Where You Can Still Find Detached Homes In Ontario for Under $1M

As of October 1, 2025, Ontario’s minimum wage increased to $17.60/hour. It’s a welcome change for many workers, but when it comes to buying a home, the reality hasn’t shifted much. Even with higher wages, affordability remains one of the biggest challenges facing Ontarians today.

The average price of a home in Ontario continues to hover well above $1M, making homeownership feel impossible for many families. But here’s the good news: there are still cities across Ontario where you can buy a detached home for under $1M—and they’re not just affordable, they’re livable, safe, and offer strong job markets.

Let’s explore the top cities and regions where detached homeownership is still within reach.

🏡 1. Durham Region (Oshawa, Whitby, Clarington, Ajax)

• Average Detached Price Range: $800K – $950K

• Why It’s Attractive: Close to Toronto, strong schools, family-friendly neighbourhoods, expanding GO Transit options.

• What You Get: Detached homes with backyards, garages, and more space than the GTA core offers—without crossing the $1M threshold.

  
  

🏙️ 2. Kitchener-Waterloo

• Average Detached Price Range: $850K – $950K

• Why It’s Attractive: Home to a booming tech industry, three major universities, and an hour from Toronto.

• What You Get: Modern detached homes in suburban neighbourhoods, access to high-paying jobs, and a vibrant community.

  
  

🚗 3. Windsor

• Average Detached Price Range: $600K – $750K

• Why It’s Attractive: One of Ontario’s most affordable cities with a growing job market in automotive, healthcare, and cross-border trade.

• What You Get: Spacious detached homes, often newer or recently updated, with significantly more square footage for your budget.

  
  

🏘️ 4. London

• Average Detached Price Range: $750K – $900K

• Why It’s Attractive: Strong education and healthcare sectors, vibrant student population, and an affordable lifestyle compared to the GTA.

• What You Get: Detached homes in safe neighbourhoods, larger lots, and plenty of green space.

  
  

🌉 5. Hamilton

• Average Detached Price Range: $900K – $1M (some neighbourhoods still below)

• Why It’s Attractive: Close to Toronto with improving transit options, diverse neighbourhoods, and a mix of city life and natural beauty.

• What You Get: Detached homes in up-and-coming neighbourhoods, potential for appreciation, and strong rental demand for investors.

  
  

🌊 6. Niagara Region (St. Catharines, Welland, Niagara Falls)

• Average Detached Price Range: $700K – $850K

• Why It’s Attractive: Scenic living, growing tourism economy, wineries, and just over an hour from the GTA.

• What You Get: Detached homes with charm, larger lots, and a slower pace of life.

  
  

🌲 7. Barrie & Simcoe County

• Average Detached Price Range: $850K – $950K

• Why It’s Attractive: Rapidly growing commuter city, access to Lake Simcoe and cottage country, and strong infrastructure investment.

• What You Get: Family homes in established neighbourhoods with room to grow and excellent recreational amenities.

  
  

💼 What Does This Mean for Buyers?

Let’s break down what a $900,000 detached home looks like in real terms:

• Minimum Down Payment: $65,000

• Mortgage Amount: ~$835,000

• Estimated Monthly Payment: ~$4,500 (based on current rates)

Yes, it’s still a major financial commitment—but in the right city, you’re getting a safe community, strong job market, and the space your family needs.

🔑 Final Thoughts

Ontario’s housing market is still a challenge, even with higher wages. But if you’re willing to look beyond Toronto’s city limits, there are real opportunities to buy a detached home without crossing the $1M line.

At Swivel Mortgage Group, we help families across Ontario and Alberta find financing solutions that make sense. Whether you’re looking in Durham, Kitchener-Waterloo, Windsor, or beyond, we’ll guide you every step of the way.