Oshawa Property Guide · Updated for 2026
Oshawa has detailed municipal rules for building permits and accessory apartments, while property-tax bills also include Region of Durham and provincial education components. These are key issues to investigate when buying or renovating a home.
2026 Property Taxes in Oshawa
For 2026, Oshawa publishes a combined residential tax rate of 1.575342%, consisting of City, Region of Durham and education components. The amount actually payable depends on the property’s assessed value and tax classification, and rates can change from year to year.
Use our Property Tax Calculator for estimates and verify current official rates on the City of Oshawa tax-rate page.
Building Permits in Oshawa
Oshawa lists permits for projects including additions, sheds larger than 15 m², added dwelling units, finishing basements, decks and porches, fireplaces and changes to heating or plumbing systems. The City also notes some limited examples that may not require a building permit, but zoning and other rules can still apply.
Review Oshawa’s building-permit information before work begins. See our Ontario zoning and permit resources for related guidance.
Accessory Apartments in Oshawa
Oshawa uses the term accessory apartment for an additional self-contained dwelling unit. The City states that, subject to its zoning provisions and other requirements, a maximum of three residential dwelling units may be permitted on a lot in applicable circumstances, with a maximum of one accessory unit in an accessory building.
The age of an existing unit matters. Oshawa directs owners of certain second units created before July 1994 to Municipal Licensing, while a second or third unit created after July 1994 requires a building permit to legalize the use. Do not assume an existing basement kitchen or separate entrance proves legal status.
See the City’s Accessory Apartments guide and our Buying a House With a Basement Apartment guide.
Oshawa Property Due-Diligence Checklist
- Verify zoning and permitted uses.
- Check permit records for additions, basement finishing and structural alterations.
- Confirm registration/legalization status for an existing accessory apartment.
- Review parking and landscaped-open-space requirements if additional units are contemplated.
- Check for conservation, transportation or transit-corridor approvals where applicable.
- Verify the current property-tax account and assessment.
Useful Ontario Home Intel Resources
- Additional Rental Units in Ontario
- What Happens With Unpermitted Renovations?
- Ontario Closing Costs
- Mortgage Payment Calculator
- Municipal Property Guides
Oshawa Property FAQ
What is the 2026 residential property-tax rate in Oshawa?
Oshawa publishes a 2026 combined residential rate of 1.575342%. The actual tax bill depends on assessed value and classification.
Can a home in Oshawa have three dwelling units?
Oshawa’s current accessory-apartment guidance allows up to three residential dwelling units on a lot in qualifying circumstances, subject to zoning, building, parking, site and other requirements.
Does finishing a basement require a permit in Oshawa?
Oshawa lists finishing a basement among projects requiring a building permit.
Ontario Home Intel is an independent educational resource and is not a real estate agency or brokerage. Information is general only and is not legal, planning, tax, engineering or other professional advice. Verify property-specific requirements with the City of Oshawa and other applicable authorities.