When is the best time to buy a house in Ontario?

Buying a new home is always a big decision, especially if you are looking for a family house. If you decide to buy a house in Ontario, there will be plenty of factors to consider before you ring Centennial Moving Canada and start getting ready for a move. Your budget and the house’s preferred location are just a few. However, did you know that the real estate market has its peak season? Before choosing a perfect destination for your family home, considering a few of these facts will help you get the best deal. So if you want to know the best time to buy a house in Ontario, keep reading.

What are some factors that decide the best time to buy a house in Ontario?

Like all markets, the real estate market is decided by a variety of factors. When trying to find the best time to buy a house in Ontario, to get the best possible price, you should consider not only internal or personal factors but external ones as well. For example, if you’re moving from BC to Ontario, it’s important to recognize that BC—particularly cities like Vancouver—typically has much higher home prices and a tighter supply than many parts of Ontario. This shift can impact both your budget and expectations. You may find that your equity goes further in Ontario, but timing your purchase to avoid peak competition periods—such as spring—can still help you maximize value.

To help you in deciding the best time to buy a house in Ontario, you need to consider a variety of real estate market statistics as well as personal and other external factors

Personal factors to consider

Beyond economic factors, it’s also important to think about the right time for you to buy a home in Ontario. Your personal situation plays a major role. For example, your financial outlook might be about to change—maybe you’re expecting a bonus, an inheritance, or a promotion with a higher salary. Life stages matter too. Your children might be grown and ready to move out, or you might be planning to buy a family home and prepare kids for a family move. Some people choose to downsize after raising a family, while others are looking to upgrade as their household grows. Whatever your situation, the best time to buy depends on your finances, your goals, and your lifestyle.

Buying a home isn’t just about money, though. It’s also about timing and long-term plans. If you’ve just arrived in Ontario and aren’t yet settled, it might be better to wait. And by settled, we don’t mean having a spouse or kids—we mean knowing you’ll live in Ontario full time and having a stable job to support that plan. If your employment is uncertain or you’re still deciding which city suits you best, it may be wise to delay buying until you feel more secure and rooted.

Opting for a smaller house after your kids move out could be a wise choice

Market and economic factors

The housing market tends to follow a predictable cycle, with seasonal trends that often repeat year after year. By analyzing key market data, you can identify when it’s typically the best time to buy a house in Ontario. Still, recent events—such as the pandemic—have shown how easily external factors can disrupt this cycle. Sudden changes can create long-term volatility in prices, demand, and housing supply across Canada.

Two of the most critical elements influencing home prices are demand and supply. Demand reflects how many people are actively looking to buy during a given period. Supply refers to the number of homes available on the market. When supply increases, prices often fall. When demand increases, prices tend to rise. Understanding how these patterns shift throughout the year can help you make more informed decisions—not only when buying a home but also when searching for reliable moving companies Ontario.

The pandemic has changed much of our lifestyle, so it’s no surprise that it had a strong effect on the Ontario real estate market

Don’t overlook taxes when buying a home in Ontario

When you buy a home in Ontario, taxes matter a lot. Most Canadians know about property taxes. These taxes help pay for public education, police, libraries, and fire services. But rates change depending on where you live. In 2025, Ontario property taxes still depend on three things: the municipal rate, the education rate, and the home’s assessed value. Each year, your municipality sends a tax bill, so you’ll see exactly what you owe.

If you’re not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you’ll also face the Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST). In 2025, the rate is 25% of the purchase price for foreign buyers. That’s much higher than the old 15% rate. If this applies to you, make sure to include it in your budget.

Look into tax credits and grants

Ontario gives several tax breaks that make owning a home more affordable. These help first-time buyers and seniors lower their costs or build savings.

If you’re buying your first home, you might qualify for the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit. It gives you up to $10,000, which means a $1,500 non-refundable credit on your taxes.

If you’re a senior with a low or moderate income, you can apply for the Ontario Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant. It gives up to $500 per year to help pay property taxes.

You might also qualify for other programs based on where you live. Look into:

• The Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit helps cover energy and property tax costs if your income is modest.
• The Northern Ontario Energy Credit, if you live in a northern community, you may get help, which offsets higher heating bills.

These tax credits can free up money. You could use the savings to build an emergency fund for home repairs—a smart step for any homeowner in 2025.

Before you buy, check every tax incentive you might qualify for. These programs can make a real difference in what you can afford and when the time is right.

Taxes may not play a big part in the timing of your home purchase, but they are still something you should consider

Is 2025 a good time to buy a house in Ontario?

The answer depends on where in Ontario you’re looking. Real estate trends vary widely between cities, but there are some province-wide indicators that can help you decide if buying now makes sense—especially if you’re moving from Saskatoon to Ontario.

Let’s say you’re relocating to Ottawa for a new job, or maybe you’re heading to the Greater Toronto Area to be closer to family. Either way, brace yourself—Ontario’s housing market doesn’t feel like Saskatoon’s. Back in Saskatoon, prices barely moved the past few years. Nothing too wild. But Ontario? Prices soared during the pandemic, then dropped hard.

In 2022, the median price across Ontario hovered around $829,700 CAD. But by early 2025, prices are still down. Roughly 25% lower than the 2022 peak, depending on where you look. Brampton, Mississauga, and other parts of the GTA offer deals now that would’ve been unthinkable three years ago. That said, Ottawa and Hamilton held up better. Their markets dipped less and even saw modest gains year over year.

If you’re coming from Saskatchewan, this might be your window. Your equity stretches further here now. You could trade a small detached in Saskatoon for a semi in Kitchener—or maybe even a townhouse in Etobicoke. Three years ago? No chance.

Still, you’ve gotta be realistic. Borrowing costs are high. Canada’s prime rate is hovering around 6.00%, and unless you’re buying in cash, that’ll sting a bit. If the location feels right and you plan to stay put, you should probably buy. But if you’re tight on monthly cash flow, it might be smarter to wait. Rates aren’t expected to drop fast.

Which city is the best to buy a house in Ontario in 2025?

Ontario is a large and diverse province, so while there are some general real estate trends, the market conditions can vary dramatically from one city to another. Home prices, demand, and supply all shift depending on the region. As expected, Toronto remains the most expensive place to buy a home, with the average price sitting around $1,060,000 CAD in early 2025. That said, prices have dipped slightly—down about 2% compared to last year—making it a potentially better entry point than during the 2021–2022 peak.

Still, if you’re thinking of moving from Alberta to Ontario, it’s worth considering more than just price tags.

Toronto might seem like the obvious choice if you’re chasing job prospects or want access to a big housing market. But here’s the thing—it’s expensive. Like, really expensive. Housing, groceries, parking, daycare—it all adds up fast. If you’re coming from Alberta, where gas is cheaper and space isn’t a luxury, the shift can hit hard. I’ve seen folks move here and get blindsided by the monthly costs.

That said, Toronto isn’t your only option. If you’re used to the pace of Calgary, Edmonton, or Red Deer, cities like Kitchener-Waterloo, Kingston, or London feel more manageable. You still get career opportunities, but without the sticker shock. Housing is cheaper. Commutes are shorter. And let’s be honest, life just feels a bit less rushed.

Now, as of 2025, most Ontario cities have seen prices fall from the pandemic peak. Sales have slowed too, which means buyers actually have time to think—maybe even negotiate. It’s not 2021 anymore, where you had to bid $100K over asking just to get a showing.

Ottawa and Hamilton are exceptions. They’ve held steady. Ottawa’s prices ticked up about 1% over the past year—not wild, but steady. That’s partly due to a growing population (nearly 9% up in five years) and the usual public sector stability. It’s not flashy, but it’s reliable. And Hamilton? It’s quietly becoming a real contender. Still rough around the edges in some spots, but full of potential.

Toronto is the city with the highest home prices in Ontario, but they have decreased in the past year

Ontario real estate market forecast

Is 2025 the right time to buy a house in Ontario, or should you wait? That depends on two main factors: inflation and mortgage rates. These two directly shape the real estate market this year.

Inflation in early 2025 is still high, but it’s more stable than before. Mortgage rates remain elevated, with Canada’s prime rate near 6.00%. Because of this, fewer buyers are active, and that’s keeping prices from rising quickly. Most experts agree: unless rates drop soon, home prices will likely stay flat—or even fall slightly—in many Ontario cities through late 2025.

New home construction is also affecting the market. Since the pandemic, builders have focused on smaller and mid-sized cities like Guelph, Barrie, and London. Though the 2021 construction boom has slowed, investment is still strong in 2025. That adds supply and lowers buyer competition.

Migration trends also matter. During the pandemic, many people left big cities like Toronto for cheaper towns. That shift hasn’t fully reversed. Thanks to hybrid work, more people are staying outside the city long term. Cities like Ottawa, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Kingston continue to attract buyers who want space, lower prices, and good services.

As more people continue to relocate between provinces or within Ontario itself, related industries such as real estate, and relocation services Canada providers have remained active and in demand. If you’re planning to move, it’s wise to account not only for real estate conditions but also for the cost and availability of trusted relocation help.

Things to consider before buying a house in Ontario

Once you decide to move into a new home, you’ll have plenty of factors to consider. Will you be able to pay for the renovation and moving costs and cover other expenses? When moving from province to province, is purchasing a property the best financial decision you can make? Will your home have greater value in the future? These are just some of the questions you should ask yourself. Since owning a home comes with great maintenance costs, you should do your research and do a proper assessment of the important things:

• How big of a house are you looking for. If you want to buy a house in Ontario, you’ll have plenty of options. You should decide what you want early depending on your budget and family situation.
• Financial plan. Unless you prepare the exact amount of money in cash for buying a new home, you should make a solid financial plan. After moving into a new house in Ontario might need to cover additional costs.
• The best time to relocate. People usually plan to relocate as soon as their new home is ready for moving in. However, moving can be expensive, which is why you should consider the best time to buy a house in Ontario.
• Additional expenses regarding your home purchase. Expenses like renovation, mortgage fees, and different taxes are all the things you should consider when buying a house.

Make sure you know all about potential repairs before you put an offer on a house you like.

Location, location, location – how important is it when buying a house

Ask anyone who’s bought a home in Ontario—they’ll probably tell you the same thing: location matters more than square footage. You can change a kitchen. You can’t change what’s outside your front door.

Home values swing wildly from one block to the next. In some Toronto neighborhoods, a semi goes for $1.3 million. A few blocks over? You might find a detached for under $950K—but on a louder street, farther from schools. So, yeah, where you buy counts.

A lot of buyers assume the priciest neighborhood is the best bet. But if you’re working with a fixed budget—and most people are—that might stretch you too thin.

Look for homes with potential. Maybe it needs paint, new floors, or even a kitchen overhaul. If the structure’s solid and the location’s right, that’s a win. “Good bones” still matter, especially in older Ontario suburbs. You put in the sweat equity, and that value comes back to you.

Now, if you’re buying with kids in mind, zoom out. School zones and crime stats should be on your radar. A quiet cul-de-sac near a well-rated public school? Gold. That kind of stability adds value—and peace of mind. You want to feel good walking your kid to class. You want your neighbors to nod hello.

Bottom line? Don’t just shop the house—shop the area. You’ll live in both.

Also, don’t forget to think about practical needs like parking or garage space. If you plan to use a car—especially if you’re relocating and using services from car shipping companies Canada—you’ll want a neighborhood where street parking is available or where there’s room to build a garage, even if one isn’t there yet.

What is the best time of year to buy a house in Ontario in 2025?

If you’re not in a rush to buy, timing your purchase carefully can make a noticeable difference—especially in a large, competitive market like Ontario.

In the past, January was often seen as the best month to buy, mainly because fewer people wanted to move during the harsh winter. Prices tended to dip after the holidays when demand dropped and sellers were more flexible. But in 2025, the story has shifted a bit.

Thanks to changing market trends and ongoing affordability concerns, early spring—specifically March and April—has emerged as a smarter window for buyers. By then, more homes hit the market, but competition hasn’t reached its peak yet. Sellers are often eager to close before the busy summer season, giving motivated buyers a better shot at negotiating price or terms.

That said, winter still has perks. If you’re willing to brave colder weather and limited inventory, you may still find good deals in January and February—especially in smaller cities outside the Greater Toronto Area.

We break down these seasonal trends in more detail throughout this article to help you plan your next move. Before you start browsing listings or reach out to long distance moving companies Canada, take a moment to weigh your timing against the market. With 52 cities and nearly 10 million residents, Ontario’s real estate landscape isn’t one-size-fits-all—and the best time to buy can depend just as much on location as on the calendar.

Make sure to examine your options and consider wintertime for buying a house.

Pick the right destination for your family home

Found a place that just feels right? Maybe it’s a quiet street near a good school. Maybe your kid pointed at the backyard and said, “This is it.” Whatever the reason, once you’ve locked in the destination for your family home, everything else gets easier. Still, don’t rush it. Ontario’s big—52 cities, different vibes. A place like Burlington feels completely different from, say, Windsor. If you’re coming from out of province, those differences hit even harder.

Talk to someone who lives there. Walk the block. Get a coffee. You’ll pick up more from fifteen minutes outside a grocery store than from three hours of online listings. If you’re working with a real estate agent, tell them the truth—not just what you want, but what you don’t want. Space for kids? A walkable park? Room for a garden? Be honest. A clear sense of place will guide every moving decision that follows.

Pack your belongings to avoid the chaos

Once the offer’s in and the closing date’s set, it gets real. Boxes everywhere. Decisions on what to toss, keep, donate. The key here? pack your belongings the right way, or you’ll regret it halfway through the move. That means labeling things clearly, padding the breakables, and not waiting until 2 a.m. to wrap your dishes in beach towels. Been there. Don’t recommend it.

If you’re short on time—or just hate packing—hire help. A decent moving crew can wrap, lift, and load faster than you think. That said, get quotes early. Prices vary. So do services. Some movers will pack your entire kitchen. Others won’t touch your fridge. Write everything down. Budget, timeline, even who’s in charge of the cat. Moving is already stressful. You don’t want to be guessing which box has the toothbrushes.

Plan your relocation with a moving company when moving during the winter.

So, when should you buy a house in Ontario?

So, is 2025 a good time to buy in Ontario? Honestly, it depends on your situation. Prices have dropped since the peak, and with fewer buyers in the market, you’ve got room to negotiate. Sure, interest rates are high and inflation’s still hanging around, but if your finances are solid, this could be your opening. That said, timing isn’t just about the market. It’s also about your life. If you’re ready, stop chasing perfection. Buy a house in Ontario when you’re financially and mentally set. The best time? It’s when the numbers—and your gut—say yes.