04.14.22 | For Buyers

Housing Market Insight March 2022

March 2022 – GTA Housing Market News

What is going on with the real estate market?

Here are the March stats:

  • The average selling price was up in the GTA by 18.5 per cent year-over-year
  • The average sale price in the GTA is $1,299,894
  • The number of sales are also down by about 30 percent over la from last year which means that we are seeing less competition on offer night and we’re seeing more and more buyers able to put in conditional offers when purchasing a home

Milton Real Estate Market

The average price in Milton $1,481,100

Burlington Real Estate Market

The average price in Burlington $1,383,700

Oakville Real Estate Market

The average price in Oakville $1,595,300

The average price in GTA $1,299,894

Have questions about the market? Contact us today to learn more!

Previous Reports on GTA Housing Market News

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03.8.22 | For Buyers

Housing Market Insight February 2022

February 2022 – GTA Housing Market News

What is going on with the real estate market?

I don’t need to tell most of you that the real estate market has been insane, especially the last few months. 

But, what I do want to share is that over the past few weeks we are seeing the market shifting. Showings & offer numbers are down. 

A lot of people are wondering why we are seeing a shift? There are many external factors that affect the market but there are 3 main contributors that we are seeing at the moment. 

1. Buyer fatigue 

2. Higher inventory 

3. Uncertainly in the world 

To be clear we are still in a sellers market, but this shift is allowing buyers to be in less competition when offering on a home.

If you have any questions about your specific situation or the micro market you are interested in, we are always happy to chat.

Milton Real Estate Market

The average price in Milton $1,541,400

Burlington Real Estate Market

The average price in Burlington $1,412,300

Oakville Real Estate Market

The average price in Oakville $1,620,600

The average price in GTA $1,334,544

Have questions about the market? Contact us today to learn more!

Previous Reports on GTA Housing Market News

January December November October

02.9.22 | For Buyers

Housing Market Insight January 2022

January 2022 – GTA Housing Market News

What is going on with the real estate market?

Here are the January stats:

  • The average selling price was up in the GTA by 28.6 per cent year-over-year
  • The average sale price in the GTA is $1,242,793⁠
  • Listings remained in short supply, resulting in tight market conditions and very strong year-over-year price growth⁠

Milton Real Estate Market

The average price in Milton $1,381,000

Burlington Real Estate Market

The average price in Burlington $1,322,000 

Oakville Real Estate Market

The average price in Oakville $1,564,200

Have questions about the market? Contact us today to learn more!

Previous Reports on GTA Housing Market News

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250 Royalton Common Kitchen

01.11.22 | For Buyers

Housing Market Insight December 2021

December 2021 – GTA Housing Market News

What is going on with the real estate market?

Here are the December stats:

  • Average sale price across the GTA is up 17.8% year over year ⁠
  • Average sale price in the 905 area code for freeholds saw an increase of 33% over last year Dec 2020
  • Supply continues to be an issue across all home types ⁠
  • Despite continuing waves of COVID-19, demand for ownership housing sustained a record pace in 2021.

Milton Real Estate Market

The average price in Milton $1,348,700

Burlington Real Estate Market

The average price in Burlington $1,228,800

Oakville Real Estate Market

The average price in Oakville $1,445,000

Have questions about the market? Contact us today to learn more!

Previous Reports on GTA Housing Market News

November October September August

12.9.21 | For Buyers

Housing Market Insight November 2021

November 2021 – GTA Housing Market News

What is going on with the real estate market?

Here are the November stats:

Average sale price is up 13.2% year over year ⁠

Supply continues to be an issue across all home types ⁠

First-time buyers made a big come back this year entering the real estate market & as population growth picks up over the next two years we anticipate the condo and townhome segments to remain popular ⁠

Milton Real Estate Market

The average price in Milton $1,316,700

Burlington Real Estate Market

The average price in Burlington $1,224,800

Oakville Real Estate Market

The average price in Oakville $1,418,000

Have questions about the market? Contact us today to learn more!

Previous Reports on GTA Housing Market News

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1421 Costigan Road, Unit 609 Milton | Building

11.29.21 | For Buyers

Our Top 6 Milton Condo Buildings for First-Time Buyers

For many Canadians, homeownership is one of those life goals that you work hard to achieve. And once you’ve arrived, there’s nothing that feels better. However, today, buying your first home can present a challenge. 

One of the best strategies for first-time buyers to get their foot in the door is by purchasing a condo. Condos are a great investment and since they are typically less expensive than single-family detached homes, it’s more affordable for first-timers to save a downpayment and finance the purchase. 

Additionally, condos are typically located in accessible areas close to amenities such as dining, retail, transit, and more. Condos also minimize the maintenance for the homeowner, since much of the building upkeep is covered by condo association fees. 

When you consider the trifecta of affordability, location, and convenience, it becomes totally clear that condos are an excellent investment for those entering the market for the first time. 

If you’re looking for a great condo opportunity, you can start with our top 6 Milton condo buildings for first-time buyers here: 

1. GreenLife Downtown 

Situated at 383 Main Street East in Milton, GreenLife Downtown is a fantastic opportunity for environmentally-conscious buyers. This six-storey condo building features fantastic high-efficiency and environmentally friendly tech such as solar panels and geothermal heating. 

With its prime location in the heart of Old Milton, GreenLife Downtown offers fantastic views of the Niagara Escarpment while remaining close to urban conveniences. 

Built in 2012, the building features various unit sizes and floor plans running from 685-1,375 square feet. One of the main selling points of GreenLife Downtown is the affordable condo fees, ranging from $78-$160 per month, it’s a great value when you consider the building amenities such as the environmentally friendly development, party room, and fitness room. 


Want to learn more about living in Milton? Check out some of our other Milton-centric blogs right here:


2. GreenLife Westside

If downtown doesn’t appeal to you, consider the GreenLife Westside building. Built in 2014, this six-storey energy-efficient building is located at 33 Whitmer Street in Milton. Although public transit in this area is not as accessible as downtown, GreenLife Westside has ample parking for residents and visitors who drive. 

The building is close to urban amenities such as the local Shoppers Drug Mart, Starbucks, and Ajs The Grocery found only a 10-minute walk away. Nature lovers can also enjoy the convenience of having several fantastic parks and walking trails nearby including Centennial Park, Rattlesnake Point, and Kelso Conservation Area. 

Like its downtown partner, GreenLife Westside has a variety of floorplans and unit sizes ranging from 647 square feet to 1470 square feet. The building also includes a party room, meeting room, recreation room, security system, and barbecues permitted. 

3. Ambassador Condominiums

The Ambassador Condominiums consist of two six-storey buildings located at 1419 and 1421 Costigan Road in Milton. Build by Valery Homes in 2014, The Ambassador includes 150 units of varying sizes from 602 square feet all the way up to 1,354 square feet. 

Surrounded by green space and featuring beautiful building amenities such as a designer lobby and a sunroom lounge overlooking the yard, this condo was built to impress. The building amenities include a party room and exercise room.

Situated in a quiet residential neighbourhood, The Ambassador is close to the Milton GO Station as well as the 401 for easy commutes and transit access. The area also features abundant parks, walking trails, dining, shopping, and other conveniences. 

4. Viva and Viva2 Condominiums

Built in 2016 and 2017 respectively, Milton’s Viva and Viva2 Condominiums are situated in the residential neighbourhood of Clarke. These four-storey buildings are located at 1360 and 1370 Costigan Road. 

Close to outdoor recreation such as parks, walking and bicycle paths, and more, these condos are perfect for first-time buyers who want to capture the beauty, convenience, and comfort of living in south Milton–an area that is quickly on the rise! 

With one and two-bedroom options and floorplans ranging from 585-1,040 square feet, Viva and Viva2’s open-concept, contemporary design provides opportunities for first-time buyers, investors, and downsizers alike. 

The buildings feature a party room and proximity to transit like the 401 and Milton GO Station. 


Buying your first home can be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be! Read some of our first-time homebuyer blogs right here:


5. Parkside Residences 

Located at 1379 Costigan Road, Parkside Residences is a six-storey condominium complex built in 2010. As part of the Milton neighbourhood of Clarke, this condo is situated close to many local amenities such as shopping, dining, conveniences, and recreation. 

With units ranging from 619-1,056 square feet, and being an older building, Parkside Residences is perfect for buyers entering the market for the first time. Building amenities include a party room, barbecues permitted, visitor parking, and more. 

One thing to note about Parkside Residences is a pet restriction, so if you have pets, this building might not be for you. 

You can also download our Buyer’s Guide to learn everything you need to know about buying a home with the Katherine Barnett Team. Download the guide for free here. 

6. Art on Main

As the newest condo on our list, Art on Main is an incredibly stylish, luxurious, all-encompassing condo experience. Built by Fernbrook Homes, Art on Main is located at 1050 Main Street East in Milton. 

Featuring 2-bedroom and 2-bedroom + den floorplans, Art on Main is redefining the local condo experience. With exceptional finishings and absolutely astonishing building amenities, Art on Main is sure to attract buyers looking for an elevated experience in one of Milton’s most exciting neighbourhoods. 

Close to incredible neighbourhood amenities and featuring ground-level retail in the building, Art on Main has everything you need. Building amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness centre, pool, party room, billiards room, rooftop terrace, barbecue stations, pet spa, and 24-hour concierge service. 

When you are considering taking your first step into the real estate market, a Milton condo is an excellent investment to start with. Whether you crave the condo lifestyle or you see owning a condo as a great way to build equity before upsizing into a detached home, Milton condos are always in demand for buyers, investors, and renters alike. 

11.10.21 | For Buyers

Housing Market Insight October 2021

October 2021 – GTA Housing Market News

What is going on with the real estate market?

Here are the October stats:

  • Second highest level of sales on record ever with the Toronto Real Estate Board in October.
  • Low inventory on all types of home
  • The average price growth for all types of homes is up 19.3% over last year.

Milton Real Estate Market

The average price in Milton $1,255,300

Burlington Real Estate Market

The average price in Burlington $1,186,400

Oakville Real Estate Market

The average price in Oakville $1,388,600

Have questions about the market? Contact us today to learn more!

Previous Reports on GTA Housing Market News

September August July June

10.13.21 | For Buyers

Housing Market Insight September 2021

September 2021 – GTA Housing Market News

What is going on with the real estate market?

Here are the September stats:


– Average sales has increased 19% over September last year
– September had fewer sales, due to low inventory 
– Halton area average sales has increase 24% over last year

Milton Real Estate Market

The average price in Milton $1,154,800

Burlington Real Estate Market

The average price in Burlington $1,140,500

Oakville Real Estate Market

The average price in Oakville $1,310,900

Have questions about the market? Contact us today to learn more!

Previous Reports on GTA Housing Market News

August July June May

Everything You Need to Know About Buying a House with a Basement Apartment

10.5.21 | Homeowners

Everything You Need to Know About Buying a House with a Basement Apartment

Basement apartments are an increasingly popular trend we’re seeing among homeowners these days. As housing prices continue to rise, and the housing supply continues to diminish, people are looking for alternative ways to navigate the market. 

If you followed the recent federal election, you’d know that housing affordability was a major part of each party’s platforms. However, policies and laws can only go so far and many Canadians want to take things into their own hands. This is where secondary suites and basement apartments come into play. 

Here’s everything you need to know about buying a home in Milton with a basement apartment…

What Defines a Basement Apartment?

Basement apartments, sometimes also called secondary suites or accessory apartments are defined as a “self-contained dwelling” created by converting a section of the main dwelling into a secondary dwelling. 

Basements make popular accessory suites because it’s often fairly easy and inexpensive to turn a basement into its own apartment. 

What are The Benefits of Basement Apartments? 

Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or an empty nester, there are many benefits to having a basement apartment as part of your house. 

Getting your foot into the real estate market as a first-time buyer can be difficult. As home prices in Canada continue to rise, it’s becoming increasingly hard for young people to afford to buy a home. For these types of buyers, a basement apartment is a great option because it means they can collect rent from a tenant to help supplement their mortgage payments, improving affordability overall. 

Empty nesters can also reap the benefits of a basement apartment. These types of homeowners are typically dealing with excess space in their homes. If they aren’t quite ready to downsize but want to maximize the use of their space and make a little extra money, a basement apartment is a great option. 

Basement apartments are essentially real estate investments and can be used to further your space in the market, give exceptional landlord experience, and help you increase your investment portfolio. 

Buying a House with an Existing Basement Apartment vs. Building New

Basement apartments can significantly increase the value of a home. So if you are in the market for a property with an existing basement apartment, expect to pay a higher price initially. 

However, building a basement apartment might take an initial lump sum investment on your part, but in turn, will increase the property value should you want to sell later. 

If you’re currently in the market for a home, and you know you want to rent out the basement, it’s certainly worth looking into buying a house that has an existing basement apartment. It would save a lot of work and time on your part. 

However, it’s also important to consider the ROI. Do some research into how much building an accessory suite would cost vs. how much rent you could charge in that neighbourhood. This might give you a better idea of whether or not buying an existing house with a basement apartment is better for your unique situation rather than renovating and building your own. 


Ready to buy a home? Get started here:


Thinking About Building a Basement Apartment? Don’t Forget About the Legalities

Building a basement apartment in Milton requires some careful planning and consideration on the homeowner’s part. For example, before you start building, you need to obtain a building permit and ensure your apartment meets certain regulatory standards:

  • The basement apartment must be located in a detached single-family home. 
  • It must have access to municipal sewer and water with either laundry in-suite, laundry connections, or shared laundry services.
  • There must be at least three legal parking spaces on the property.
  • Ceiling height must be at least 6′ 11″ (2.11 m), and 6’5″ under beams
  • It must not be greater than 85m² or 915sq/ft in size. 
  • 45 min floor and wall fire separation (requirements are different in older buildings)
  • The dwelling must have its own private entrance.
  • The home must have a walkout egress or window egress with a minimum 3.8 sq/ft clear opening.
  • The building must have all the appropriate permits and inspections.

Legal vs. non-legal basement apartments is a hot topic in Milton and the GTA. Learn more about it in our blog What Makes a Basement Apartment Legal in Milton here.

How to Maximize Your Basement Apartment Income

Building a basement apartment is more than just sectioning off a part of your home and collecting rent. You are essentially becoming a landlord, which comes with significant responsibility. 

Although no two renters are alike, here are some general features that renters look for in a basement apartment:

  • High-quality appliances and finishes (think, faucets, tub, shower, sink)
  • Higher-than-average ceilings
  • Large, bright windows
  • Nice lighting 
  • Open-concept floorplans
  • All-inclusive utilities 
  • Proximity to public transit, healthcare, grocery, and amenities

Read our quick guide to Milton Real Estate here to learn more about the best neighbourhoods for your unique needs.

It’s also important to attract the right type of tenant for your property. Consider your location and your ideal tenant and ensure that you are doing everything you can to attract that type of person to your listing. It’s also a good idea to complete credit checks and have your tenants fill out applications before agreeing to rent the apartment. 

Did you know we host first-time buyer webinars every month? Sign up to join our next webinar for FREE here.

August 2021 – GTA Housing Market News

09.9.21 | For Buyers

Housing Market Insight August 2021

August 2021 – GTA Housing Market News

The average sale price in the GTA is up by 12.6% year over year. We saw a regular summer breather in terms of supply, yet demand remains strong. This has resulted in a lot of competition among buyers (we are currently seeing 10+ offers on a property). Everyone is hoping (and there is some indication) that supply will pick up in this month and throughout the fall. It is a great time to list right now as there is a lot of demand and if you are thinking of buying it is a great time too as we anticipate supply to pick up soon.

Milton Real Estate Market

The average price in Milton is $1,110,400

Burlington Real Estate Market

The average price in Burlington $1,098,400

Oakville Real Estate Market

The average price in Oakville $1,261,600

Have questions about the market? Contact us today to learn more!

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