Halton Region was a top-performing detached GTA real estate market in the first six months of the year, according to the 2024 Hot Pocket Communities Report by RE/MAX Canada. The average detached price rose just over one per cent to $1,627,858 and sales falling just short of 2023 levels for the same period, according to Conrad Zurini, owner of RE/MAX Escarpment Realty.
Milton was the sole market to experience an uptick in detached sales this year, rising two per cent to 395 units. Lower housing values combined with a good selection of properties listed for sale have attracted a fair number of buyers to the area. Average price climbed nominally in Burlington (+2.2 per cent), Halton Hills (+1.7 per cent) and Oakville (up just under one per cent). Demand for detached housing was most evident on the peripheral areas bordering Oakville, including Burlington’s east end and Peel Region’s west end.
Value-conscious buyers are behind the push for detached housing, gravitating towards communities with good infrastructure, including GO train access to Downtown Toronto. Two-storey homes are most popular with families moving out of Toronto’s core, while bungalows on generous lot sizes tend to appeal to empty nester and retirees who are downsizing. This trend is especially evident in West Oakville where moderate priced bungalows on good size lots are moving fast. Some of these purchasers, not quite ready to make the leap but looking to secure ownership now, are purchasing with the intent of renting the property out until they are ready to officially make the move.
