Thomas Lymburner
Real estate agent for federal employees in Gatineau
Updated: · By Thomas Lymburner, real estate agent (broker), RE/MAX Direct
Thomas Lymburner, bilingual real estate agent (broker) with RE/MAX Direct (OACIQ J6215), works with federal employees who work in Ottawa or Gatineau and want to buy in the Outaouais, in English or French.
In my experience, most of the buyers I work with are federal employees, newcomers and people looking for a different lifestyle from downtown.
Why federal employees look at Gatineau
Several federal offices are in Gatineau itself, particularly in Hull, and prices are generally lower than in Ottawa. For current figures, see our Gatineau house prices page and our Gatineau–Ottawa comparison.
Gatineau house prices 2026 · Buying in Gatineau from Ottawa · FHSA and Home Buyers’ Plan: federal first-home programs
Taxes: working in Ottawa, living in Gatineau
For income tax, your province of residence on December 31 is what counts: if you live in Gatineau on that date, you file a federal return and a Revenu Québec return, even if your employer is in Ottawa. Our guide for buyers coming from Ottawa explains the details.
Commuting to federal offices
Hull is the closest sector to downtown Ottawa; Aylmer, the Plateau and the Gatineau sector are farther, and the commute depends a lot on the bridges and the time of day. Our Ottawa–Gatineau guide covers transit options and fares.
Health card, driver's licence and English school
If you're arriving from another province, RAMQ coverage can take up to three months after you register, and you have six months to exchange your driver's licence. English public school requires a certificate of eligibility. All the rules are in our Ottawa–Gatineau guide.
Relocated by your employer: what to ask
Federal employees relocated by their employer may be covered by the federal government's Integrated Relocation Program, which has its own rules for real estate costs. Before signing a brokerage contract or an offer, confirm with your relocation coordinator what your file covers.
How Thomas works with federal employees
Search and showings; analysis of comparable sales; negotiation; coordination with the notary and the inspector; service in English or French.
Making an offer: promise to purchase, counter-proposals and the notary · Recommended notaries · Recommended home inspectors
FAQ: federal employees
In the province where you live on December 31. If you live in Gatineau on that date, you file a federal return and a Revenu Québec return, even if your employer is in Ontario.
Yes. Thomas Lymburner is a bilingual real estate agent (broker) with RE/MAX Direct in Gatineau, and most of the buyers he works with are federal employees, newcomers and people looking for a different lifestyle from downtown.
It depends on your file. The Integrated Relocation Program has its own rules for real estate costs: confirm with your relocation coordinator what is covered before signing a brokerage contract or an offer.