Burlington offers a lakefront downtown, the Niagara Escarpment on its doorstep and three GO stations, at prices that are generally lower than Oakville's. This guide covers what homes cost, where to look and what to budget for. It's written by the team at Right at Home Realty's Burlington branch.
The Burlington market right now
In the first half of 2026, sales rose year over year (single-family up 7.2%, townhouse and condo up 3.7%) while prices eased slightly. The median townhouse and condo price fell 6.6%. Homes also took longer to sell: a median of 29 days for single-family homes and 45 for townhouses and condos. For buyers, that means more time to decide and more room to negotiate, especially on townhouses and condos.
The summer was quieter. In July 2026, Burlington single-family sales were down 18.3% from a year earlier. The median single-family price was $1,194,750, and the median townhouse/condo price was $645,000.
Source: Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® data for Burlington, January–July 2026.
Neighbourhoods at a glance
Downtown & Brant
Condos and older homes within walking distance of Brant Street, Spencer Smith Park and the waterfront. Best for walkability.
Roseland & Shoreacres
Established south-end streets with large lots and mature trees near the lake. Among Burlington's most sought-after areas.
Aldershot
West Burlington, near the Royal Botanical Gardens and Aldershot GO, with quick access to Hamilton.
Tyandaga & Mountainside
Central-north neighbourhoods near the escarpment, with a municipal golf course and a mix of home styles.
Millcroft & Headon Forest
Family subdivisions from the 1980s and 1990s with parks, trails and a golf course in Millcroft.
Orchard & Alton Village
Newer north-east communities built from the late 1990s on, close to Highways 407 and 403.
Appleby & Palmer
East-end neighbourhoods near Appleby GO with good-value family homes and townhouses.
Rural north Burlington
Larger properties along the escarpment, close to conservation areas and the Bruce Trail.
Schools: Burlington is served by the Halton District School Board and the Halton Catholic District School Board, plus French-language and private schools. School boundaries can change, so always confirm a home's assigned schools with the board before you buy.
Health care: Joseph Brant Hospital is on the lakeshore at the west end of downtown.
Getting around
- GO Transit: Appleby, Burlington and Aldershot GO stations are all on the Lakeshore West line into Toronto's Union Station.
- Highways: the QEW, Highway 403 and Highway 407 all meet in Burlington, so getting to Hamilton, Oakville, Mississauga and Toronto is easy.
- Local transit: Burlington Transit connects neighbourhoods to the GO stations and downtown.
Closing costs and land transfer tax
Budget for closing costs on top of your down payment. The biggest one is usually Ontario's land transfer tax. Oakville and Burlington don't charge a municipal land transfer tax. In Ontario, only Toronto does.
| Purchase price | Ontario land transfer tax | First-time buyer (after $4,000 refund) |
|---|---|---|
| $700,000 | $10,475 | $6,475 |
| $1,000,000 | $16,475 | $12,475 |
| $1,250,000 | $21,475 | $17,475 |
| $1,400,000 | $24,475 | $20,475 |
Based on Ontario's residential rates: 0.5% up to $55,000, 1% to $250,000, 1.5% to $400,000, 2% to $2,000,000 and 2.5% above that. First-time buyers can get a refund of up to $4,000 if they meet the province's eligibility rules. Your lawyer confirms the final amount.
Other costs to plan for:
- Legal fees and title insurance for your real estate lawyer to close the purchase
- A home inspection before you firm up your offer
- Adjustments on closing, such as property tax or condo fees the seller has prepaid
- Ontario's 8% sales tax on mortgage default insurance, if your down payment is under 20%. It's paid at closing and can't be added to your mortgage.
- Moving, utility hookups and any immediate repairs
Buying new construction? Ontario announced an expanded HST rebate for new homes bought as a primary residence, for purchase agreements signed from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. It's worth up to $130,000. Ask your lawyer whether your purchase qualifies before you sign.
How buying works, step by step
Get pre-approved
A mortgage pre-approval tells you your real budget and holds a rate while you shop. Lenders test whether you could still afford the payments at a higher rate, so the amount may be lower than you expect.
Agree on how we'll work together
In Ontario, you sign a written buyer representation agreement that sets out the services you'll receive. We'll go through it together before you sign.
Shortlist neighbourhoods and homes
We match your budget, commute and school needs to the right areas, then tour homes and compare recent sales.
Make an offer
We decide your price and terms together, including conditions like financing and inspection where the market allows. In a multiple-offer situation, we plan your strategy in advance.
Firm up and pay your deposit
Once your offer is accepted, you deliver the deposit, usually within 24 hours, and work through any conditions by the deadline.
Close and get the keys
Your lawyer handles the title search, mortgage funds and land transfer tax. On closing day, you get the keys.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median home price in Burlington?
From January to June 2026, Cornerstone reported a median of $1,250,000 for single-family homes and $705,000 for townhouses and condos in Burlington.
Is there a municipal land transfer tax in Burlington?
No. Burlington buyers pay only Ontario's provincial land transfer tax. In Ontario, Toronto is the only city with a municipal land transfer tax.
Which GO stations serve Burlington?
Appleby, Burlington and Aldershot GO stations, all on the Lakeshore West line to Toronto's Union Station.
Right at Home Realty, Brokerage, Burlington Branch. Independently owned and operated. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with a brokerage.