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Why Now Is the Time to Invest in Hamilton, Burlington, Niagara & Haldimand–Norfolk

  • Writer: Leigh Ann Stapleton
    Leigh Ann Stapleton
  • Oct 2
  • 4 min read
Home For Rent

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the right moment to get into the real estate market, that moment might be here. Across Hamilton, Burlington, Niagara, and Haldimand–Norfolk, conditions are lining up in a way we haven’t seen for years: lower borrowing costs, attractive entry prices, and steady rental demand. It’s a powerful combination for investors who are ready to act.


Back in mid-September, the Bank of Canada cut its policy rate to 2.50%, the lowest level in years. That shift has already eased carrying costs for investors; both on variable mortgages and through falling fixed rates. Cheaper money changes the math. Deals that didn’t quite cash flow six months ago suddenly look very different today. And if the Bank keeps trimming rates, as many economists expect, that tailwind could strengthen even further.


If you have been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the right moment to get into the real estate market, that moment might be here. Across Hamilton, Burlington, Niagara and Haldimand Norfolk, conditions are lining up in a way we have not seen for years: lower borrowing costs, attractive entry prices and steady rental demand. It is a powerful combination for investors who are ready to act.


Back in mid September, the Bank of Canada cut its policy rate to 2.50 percent, the lowest level in years. That shift has already eased carrying costs for investors both on variable mortgages and through falling fixed rates. Cheaper money changes the math. Deals that did not quite cash flow six months ago suddenly look very different today. And if the Bank keeps trimming rates, as many economists expect, that tailwind could strengthen even further.


At the same time, local home prices remain far more accessible than in the GTA core. In Hamilton, for example, the average home is still under $800,000, while Haldimand Norfolk averages in the low $600,000s. Compare that to downtown Toronto where detached homes routinely crest $1.3 million, and you can see why investors are increasingly looking west and south. Burlington does command premium pricing, it is a high income commuter friendly city, but even there, strong tenant profiles and low vacancy rates mean steady returns.


What about the rental market? Canada’s housing agency, CMHC, expects vacancy rates to edge upward in 2025 as new supply hits the market. But that is from very low levels. In communities like Norfolk, vacancy was historically below two percent not long ago. Even if it rises a bit, demand for quality rentals remains high, especially as population growth and migration patterns continue to favour Southern Ontario. In plain language, people still need places to live, and they are willing to pay for well located, well kept homes.


So what kinds of opportunities exist right now? In Hamilton, duplex conversions and accessory dwelling units are a proven play, adding a second suite can lift cash flow while building long term value. Niagara offers affordable single family homes that can be modernized and rented to lifestyle driven tenants. Haldimand and Norfolk, with their larger lots and small town appeal, are attracting families who want space without Toronto prices. And Burlington, though more competitive, rewards investors with high quality tenants and strong appreciation potential.


Every market comes with risks. Interest rates could surprise us, or new supply could shift local dynamics. But the fundamentals, low borrowing costs, accessible prices and resilient rental demand, create a window that serious investors should not ignore. Whether you are buying your first rental property or adding to a portfolio, the current climate is giving investors more leverage and better long term positioning than we have seen in years.


What about the rental market? Canada’s housing agency, CMHC, expects vacancy rates to edge upward in 2025 as new supply hits the market. But local numbers across Hamilton, Burlington, Niagara North and Haldimand County show conditions are still very supportive for investors.


In Hamilton, months of supply sits just above five, with an average price under $780,000, creating opportunities for duplex conversions and rental-focused purchases.


Burlington remains tighter, with only three and a half months of supply and an average price near $1.13 million, but strong incomes and premium tenant demand keep vacancies low and rents healthy.


Niagara North is showing the highest supply at nearly 6.8 months, paired with average prices just under $840,000, giving investors leverage to negotiate purchases while still benefiting from lifestyle-driven rental demand.


Haldimand County tells a similar story, with almost six months of supply and average prices in the mid $600,000s, making it one of the most affordable entry points for cash flow. Even as supply increases, the underlying demand for well-located and well-maintained homes remains steady, thanks to population growth and ongoing migration into Southern Ontario. In plain language, people still need places to live in all of these markets, and they are willing to pay for them.


So what kinds of opportunities exist right now? In Hamilton, duplex conversions and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are a proven play, adding a second suite can lift cash flow while building long-term value. Niagara offers affordable single-family homes that can be modernized and rented to lifestyle-driven tenants. Haldimand and Norfolk, with their larger lots and small-town appeal, are attracting families who want space without Toronto prices. And Burlington, though more competitive, rewards investors with high-quality tenants and strong appreciation potential.


Every market comes with risks. Interest rates could surprise us, or new supply could shift local dynamics. But the fundamentals, low borrowing costs, accessible prices, and resilient rental demand, create a window that serious investors shouldn’t ignore. Whether you’re buying your first rental property or adding to a portfolio, the current climate is giving investors more leverage and better long-term positioning than we’ve seen in years.


📞 Ready to explore the opportunities in today’s market? Let’s connect and find the property that fits your investment goals.


Leigh Ann Stapleton

The Property Perfectionist

Home Improvement Expert & REALTOR® at EXIT Realty Strategies


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