Where to buy real estate in Canada 2021: Halton Region, Ont.

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City	Postal FSA	Neighbourhood name	Overall rank	Avg price 2020	1-year growth	3-year growth	5-year growth	Value score (out of 5 stars)	Neighbourhood economics score (out of 5 stars)	Neighbourhood accessibility score (out of 5 stars)	% Households with Children
burlington	L7M	tansley	1	$597,064	13.7%	16.8%	36.2%	4.5	4.1	4.1	53.3%
burlington	L7M	palmer	2	$733,265	15.4%	17.2%	73.2%	4.5	4.1	4.1	53.3%
burlington	L7L	industrial burlington	3	$560,000	45.1%	-28.7%	74.1%	5.0	3.5	2.9	49.2%
oakville	L6H	uptown core	4	$681,538	17.6%	21.7%	47.0%	4.6	3.7	3.4	56.1%
burlington	L7L	uptown	5	$614,420	17.1%	13.7%	57.7%	4.7	3.5	2.9	49.2%
burlington	L7M	headon	6	$753,812	7.5%	7.6%	48.6%	3.9	4.1	4.1	53.3%
oakville	L6J	clearview	7	$1,255,474	19.7%	7.2%	59.1%	3.0	5.0	1.4	54.0%
milton	L9T	bronte meadows	8	$767,543	22.3%	24.6%	64.5%	4.6	3.3	4.4	60.3%
burlington	L7L	appleby	9	$843,295	23.6%	20.9%	63.3%	4.4	3.5	2.9	49.2%
oakville	L6M	glen abbey	10	$1,059,401	17.5%	9.8%	49.1%	3.4	4.4	2.6	65.5%
oakville	L6H	college park	11	$966,300	24.2%	19.6%	68.1%	4.1	3.7	3.4	56.1%
oakville	L6M	west oak trails	12	$1,008,495	12.2%	7.4%	42.3%	3.3	4.4	2.6	65.5%
burlington	L7M	alton	13	$930,352	10.5%	12.8%	48.1%	3.6	4.1	4.1	53.3%
milton	L9T	dorset park	14	$782,368	15.1%	23.9%	65.8%	4.4	3.3	4.4	60.3%
milton	L9T	dempsey	15	$698,580	15.7%	15.8%	47.4%	4.4	3.3	4.4	60.3%
milton	L9E	ford	16	$871,907	13.3%	14.8%	160.4%	4.6	3.1	4.3	63.4%
milton	L9T	harrison	17	$839,238	17.1%	18.5%	60.1%	4.2	3.3	4.4	60.3%
burlington	L7P	mountainside	18	$670,742	12.4%	18.4%	54.1%	4.4	3.0	4.5	47.7%
milton	L9T	clarke	19	$786,267	12.2%	15.1%	57.8%	4.1	3.3	4.4	60.3%
halton hills	L7G	georgetown	20	$890,359	15.6%	23.3%	62.5%	4.1	3.3	3.2	54.8%
oakville	L6M	rural oakville	21	$1,103,598	11.3%	5.0%	36.8%	3.0	4.4	2.6	65.5%
burlington	L7P	brant hills	22	$756,317	17.0%	15.2%	63.4%	4.4	3.0	4.5	47.7%
burlington	L7M	rose	23	$1,082,820	9.9%	14.0%	54.5%	3.2	4.1	4.1	53.3%
burlington	L7L	orchard	24	$818,725	15.6%	1.8%	45.2%	3.8	3.5	2.9	49.2%
milton	L9T	timberlea	25	$810,689	7.8%	17.2%	63.5%	4.0	3.3	4.4	60.3%
oakville	L6H	iroquois ridge south	26	$918,126	11.5%	8.7%	54.9%	3.6	3.7	3.4	56.1%
milton	L9T	coates	27	$860,267	13.2%	18.8%	52.3%	4.0	3.3	4.4	60.3%
oakville	L6H	river oaks	28	$976,679	18.3%	5.7%	50.6%	3.6	3.7	3.4	56.1%
burlington	L7L	bronte creek	29	$689,033	0.2%	11.8%	20.8%	3.7	3.5	2.9	49.2%
milton	L9T	willmont	30	$793,280	11.0%	9.3%	52.5%	3.9	3.3	4.4	60.3%
milton	L9T	old milton	31	$740,909	7.2%	3.1%	56.3%	3.9	3.3	4.4	60.3%
milton	L9T	beaty	32	$843,357	13.0%	10.0%	53.5%	3.9	3.3	4.4	60.3%
halton hills	L0P	limehouse	33	$1,444,750	9.3%	59.3%	128.3%	3.5	3.7	0.4	45.3%
milton	L9T	milton heights	34	$951,275	22.2%	-0.4%	79.4%	3.8	3.3	4.4	60.3%
milton	L9T	scott	35	$1,005,833	19.6%	18.6%	57.7%	3.8	3.3	4.4	60.3%
burlington	L7L	shoreacres	36	$1,222,507	25.6%	21.7%	66.7%	3.5	3.5	2.9	49.2%
oakville	L6M	palermo west	37	$961,969	1.5%	-14.0%	16.8%	2.6	4.4	2.6	65.5%
milton	L9T	esquesing	38	$1,421,443	38.8%	22.9%	98.5%	3.6	3.3	4.4	60.3%
milton	L0P	nassagaweya	39	$1,599,714	47.4%	28.9%	55.5%	3.2	3.7	0.4	45.3%
halton hills	L7J	acton	40	$718,563	19.3%	23.1%	73.7%	4.7	2.1	0.0	48.4%
burlington	L7P	grindstone	41	$976,929	-12.9%	17.4%	155.5%	3.6	3.0	4.5	47.7%
oakville	L6L	bronte west	42	$1,270,398	20.1%	18.9%	58.3%	3.1	3.3	2.8	44.7%
oakville	L6H	iroquois ridge north	43	$1,304,033	18.3%	8.0%	39.5%	2.7	3.7	3.4	56.1%
halton hills	L7G	stewarttown	44	$958,333	-36.3%	49.0%	79.5%	3.0	3.3	3.2	54.8%
milton	L0P	campbellville	45	$1,437,696	6.3%	23.8%	57.0%	2.4	3.7	0.4	45.3%
burlington	L7P	tyandaga	46	$1,052,945	5.3%	10.4%	29.8%	3.0	3.0	4.5	47.7%
milton	L0P	moffat	47	$1,520,333	17.4%	-5.1%	75.6%	2.1	3.7	0.4	45.3%
milton	L9T	nelson	48	$1,970,000	49.9%	22.8%	96.8%	2.5	3.3	4.4	60.3%
halton hills	L7G	glen williams	49	$1,313,871	-4.2%	18.2%	80.9%	2.5	3.3	3.2	54.8%
burlington	L7N	roseland	50	$1,257,061	20.0%	28.5%	62.9%	3.4	2.1	2.8	38.9%
oakville	L6L	bronte east	51	$1,601,556	16.9%	8.3%	75.5%	2.1	3.3	2.8	44.7%
burlington	L7P	rural burlington	52	$1,610,206	27.4%	11.3%	66.7%	2.4	3.0	4.5	47.7%
oakville	L6J	eastlake	53	$2,424,879	18.2%	14.1%	53.4%	0.0	5.0	1.4	54.0%
halton hills	L7J	rural halton hills	54	$1,260,012	18.8%	3.7%	50.3%	2.8	2.1	0.0	48.4%
milton	L0P	brookville	55	$1,312,972	-17.3%	-10.2%	22.6%	1.3	3.7	0.4	45.3%
burlington	L7T	bayview	56	$937,798	19.1%	14.7%	40.9%	3.8	1.1	3.7	35.5%
milton	L9T	trafalgar	57	$1,245,125	-19.1%	-9.3%	29.0%	1.5	3.3	4.4	60.3%
burlington	L7T	lasalle	58	$929,901	7.4%	6.0%	12.0%	3.2	1.1	3.7	35.5%
burlington	L7R	freeman	59	$670,208	-1.6%	5.5%	56.6%	3.9	0.3	4.8	31.8%
burlington	L7R	brant	60	$853,935	9.4%	12.2%	42.3%	3.7	0.3	4.8	31.8%
oakville	L6K	old oakville	61	$1,593,370	31.3%	4.7%	26.0%	2.2	0.0	3.6	34.1%

Value: Measures how affordable the neighbourhood is compared to the surrounding area and the region overall
Momentum: Measures how quickly prices are appreciating in this neighbourhood, with an emphasis on long term appreciation

For more, please see our complete methodology

Halton Region is located west of Toronto in Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe. Sandwiched between Mississauga and Hamilton, this regional municipality consists of Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills.

Why we’re watching Halton Region

Halton’s desirable location puts it on the radar for many prospective buyers. It’s situated close to both Toronto and Hamilton, making commuting a feasible option to either city. Combining small-town charm with urban convenience, the region has something for everyone: Those seeking a suburban experience will find it in the Burlington and Oakville markets, while those looking for a quiet, rural lifestyle will enjoy Milton and Halton Hills. You’ll find variety in terms of property types too, including million-dollar detached homes, affordable cottage-style homes, and condos. Though there’s been significant urbanization in Burlington and Oakville, the provincial greenbelt and Niagara Escarpment ensure plenty of protected green space and access to trails in the region. Halton was also rated one of the safest places to live in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) by Maclean’s magazine, making it an ideal place to raise a family.

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Halton has grown significantly over the years, and currently boasts one of the highest population growth rates in the country, with 14.2% growth between 2006 and 2011. Nowadays, 580,000 Canadians call the Halton Region home, and the population is expected to reach one million by 2041. The region also boasts a higher-than-average median income of $139,000 and a wide variety of employment opportunities.

Pre-COVID real estate market

Before the pandemic, real estate in the Halton Region appreciated at a rate similar rate to the rest of the GTA and the Golden Horseshoe. In February of 2020, the average cost for a home in the Halton Region was $977,617, just a few percentage points lower than the average price of a home in Toronto. At that time, the average detached home sold for $1,228,860, while semi-detached homes and condos had average prices of $793,288 and $534,160, respectively. Keep in mind that a significant price variability in the region of Halton contributes to those average prices, with rural areas offering more affordable homes and city properties commanding higher prices.

Impact of COVID-19

Once COVID-19 got into full swing in March 2020, prices and sales activity in the Halton Region stumbled, similar to the rest of the country. The average selling price dropped 7% between March 2020 and April 2020 from $933,413 to $870,966. The reduced average selling price had many homeowners fearing the worst, and the real estate industry scrambled to adjust to new regulations and requirements imposed by the public health authority.

Fortunately for homeowners, fears that the drop in average values would remain permanent were unfounded. Once real estate agents in the area adjusted to the new requirements for showing homes, and as buyer demand increased for detached homes and larger lots, prices quickly recovered, with the average selling price of homes in the region reaching a new high of $995,218 by June 2020.

Future outlook

As we advance, the outlook for the Halton Region includes strong price growth and a seller’s market. In March 2021, there was a record-breaking 1,647 transactions, and pricing was up 3% month over month. Today, the average selling price in the Halton region is $1,245,062 and the average home stays on market for just 12 days. This information tells us that homes are selling quickly, and potential buyers will need to act decisively to get into a market that has been fuelled by pent-up demand and record-low interest rates.

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Halton neighbourhoods

Tansley

Located on Burlington’s northeast side is the top-rated community in Halton Region: Tansley. Despite its stellar reputation with families and first-time buyers, it remains affordable compared to other Burlington neighbourhoods. Would-be residents have access to a wide selection of housing types, from detached homes and townhomes, to the condos that contribute to the area’s affordability.

Tansley makes for easy commuting to both Toronto and Hamilton, since it’s located just off the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) and is just a 10-minute drive from the GO Transit station. There’s no shortage of restaurants and shopping options, with Appleby Line just a quick drive away. Outdoor activities and exercise options abound, as the neighbourhood offers a community centre, and an abundance of scenic woods, trails and creeks.

The average price for a home in Tansley last year was $597,064, making it the second most affordable place to live in both Burlington and Halton Region. On trend with most of the GTA, this neighbourhood has seen significant price increases in recent years, growing 36% since 2015. However, compared to other neighbourhoods in Burlington that have grown upwards of 50% during that same period, the gains seen in Tansley are considerably more moderate. Despite COVID-19 causing a slight pause in the spring market last year, the neighbourhood still grew 13.7%.

“Once the markets began picking up in June of last year, Tansley was one of the first neighbourhoods to feel the wave. Prices there were a lot more competitive than in other parts of Burlington, and that’s a huge draw for buyers,” explains local agent Renzo Amorin Cumpa. “Due to its affordability and location, I think Tansley will always have a big demand from first-time buyers—it’s an ideal place to get into a family-friendly suburban market on a budget.”

Palmer

Palmer is the epitome of what Toronto buyers have been fleeing the city for. Located in north-central Burlington, this area has an abundance of large, older homes in quiet neighbourhoods with spacious backyards. In terms of style, Palmer is known for its expansive back-split and side-split houses on larger lots. The houses in this neighbourhood could require remodelling, depending on the buyer’s personal style.

Palmer’s central Burlington location means that residents are never far from the city’s best amenities, like shopping, dining, parks and, of course, waterfront access. Close proximity to the QEW and the GO Train station makes this location well-suited to commuters, too.

Halton’s top neighbourhoods all have one thing in common: affordability. With many of the region’s average home prices by neighbourhood topping a million dollars, Palmer came in as Halton’s 10th most affordable place to buy in the region with average housing prices reaching $733,265 in 2020, up 73% five years prior. During the start of the COVID-19 lockdowns, Palmer was one of Halton’s first neighbourhoods to see the impacts of the increased demand for suburban living, with prices growing 15% over the last year.

“I have always felt that Palmer is an undervalued neighbourhood, you can still get large lot sizes for relatively good prices compared to other areas of Burlington,” explains Cumpa. “This is a very calm and quiet neighbourhood, and it attracts a lot of first-time homebuyers due to its affordability.”

Affordable suburban neighbourhoods like Palmer remain a great option for buyers on a budget who are looking to get gain some space.

Uptown Core

Constructed within the last decade, Oakville’s Uptown Core includes a mix of new condo buildings, townhomes, large detached houses. The area also has unique laneway-style houses, with garages accessed through a rear lane for walkable streetscapes. Thanks to a large volume of newly constructed condos in the area, the community is a premier destination in Oakville for condo buyers.

“The Uptown Core is the new, modern Oakville that appeals to all sorts of buyers,” explains Cumpa. “Many are looking to buy their first property with the new and affordable condominiums here, from young buyers raised in Halton looking to purchase their first home near family, or GTA commuters looking for a vibrant suburban community.”

Developed with the intention to be a complete community, the Uptown Core is in close proximity to shopping plazas, Oakville Place mall, and restaurants. For nature-lovers, dog-owners and people with kids, there’s Oak Park, which offers a playground, leash-free area and trails that connect the Uptown Core to other neighbourhoods in the city.

In 2020, the average price of a home in the Uptown Core was $638,538, making it by far the most affordable neighbourhood in the city (all other Oakville neighbourhoods start in the $900s). This is reflective of the area’s mix of property types since there’s a larger percentage of condos and townhomes included in that data. Because of the number of condos, the Uptown Core real estate market did not pick up as quickly as some other communities after the initial pandemic lockdowns but as the year progressed, interest in condos rebounded, and the neighbourhood grew 18% from last year.

Considering the fact that the Uptown Core is Oakville’s most affordable community, it’s clear why the area was rated the third-best in our study. Though the Uptown Core is primarily known for condo living, it offers the same suburban lifestyle perks buyers have been looking for throughout the pandemic, just on a smaller budget.

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