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Hamilton Housing Market | January 2026

Updated

This page has been updated with data released in February 2026 for the January 2026 period.

  • Average home price in Hamilton: $734,639 (3.0% year-over-year decrease)
  • Average home price in Hamilton-Burlington region: $787,579
  • Total sales in Hamilton-Burlington: 470
  • New listings in Hamilton-Burlington: 1,203
  • Active inventory: 2,324
  • Months of supply: 3.2
  • Average days on market: 57
  • Sales-to-new-listings ratio: 39%
  • Lowest mortgage rate in Hamilton

Average home price by property type in Hamilton

These are the average home prices by property type in the City of Hamilton, updated with housing market data released February 2026 for the January 2026 period.

Home Type Home Price Year-over-Year Change
All Home Types $734,639 -3.0%
Detached $812,975 -2.8%
Semi-Detached $581,329 -10.5%
Townhouse $639,343 -5.6%
Condo Apartment $444,692 -2.3%

Average home price by area in Hamilton-Burlington

The table below shows the average home price for each area in the Hamilton-Burlington region in January 2026.

Area Home Price
Hamilton-Burlington Region $787,579
Hamilton $734,639
Burlington $1,054,909
Haldimand County $643,500

Burlington is the most expensive area in the region at over $1 million, reflecting its proximity to Oakville and the premium placed on its lakefront communities. Hamilton’s urban core offers significantly more affordable options.

Hamilton-Burlington market metrics

Key market indicators for the Hamilton-Burlington region as of January 2026:

Metric Value Year-over-Year Change
Total Sales (Hamilton) 320
Total Sales (Hamilton-Burlington) 470
New Listings 1,203
Active Inventory 2,324
Months of Supply 3.2
Average Days on Market 57
Sales-to-New-Listings Ratio 39%

With 3.2 months of supply and a sales-to-new-listings ratio of 39%, the Hamilton-Burlington market is in balanced territory, leaning slightly toward buyer favourability. The 57 average days on market gives buyers time to make considered decisions.

How much income would it take to afford a home in Hamilton?

This table shows how much household income it would take to afford a home based on January 2026 Hamilton home prices.

Home Type Home Price Mortgage Income Required
All Home Types $734,639 $587,711 $160,194
Detached $812,975 $650,380 $175,076
Semi-Detached $581,329 $465,063 $130,848
Townhouse $639,343 $511,474 $141,875
Condo Apartment $444,692 $355,754 $104,897

To purchase the average detached home in Hamilton, a household would need an income of $175,076 — roughly $96,000 less than what’s needed in Toronto. Condo apartments offer the most accessible entry point at an income requirement of approximately $105,000.

The income to afford calculation uses the following inputs:

  • Down payment of 20% to avoid mortgage default insurance
  • Mortgage rate of 4.04%
  • Amortization period of 25 years
  • Gross debt service (GDS) ratio of 32%
  • Property tax of $354 per month
  • Heating costs of $150 per month

Price correction since the 2022 peak

Hamilton experienced one of the sharpest price corrections among Ontario markets following the February 2022 peak. At the height of the market, Hamilton’s average home price exceeded $1 million. Prices have since declined significantly, with the January 2026 average of $734,639 sitting only 1.7% above where it was five years ago in January 2021. This steep correction has reset affordability to some extent, creating opportunities for buyers who were priced out during the overheated pandemic-era market.

Toronto spillover effect

Hamilton has been a major beneficiary of the “drive until you qualify” phenomenon, where Toronto-area buyers move further afield to find affordable housing. The GO Transit rail connection between Hamilton and Toronto’s Union Station has made commuting feasible, though transit times of 60–90 minutes are substantial. Planned GO rail expansion, including increased service frequency, could further strengthen this link and support demand.

Healthcare and education anchors

Hamilton’s economy is anchored by McMaster University (one of Canada’s leading research universities) and Hamilton Health Sciences (one of the largest hospital networks in Ontario). These institutions provide stable, well-paying employment that supports housing demand. McMaster’s growing research facilities and student population contribute to rental demand and neighbourhood vibrancy.

Downtown revitalization

Hamilton’s downtown has undergone significant revitalization in recent years, with new restaurants, art galleries, and mixed-use developments transforming previously underutilized areas. James Street North has become a cultural hub, and the city has attracted creative professionals and entrepreneurs seeking affordable urban living compared to Toronto.

Notable areas in Hamilton-Burlington

The Hamilton-Burlington region offers a wide range of neighbourhoods:

  • Downtown Hamilton — An urban core undergoing revitalization with a growing arts and dining scene. Condo and apartment options are the most affordable in the region, with prices starting under $350,000.
  • Westdale and Ainslie Wood — Near McMaster University, these neighbourhoods offer character homes and a village feel. Detached homes range from $650,000 to $1 million.
  • Hamilton Mountain — A large elevated plateau offering a mix of post-war and newer suburban homes. Generally affordable with detached homes in the $600,000–$800,000 range.
  • Dundas — A charming town within Hamilton known for its valley setting, waterfalls, and small-town atmosphere. Prices tend to run higher than the Hamilton average.
  • Stoney Creek — A mix of older homes and newer developments on the eastern side of Hamilton. Moderate pricing with lake and escarpment access.
  • Ancaster — An upscale suburb with larger lots and newer homes. Detached homes often exceed $900,000.
  • Burlington — While part of Halton Region, it is included in RAHB statistics. Burlington’s lakefront neighbourhoods and established communities command premium prices, with averages over $1 million.
  • Waterdown — A growing community within Hamilton offering newer family-oriented developments at moderate prices.

Affordability comparison: Hamilton vs. Toronto and other Ontario cities

Hamilton’s main appeal for homebuyers is its relative affordability compared to Toronto:

City Average Home Price Income Required
Toronto (GTA) $1,022,143 $215,828
Ottawa $641,436 $142,484
Hamilton $734,639 $160,194
Hamilton (Condo) $444,692 $104,897

While Hamilton is no longer the deep discount it was pre-pandemic, it still offers meaningful savings compared to Toronto — approximately $290,000 less for an average home. The condo segment at $444,692 provides an accessible option for first-time buyers.

Ontario land transfer tax in Hamilton

Hamilton buyers pay the Ontario provincial land transfer tax. Unlike Toronto, there is no additional municipal land transfer tax, which represents a significant saving.

Purchase Price Bracket Rate
First $55,000 0.5%
$55,001 to $250,000 1.0%
$250,001 to $400,000 1.5%
$400,001 to $2,000,000 2.0%
Over $2,000,000 2.5%

On a home purchased at Hamilton’s average price of $734,639, the Ontario land transfer tax would be approximately $10,493. A Toronto buyer paying the same price would owe an additional ~$10,493 in municipal land transfer tax — a total saving of roughly $10,000 by buying in Hamilton.

First-time home buyers in Ontario receive a rebate of up to $4,000 on the provincial LTT. Use our land transfer tax calculator to estimate the exact amount.

If you are buying a home in the Hamilton-Burlington area, these calculators can help you plan:

More housing market reports

Data Sources

The housing market data in this report is sourced from:

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