What Homes Under $1 Million Look Like Across the GTA

By Josh Sherman | 7 minute read

This nicely preserved bungalow in Scarborough is just one example of what kind of property is on the market for less than $1 million in the GTA.

Real estate in the Greater Toronto Area isn’t cheap. The national housing market may be cooling and hammering down prices across the country — but affordability remains a concern for many, especially in the expensive Toronto region. 

The average price of a detached home in the City of Toronto remains about $1.5 million, and overall, GTA home prices are still above pre-pandemic levels. However, there are lots of homes listed below the seven-figure mark — especially for homebuyers willing to look outside of the 416 area code or perhaps size down to a condo or townhome. With this in mind, Wahi combed the active listings (as of March 1) for both houses and condos in the GTA’s five regions (Durham, Halton, Peel, Toronto, and York) to show what kind of real estate is available for less than $1 million. (While list prices aren’t sold prices, it’s worth noting that right now, the vast majority of neighbourhoods throughout the GTA are in underbidding territory, according to Wahi analysis.)

From prime waterfront properties to downtown heritage houses, see what kind of GTA homes are priced for under $1 million by scrolling down.

Durham: A Two-Storey Detached Home Near Scenic Duffins Creek  

Address: 885 Finley Ave.

Neighbourhood: Discovery Bay, Ajax
Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2

Listed for: $985,000

This home’s exterior, though well kept, does show its age. But its interior has undergone an extensive renovation. Hardwood flooring, upscale stainless steel appliances, and a finished basement are some of the advertised improvements. The listing claims “too many upgrades to list” and underscores the home’s proximity to Highway 401 and suburban amenities like schools and shopping.

Location is arguably a big selling point for this revamped home. The home is wedged between a few parks, is walking distance from Duffins Creek and the Ajax waterfront, and, as the listing emphasizes, is also conveniently located for daily commutes to the city.

Or a Customized Pickering Luxury Condo by the Water  

Address: 1255 Bayly St., Unit 2304
Neighbourhood: Bay Ridges, Pickering

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2

Listed for: $918,800

Upgrades totalling more than $75,000 are presumably included in the list price of this condo, just south of Pickering Town Centre. As part of the improvements, wood floors were put down, and a custom kitchen island and fireplace were added.

The view has got to be one of the high points of the 23rd-floor condo unit that towers over Frenchman’s Bay and Lake Ontario beyond. To take it all in, there’s not one but two large balconies providing panoramic views of Pickering the rest of the GTA.

Halton: A Burlington Townhouse on a Golf Course  

Address: 2103 Berwick, Unit 9

Neighbourhood: Millcroft, Burlington
Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 3

Listed for: $979,000

Tucked away in a quiet enclave that backs onto the Millcroft Golf Club, this home is technically a condo in a batch of several townhouses — but it only shares a wall with one neighbour, giving it a real semi-detached feel. If golf isn’t your thing, the home is also opposite a simple community park with grassy fields, a baseball diamond and playground.   

Hardwood floor is found throughout much of the house, including on the main floor, which was updated with a new kitchen two years ago. New owners could try to knock out the wall between the kitchen and living room if they prefer a more modern, open-concept layout, but most of the reno legwork has been done already.

Or a Brand New Family-Sized Condo in Oakville  

Address: 2485 Taunton Rd., Unit 445

Neighbourhood: North Oakville
Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Listed for: $949,000

If you prefer condo convenience with a Halton address, consider this unit. Completed just last year, the corner suite is in the four-tower Oak & Co. Condos development in Oakville’s Uptown Core. With three full bedrooms, this condo is a relative rarity in the GTA market, which is dominated by smaller units. And, at roughly 1,300 square feet, there’s enough room for a young family, and even someone downsizing from a large suburban Oakville home shouldn’t feel cramped. 

The master bedroom has an ensuite, and the unit comes complete with a narrow balcony for a little private outdoor space. Residents looking to stretch out can access the development’s long list of amenities that includes outdoor terraces, as well as a garden, pool, a “Zen space,” chef’s table and wine-tasting room, foosball and ping pong tables — the list goes on.

Peel: A Brampton Century Home With Lots of Character  

Address: 71 West St.

Neighbourhood: Downtown Brampton
Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Listed for: $899,800

This house is the opposite of cookie cutter. Billed as a “true century home,” it’s finished in its original red brick but given modern flare with new window frames and some fresh paint. A sizable covered front porch isn’t something you’ll find in newer subdivisions and only adds to the Downtown Brampton property’s character.

Inside, the home has undergone a more noticeable update, but some of the original wood trim remains creating a unique living space. An old-school attic provides some extra room (and charm).

Or a Spacious High-Rise Mississauga Condo  

Address: 1055 Southdown Rd., Unit 1410

Neighbourhood: Southdown, Mississauga 

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2

Listed for: $939,000

Older GTA condos can have their advantages. For one, they tend to be larger than contemporary units. As per-square-foot prices rise, developers tend to scale down average unit sizes. This somewhat older unit perched on the 14th floor of the Stonebrook Condominiums, an 18-storey development that was topped off 13 years ago, encompasses 1,554 square feet — more than double today’s average.

Beyond its generous square footage — which also includes a fair-sized balcony — the condo boasts some high-quality features like a marble-topped five-piece master ensuite with a walk-in closet. The building also offers a 24-hour concierge service.

Toronto: A Scarborough Bungalow With Four Bedrooms  

Address: 34 Amberjack Blvd.

Neighbourhood: Woburn, Scarborough

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2

Listed for: $949,000

Bungalows commonly have two or maybe three bedrooms. This four-bedroom example in Scarborough is somewhat of a rarity. It’s got lots of family appeal with room to grow and an address that’s within a two-kilometre radius of more than 20 schools.

The basement has a separate entrance, so there’s rental-income potential to help cover mortgage costs. The subterranean living space’s wood paneling could use a refresh, but the rest of the home’s interior appears clean and contemporary. 

Or a Loft-Style Condo in Trendy West Queen West  

Address: 150 Sudbury St., Unit 910

Neighbourhood: Niagara, Toronto
Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2

Listed for: $910,000

Located in the 20-storey Westside Gallery Lofts, a collection of 369 soft lofts completed in 2010, this ninth-floor unit has many of the hallmarks of an authentic hard loft (note the exposed ductwork and poured-concrete floors) but in a newer — and presumably more hassle-free — building.

The 950-square-foot condo’s bedrooms maintain an industrial aesthetic that reflects the surrounding West Queen West area, once named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world by fashion mag Vogue.

York: A 3,000-Square-Foot McMansion in Keswick  

Address: 26 Bostock Dr. N.

Neighbourhood: Georgina
Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 3

Listed for: $998,000

A few minutes from the calm waters of Cook’s Bay on the northern fringes of the GTA, money goes further in the property market. Case in point: a roughly 3,000-square-foot fully detached home in the area is listed for under $1,000,000. 

The home’s highlight might be the family room. It has soaring ceilings and massive arched windows creating an open, warm, and inviting family space.

Or a Two-Bedroom Condo in Markham’s Vibrant Unionville Area  

Address: 151 Upper Duke Cres., Unit 101

Neighbourhood: Unionville

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2

Listed for: $898,000

You can get into the condo market on the ground floor with this suite — literally. It’s a 990-square-foot ground-level condo with a floorplan that has windows in every room, even the den, which the listing suggests is big enough to be a third bedroom. 

Many condos offer little to no outdoor space. That’s not an issue here. The suite includes an oversized terrace that looks onto a ravine (across the street).