Blog > Hamilton-Burlington Real Estate Market Update: October 2025
October 2025 Market Update: Buyer Opportunities Continue in Hamilton & Burlington
As October winds down and we head into the final stretch of 2025, I wanted to share what's happening in our Hamilton and Burlington housing markets. If you've been watching from the sidelines or actively looking to make a move, this month's data tells an important story: we're firmly in buyer-friendly territory, with opportunities that haven't existed in years. Let me walk you through what the numbers mean for you.
The Big Picture: A Market Finding Its Balance
October continued the trends we've been tracking all year—softer sales, elevated inventory, and price adjustments that are making homeownership more accessible. Year-to-date sales in both markets have hit levels we haven't seen in over a decade, whilst inventory has climbed steadily. For buyers, this translates to choice, time, and negotiating power. For sellers, it means strategy and realistic pricing are more critical than ever.
October 2025 Market At-a-Glance
Hamilton
Burlington
Hamilton Market Snapshot
Hamilton saw 463 home sales in October, down 17.3% from last year. This brings our year-to-date total to 4,894 sales—the slowest pace we've seen since 2010. New listings came in at 1,170 units, down 3.3% year-over-year, which helped prevent further inventory buildup but didn't fundamentally shift market dynamics.
The benchmark price in Hamilton now sits at $700,100, down 8% from October 2024. The average sale price was $781,277 (down 4.5%), whilst the median hit $695,000. Yes, prices have softened—but here's the perspective I want you to have: Hamilton remains incredibly affordable compared to the GTA, and these adjustments are creating entry points that simply didn't exist a year ago.
Burlington Market Snapshot
Burlington's October was quieter still, with 186 sales—a 15.1% drop from last year. Year-to-date, we've now seen 1,767 transactions, the lowest since 1999. The benchmark price stands at $875,600, down nearly 13% year-over-year, with an average sale price of $1,028,523.
I know these numbers might raise eyebrows, but let me offer this perspective: Burlington's lakeside lifestyle and premium schools are now more accessible than they've been in half a decade. For buyers who were priced out during the frenzy, this is your window. For sellers, strategic pricing and strong presentation are getting results—it's just taking a bit more finesse.
Property Type Breakdown - October 2025
Breaking Down the Property Types: Where the Real Value Is
Detached Homes: The Family Home Market
In Hamilton, detached homes saw 323 sales in October at an average price of $856,325. The benchmark for a typical detached home is $765,900—down 7% from last year. Over in Burlington, detached homes averaged $1,281,696 with a benchmark of $1,179,900 (down 10%).
What does this mean for you? If you've been saving for that backyard, home office, or extra bedroom, the price adjustments are real. I'm working with families right now who are finally getting into neighbourhoods they thought were out of reach. The dream of a detached home with space for your family is genuinely more attainable than it's been in years.
Condos and Apartments: The Smart Entry Point
Here's where first-time buyers and investors should pay close attention. Hamilton apartments averaged $466,506 in October, with a benchmark of $402,900—down 14% year-over-year. Burlington apartments came in at $722,987 (benchmark $540,500, down 10%).
I'm seeing savvy buyers jump on these opportunities. The fundamentals remain solid—rental demand is strong, we need housing, and these price points create wealth-building opportunities. If you've been renting and wondering if you'll ever own, this condo market is worth a serious look.
Townhomes and Semi-Detached: The Goldilocks Zone
Townhomes continue to hit that sweet spot—more space than a condo, lower price than detached. In Hamilton, townhomes averaged $661,371 (benchmark $610,400, down 5%), whilst Burlington rows came in at $812,933 (benchmark $775,000, flat year-over-year). Semi-detached homes in Hamilton averaged $704,444, and in Burlington, $829,250.
These "middle market" properties are perfect for growing families, downsizers who still want some yard, or anyone looking for more than an apartment without the full detached price tag.
Property Type Breakdown - October 2025
What the Inventory Numbers Tell Us
One of the most important indicators I watch is months of supply. Hamilton sits at 5.3 months, whilst Burlington is at 3.6 months. Generally speaking, under 4 months favours sellers, 4-6 months is balanced, and over 6 months favours buyers.
We're right in that balanced-to-buyer sweet spot. This is actually healthy! The bidding war chaos of 2021-2022 wasn't sustainable. This measured pace means you can think, negotiate, get inspections, and make informed decisions rather than writing offers in a panic.
Key Takeaway on Market Conditions
For Buyers: With 40-50% sales-to-new listings ratios and over 5 months of inventory in Hamilton, you have leverage. Don't rush. Do your homework. Negotiate.
For Sellers: The "price it high and wait" strategy doesn't work anymore. Price competitively from day one, present beautifully, and be flexible. Quality homes at fair prices still sell within 6-8 weeks.
Days on Market: What You Need to Know
Homes are taking longer to sell, which is perfectly normal in a balanced market. Hamilton properties averaged 39 days on market, up 7.8% from last year. Burlington saw 42 days, up a substantial 47.3%.
For buyers, this extended timeline removes pressure and creates opportunities to negotiate on price, closing dates, and conditions. For sellers, it means your marketing, staging, and pricing need to be spot-on. I'm still seeing well-prepared homes sell quickly—but the days of "throw up a sign and get five offers" are behind us for now.
Neighbourhood Insights: Where the Action Is
Neighbourhood Price Comparison - October 2025
Hamilton Hotspots
Hamilton Mountain led sales activity with 136 transactions (29% of the market), averaging $685,888. The most affordable entry points remain Hamilton Centre ($521,420) and Hamilton East ($609,478)—perfect for first-time buyers or investors.
The real surprise? Dundas surged 23.4% to an average of $1,203,257, making it the most balanced market with just 3 months of supply. The premium areas like Ancaster ($1,183,000) and Waterdown ($890,015) have seen price adjustments that are bringing them within reach for buyers who were previously priced out.
Burlington Neighbourhood Breakdown
Burlington's neighbourhood story is fascinating this month. The Headon Forest/Millcroft/Orchard area led activity with 54 sales, whilst Plains/Maple/Central followed with 38 transactions. What I love about Burlington is the variety—waterfront living, established family neighbourhoods, newer developments—there's truly something for everyone.
Neighbourhood Price Highlights - October 2025
Burlington Market Insight
Burlington still commands a premium—you're paying about 32% more than Hamilton on average. But what you're getting is lakefront access, top-tier schools, and one of Ontario's most desirable lifestyles. With prices down 13% year-over-year at the benchmark level, long-time renters and Hamilton buyers looking to upgrade have an opportunity that hasn't existed since pre-pandemic.
What This Means for YOU
If You're Thinking of Buying...
This is genuinely one of the best buying environments we've had since before the pandemic. You have selection, time to make decisions, and negotiating leverage you haven't had in years. Yes, interest rates remain elevated—but the price adjustments we're seeing can more than offset that impact, especially if you're planning to stay long-term.
My advice? Stop trying to time the absolute bottom. If you find a home you love, in a neighbourhood that works for your lifestyle, at a price that fits your budget, and you're planning to stay for 5+ years, you're likely making a sound decision. Real estate is a long game, and getting in when you have breathing room beats scrambling during a frenzy.
If You're Thinking of Selling...
I won't sugarcoat it—this is a more challenging market for sellers than we've seen in several years. But here's what I know from working in these conditions every day: good homes still sell. The key is being strategic from the start.
This means professional photography, thoughtful staging, competitive pricing on day one, and flexibility with showings. The days of multiple offers over asking are largely behind us, but that doesn't mean you can't achieve your goals. You just need realistic expectations and expert guidance. Homes that are priced right and presented well are still selling within 6-8 weeks.
If You're Just Watching and Waiting...
Staying informed is smart. Markets are cyclical—they don't stay the same forever. When you're ready to make your move, you'll want to act with confidence, and understanding these trends will help you do exactly that. Don't feel pressured to act before you're ready, but also don't let fear or uncertainty paralyse you when the right opportunity comes along.
My Promise to You
Whether you're buying your first home, upsizing for a growing family, downsizing for the next chapter, or selling to pursue a new opportunity, you deserve someone in your corner who truly knows this market and genuinely cares about your success.
I'm not just crunching numbers and analysing charts—I'm out there every single day, walking through homes, talking with buyers and sellers, negotiating deals, and seeing firsthand what's working and what's not. More importantly, I'm listening to families like yours share their dreams, worries, and goals.
This market isn't about getting the absolute lowest price or the absolute highest sale anymore. It's about making smart, informed decisions that align with YOUR life goals and financial situation. It's about finding the right home, at the right price, at the right time for you and your family.
Real estate is deeply personal. It's where your kids will grow up, where you'll host holiday dinners, where you'll build your life. I take that responsibility seriously, and I'm honoured every time a family trusts me to guide them through what is often the biggest financial decision they'll make.
Let's Talk About Your Situation
Every month, I put these updates together because I believe knowledge empowers better decisions. But statistics and benchmarks only tell part of the story. YOUR story—your goals, your timeline, your circumstances—that's what really matters.
Maybe you're wondering what your home is worth in today's market. Maybe you're curious if now's finally the time to buy. Maybe you're relocating for work and need to understand Hamilton or Burlington quickly. Maybe you're just exploring options. Whatever your situation, I'm here to help.
I offer complimentary, no-pressure consultations where we can talk about your specific circumstances and goals. No generic advice—just honest, practical guidance based on what I'm seeing in our local market every single day.
The real estate journey doesn't have to be stressful or overwhelming. With the right information and the right support, it can actually be exciting and rewarding. I'd love to be part of your journey.
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