It compares scheduled rental income with effective rental income, accounting for income reductions such as vacancy.
• Operating expenses affect profitability: Expenses are calculated, with an additional 10% allowance for maintenance and management in the examples.
• Cap rate helps compare properties: The examples show how a building's net operating income compares with its purchase price.
• Financing can significantly reduce returns: Mortgage payments are factored into the calculations to estimate annual cash flow and ROI.
• A higher purchase price doesn't guarantee a better investment: The examples show substantial differences in profitability between properties.
What the numbers reveal
The examples illustrate that some properties generate very little cash flow after mortgage payments, while others perform considerably better. For instance, a triplex sold in July 2026 showed a 5.91% cap rate and a 3.0% ROI, while a six-unit building sold in February 2026 showed a 6.48% cap rate and a 7.13% ROI.
Bottom line: This page helps Ottawa real estate investors look beyond the purchase price and evaluate whether a rental building is likely to generate a worthwhile return after expenses and financing. The figures are illustrative calculations based on stated assumptions, not guarantees of future performance.
Sixplex that SOLD in October 2026
This property is located in East Ottawa, with 6 @ 2-bedroom units. The property was listed for $1,699,900 and sold for $1,625,000.
- Scheduled Rental Income was $132,130
- Effective Rental Income was $128,166
- Operating Expenses of $24,774
- Total Operating Expenses, with 10% for maintenance/management $37,591
- Net operating income of $90,575
- Cap Rate was 5.57%
- Operating Expense Ratio was 29.3%
- Sold for 13 times the Gross Income
- Sold for 18 times the Net Income
With a 21% down payment of $341,250, this leaves a mortgage of $1,283,750. At an interest rate of 5%, amortized over 25 years, the monthly mortgage payment would be $7,467, for an Annual Debt Service of $89,604 (this is the annual mortgage payment).
The final cash flow on this building was $971 and the ROI (return on investment) was 0.28%.
Sixplex that SOLD in September 2026
This property is located in West Ottawa, with 3 @ 1-bedroom units, and 3 @ 2-bedroom units. The property was listed for $1,650,000 and sold for $1,500,000.
- Scheduled Rental Income was $127,149
- Effective Rental Income was $123,335
- Operating Expenses of $32,260
- Total Operating Expenses, with 10% for maintenance/management $44,593
- Net operating income of $78,741
- Cap Rate was 5.25%
- Operating Expense Ratio was 36.2%
- Sold for 12 times the Gross Income
- Sold for 19 times the Net Income
With a 21% down payment of $315,000, this leaves a mortgage of $1,185,000. At an interest rate of 4.5%, amortized over 25 years, the monthly mortgage payment would be $6,559, for an Annual Debt Service of $78,708 (this is the annual mortgage payment).
The final cash flow on this building was $33 and the ROI (return on investment) was 0.01%.
Fourplex that SOLD in September 2026
This 4-Unit is located in East Ottawa, with 4 @ 1-bedroom units. The property was listed for $799,900, and sold for $780,000.
- Scheduled Rental Income was $74,656
- Effective Rental Income was $72,416
- Operating expenses of $48,062
- Total Operating Expenses, with 10% for maintenance/management $55,304
- Net operating income of $17,113
- Cap Rate was 2.19%
- Operating Expense Ratio was 76.4%
- Sold for 11 times the Gross Income
- Sold for 46 times the Net Income
With a 67% down payment of $522,600, this leaves a mortgage of $257,400. At a 4.5% rate, amortized over 25 years, the monthly mortgage payment would be $1,425 for an Annual Debt Service of $17,100 (this is the annual mortgage payment).
The final cash flow on this building was $13 and the ROI (return on investment) was 0.0%.
Triplex that SOLD in July 2026
This Triplex is located in East Ottawa, with 3 @ 2-bedroom units. The property was listed for $899,900, and sold for $860,000.
- Scheduled Rental Income was $76,400
- Effective Rental Income was $74,108
- Operating expenses of $15,849
- Total Operating Expenses, with 10% for maintenance/management $23,260
- Net operating income of $50,848
- Cap Rate was 5.91%
- Operating Expense Ratio was 31.4%
- Sold for 12 times the Gross Income
- Sold for 17 times the Net Income
With a 20% down payment of $172,000, this leaves a mortgage of $688,000. At a 4.5% rate, amortized over 25 years, the monthly mortgage payment would be $3,808 for an Annual Debt Service of $45,696 (this is the annual mortgage payment).
The final cash flow on this building was $5,152 and the ROI (return on investment) was 3.0%.
Sixplex that SOLD in July 2026
This property is located in Central Ottawa, with 6 @ 1-bedroom units. The property was listed for $1,570,000 and sold for $1,470,000.
- Scheduled Rental Income was $114,015
- Effective Rental Income was $110,595
- Operating Expenses of $24,954
- Total Operating Expenses, with 10% for maintenance/management $36,013
- Net operating income of $74,581
- Cap Rate was 5.07%
- Operating Expense Ratio was 32.6%
- Sold for 13 times the Gross Income
- Sold for 20 times the Net Income
With a 28% down payment of $411,600, this leaves a mortgage of $1,058,400. At an interest rate of 5%, amortized over 25 years, the monthly mortgage payment would be $6,156, for an Annual Debt Service of $73,872 (this is the annual mortgage payment).
The final cash flow on this building was $709 and the ROI (return on investment) was 0.17%.
Triplex that SOLD in June 2026
This Triplex is located in South Ottawa, with 1 @ 2-bedroom unit, 2 @ 4-bedroom units. The property was listed for $1,290,000, and sold for $1,257,500.
- Scheduled Rental Income was $106,200
- Effective Rental Income was $103,014
- Operating expenses of $16,041
- Total Operating Expenses, with 10% for maintenance/management $26,342
- Net operating income of $76,672
- Cap Rate was 6.10%
- Operating Expense Ratio was 25.6%
- Sold for 12 times the Gross Income
- Sold for 16 times the Net Income
With a 20% down payment of $251,500, this leaves a mortgage of $1,006,000. At a 5.5% rate, amortized over 25 years, the monthly mortgage payment would be $6,141 for an Annual Debt Service of $73,692 (this is the annual mortgage payment).
The final cash flow on this building was $2,980 and the ROI (return on investment) was 1.18%.
Duplex that SOLD in June 2026
This property is located in East Ottawa, with 8 @ 1-bedroom units. The property was listed for $889,000 and sold for $840,000.
- Scheduled Rental Income was $79,020
- Effective Rental Income was $76,649
- Operating Expenses of $12,870
- Total Operating Expenses, with 10% for maintenance/management $20,535
- Net operating income of $56,114
- Cap Rate was 6.68%
- Operating Expense Ratio was 26.8%
- Sold for 11 times the Gross Income
- Sold for 15 times the Net Income
With a 20% down payment of $168,000, this leaves a mortgage of $672,000. At an interest rate of 4.5%, amortized over 25 years, the monthly mortgage payment would be $3,720, for an Annual Debt Service of $44,640 (this is the annual mortgage payment).
The final cash flow on this building was $11,474 and the ROI (return on investment) was 6.83%.
Fiveplex that SOLD in May 2026
This Fiveplex is located in West Centretown Ottawa, with 1 @ 2-bedroom unit, 2 @ 1-bedroom units, and 2 Bachelors. The property was listed for $1,020,000, and sold for $980,000.
- Scheduled Rental Income was $97,800
- Effective Rental Income was $94,866
- Operating expenses of $24,170
- Total Operating Expenses, with 10% for maintenance/management $33,657
- Net operating income of $61,209
- Cap Rate was 6.25%
- Operating Expense Ratio was 35.5%
- Sold for 10 times the Gross Income
- Sold for 16 times the Net Income
With a 20% down payment of $196,000, this leaves a mortgage of $784,000. At a 4.5% rate, amortized over 25 years, the monthly mortgage payment would be $4,340 for an Annual Debt Service of $52,080 (this is the annual mortgage payment).
The final cash flow on this building was $9,129 and the ROI (return on investment) was 4.66%.
Triplex that SOLD in April 2026
This Triplex is located in West Ottawa, with 2 @ 2-bedroom units, and 1 @ 1-bedroom unit. The property was listed for $999,900, and sold for $950,000.
- Scheduled Rental Income was $62,244
- Effective Rental Income was $60,377
- Operating expenses of $16,300
- Total Operating Expenses, with 10% for maintenance/management $22,338
- Net operating income of $38,039
- Cap Rate was 4%
- Operating Expense Ratio was 37%
- Sold for 16 times the Gross Income
- Sold for 25 times the Net Income
With a 40% down payment of $380,000, this leaves a mortgage of $570,000. At a 4.5% rate, amortized over 25 years, the monthly mortgage payment would be $3,155 for an Annual Debt Service of $37,860 (this is the annual mortgage payment).
The final cash flow on this building was $179 and the ROI (return on investment) was 0.05%.
Fourplex that SOLD in April 2026
This property is located in Central Ottawa, with 4 @ 6-bedroom units. The property was listed for $3,500,000 and sold for $3,350,000.
- Scheduled Rental Income was $232,200
- Effective Rental Income was $225,234
- Operating Expenses of $37,935
- Total Operating Expenses, with 10% for maintenance/management $60,458
- Net operating income of $164,776
- Cap Rate was 4.92%
- Operating Expense Ratio was 26.8%
- Sold for 15 times the Gross Income
- Sold for 20 times the Net Income
With a 28% down payment of $938,000, this leaves a mortgage of $2,412,000. At an interest rate of 4.5%, amortized over 25 years, the monthly mortgage payment would be $13,578, for an Annual Debt Service of $162,936 (this is the annual mortgage payment).
The final cash flow on this building was $1,840 and the ROI (return on investment) was 0.20%.
6-Unit, SOLD in March 2026
This 6-Unit is located in Central Ottawa, with 2 @ 2-bedroom units, and 4 @ 1-bedroom units. The property was listed for $1,595,000, and sold for $1,550,000.
- Scheduled Rental Income was $119,724
- Effective Rental Income was $116,132
- Operating expenses of $30,432
- Total Operating Expenses, with 10% for maintenance/management $42,045
- Net operating income of $74,087
- Cap Rate was 4.78%
- Operating Expense Ratio was 36.2%
- Sold for 13 times the Gross Income
- Sold for 21 times the Net Income
With a 25% down payment of $387,500, this leaves a mortgage of $1,162,500. At a 4% rate, amortized over 25 years, the monthly mortgage payment would be $6,115 for an Annual Debt Service of $73,380 (this is the annual mortgage payment).
The final cash flow on this building was $707 and the ROI (return on investment) was 0.18%.
Triplex, SOLD in March 2026
This property is located in South Ottawa, with 2 @ 3-bedroom units, and 1 @ 1-bedroom unit. The property was listed for $849,900 and sold for $850,000.
- Scheduled Rental Income was $75,600
- Effective Rental Income was $73,332
- Operating Expenses of $12,407
- Total Operating Expenses, with 10% for maintenance/management $19,740
- Net operating income of $53,592
- Cap Rate was 6.30%
- Operating Expense Ratio was 26.9%
- Sold for 12 times the Gross Income
- Sold for 16 times the Net Income
With a 20% down payment of $170,000, this leaves a mortgage of $680,000. At an interest rate of 4%, amortized over 25 years, the monthly mortgage payment would be $3,577, for an Annual Debt Service of $42,924 (this is the annual mortgage payment).
The final cash flow on this building was $10,668 and the ROI (return on investment) was 6.28%.
6-Unit, SOLD in February 2026
This 6-Unit is located in Central Ottawa, with 4 @ 4-bedroom units and 2 @ 6-bedroom units. The property was listed for $3,150,000, and sold for $3,075,000.
- Scheduled Rental Income was $285,975
- Effective Rental Income was $277,396
- Operating expenses of $50,536
- Total Operating Expenses, with 10% for maintenance/management $78,276
- Net operating income of $199,120
- Cap Rate was 6.48%
- Operating Expense Ratio was 28.2%
- Sold for 11 times the Gross Income
- Sold for 15 times the Net Income
With a 20% down payment of $615,000, this leaves a mortgage of $2,460,000. At a 4% rate, amortized over 25 years, the monthly mortgage payment would be $12,940 for an Annual Debt Service of $155,280 (this is the annual mortgage payment).
The final cash flow on this building was $43,840 and the ROI (return on investment) was 7.13%.
Triplex, SOLD in February 2026
This property is located in Far West Ottawa, with 2 @ 3-bed units and 1 @ 2-bedroom units. The property was listed for $1,080,000 and sold for $1,000,000.
- Scheduled Rental Income was $73,903
- Effective Rental Income was $71,686
- Operating expenses of $14,485
- Total Operating Expenses, with 10% for maintenance/management $21,654
- Net operating income of $50,032
- Cap Rate was 5.0%
- Operating Expense Ratio was 30.2%
- Sold for 14 times the Gross Income
- Sold for 20 times the Net Income
With a 30% down payment of $300,000, this leaves a mortgage of $700,000. At an interest rate of 4%, amortized over 25 years, the monthly mortgage payment would be $4,103, for an Annual Debt Service of $49,236 (this is the annual mortgage payment).
The final cash flow on this building was $796 and the ROI (return on investment) was 0.27%.
4-Unit, SOLD in January 2026
This 4-Unit is located in Central Ottawa, with 4 @ 1-bedroom units. The property was listed for $999,900, and sold for $989,900.
- Scheduled Rental Income was $84,180
- Effective Rental Income was $81,655
- Operating expenses of $24,500
- Total Operating Expenses, with 10% for maintenance/management $32,665
- Net operating income of $48,989
- Cap Rate was 4.95%
- Operating Expense Ratio was 40.0%
- Sold for 12 times the Gross Income
- Sold for 20 times the Net Income
With a 22% down payment of $217,778, this leaves a mortgage of $772,122. At a 4% rate, amortized over 25 years, the monthly mortgage payment would be $4,062 for an Annual Debt Service of $48,744 (this is the annual mortgage payment).
The final cash flow on this building was $245 and the ROI (return on investment) was 0.11%.
East Ottawa 4-Unit, SOLD in December 2025
This Fourplex is located in East Ottawa, with 1 3-bedroom, 1 2-bedroom, 1 1-bedroom, and 1 bachelor unit. The property was listed for $874,900, and sold for $840,000.
- Scheduled Rental Income was $64,698
- Effective Rental Income was $62,757
- Operating expenses of $14,685
- Total Operating Expenses, with 10% for maintenance/management $20,960
- Net operating income of $41,796
- Cap Rate was 4.98%
- Operating Expense Ratio was 33.4%
- Sold for 13 times the Gross Income
- Sold for 20 times the Net Income
With a 22% down payment of $184,800, this leaves a mortgage of $655,200. At a 4% rate, amortized over 25 years, the monthly mortgage payment would be $3,447 for an Annual Debt Service of $41,364 (this is the annual mortgage payment).
The final cash flow on this building was $432 and the ROI (return on investment) was 0.23%.
Triplex, SOLD in December 2025
This property is located in Central Ottawa, with 1 @ 3-bedroom unit and 2 @ 2-bedroom units. The property was listed for $849,000 and sold for $815,000.
- Scheduled Rental Income was $79,680
- Effective Rental Income was $77,290
- Operating expenses of $15,089
- Total Operating Expenses, with 10% for maintenance/management $22,818
- Net operating income of $54,472
- Cap Rate was 6.68%
- Operating Expense Ratio was 29.5%
- Sold for 11 times the Gross Income
- Sold for 15 times the Net Income
With a 20% down payment of $163,000, this leaves a mortgage of $652,000. At an interest rate of 4%, amortized over 25 years, the monthly mortgage payment would be $3,430, for an Annual Debt Service of $41,160 (this is the annual mortgage payment).
The final cash flow on this building was $13,312 and the ROI (return on investment) was 8.17%.
East Ottawa Duplex, SOLD in November, 2025
This Duplex is located in East Ottawa, with 1 3-bedroom and 1 2-bedroom. The property was listed for $624,900, and sold for $613,000.
- Scheduled Rental Income was $38,350
- Effective Rental Income was $37,200
- Operating expenses of $13,184
- Total Operating Expenses, with 10% for maintenance/management $16,904
- Net operating income of $20,296
- Cap Rate was 3.31%
- Operating Expense Ratio was 45.4%
- Sold for 16 times the Gross Income
- Sold for 30 times the Net Income
With a 45% down payment of $275,850, this leaves a mortgage of $337,150. At a 3.5% rate, amortized over 25 years, the monthly mortgage payment would be $1,684 for an Annual Debt Service of $20,208 (this is the annual mortgage payment).
The final cash flow on this building was $88 and the ROI (return on investment) was 0.03%.
Central Ottawa 10-Unit, SOLD in October, 2025
This 10-Unit is located in Central Ottawa, with 10 Units and 21 bedrooms total. The property was listed for $4,415,000, and sold for $3,500,000.
- Scheduled Rental Income was $313,786
- Effective Rental Income was $304,372
- Operating expenses of $93,229
- Total Operating Expenses, with 10% for maintenance/management $123,666
- Net operating income of $180,706
- Cap Rate was 5.16%
- Operating Expense Ratio was 40.6%
- Sold for 11 times the Gross Income
- Sold for 19 times the Net Income
With a 23% down payment of $805,000, this leaves a mortgage of $2,695,000. At a 4.5% rate, amortized over 25 years, the monthly mortgage payment would be $14,916, for an Annual Debt Service of $178,992 (this is the annual mortgage payment).
The final cash flow on this building was $1,714 and the ROI (return on investment) was 0.21%.
Fourplex, SOLD in October 2025
This property is located in Central Ottawa, with 4 1-bedroom units. The property was listed for $1,195,000 and sold for $1,115,000.
- Scheduled Rental Income was $95,256
- Effective Rental Income was $92,398
- Operating expenses of $21,591
- Total Operating Expenses, with 10% for maintenance/management $30,831
- Net operating income of $61,567
- Cap Rate was 5.52%
- Operating Expense Ratio was 33.4%
- Sold for 12 times the Gross Income
- Sold for 18 times the Net Income
With a 17% down payment of $189,550, this leaves a mortgage of $925,450. At an interest rate of 4.5%, amortized over 25 years, the monthly mortgage payment would be $5,122, for an Annual Debt Service of $61,464 (this is the annual mortgage payment).
The final cash flow on this building was $103 and the ROI (return on investment) was 0.05%.

