Discover Hamilton
Hamilton, situated at the westernmost end of Lake Ontario, is divided into two main sections, the downtown area and the Niagara Escarpment, the latter referred to as ‘the mountain’ by locals. It was conceived by George Hamilton shortly after the War of 1812 and over decades became a densely populated and industrialized region. In 2001, the new City of Hamilton was formed by amalgamating the towns of Dundas, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, Flamborough, Waterdown and others with the former city of Hamilton, making it the third largest city in Ontario.
The city is undergoing a metamorphosis of sorts. Whereas the local economy had been led by steel and heavy manufacturing industries, there has been a shift towards the service sector, particularly health sciences. The restoration of many of Hamilton’s beautiful but neglected homes and buildings is driving much of the city’s renewal, creating walkable streets, full of heritage and character.
Hamilton is home to Hess Village, a cobblestone pedestrian zone of restaurants, bars and historic buildings whose entrance is marked by a large wrought iron sign. Numerous bars and eateries, many with patios, make this the place to be on a warm summer’s evening. In fact, Hamilton is evolving into a ‘foodie destination’ too as new dining establishments open to rave reviews.
A major waterfront reclamation project has restored the Pier 4 Park at the bottom of Bay Street and continues west via a waterfront trail to beautiful Princess Point. The east side now has a marina, waterfront café and a playground.
The Playhouse Cinema, a classic 1914 movie theatre/vaudeville house is undergoing a complete restoration and will become Hamilton’s newest venue for the city’s growing art film community. Scheduled debut is this autumn. The Westdale Theatre, a fine example of art deco design, opened in 1935 and has been newly revitalized to accommodate screenings, lectures and author events.
Often referred to as “The City of Waterfalls”, Hamilton boasts over 100 with many on or near the famous Bruce Trail which winds through the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The prestigious Hamilton Golf & Country Club, home to the 2019 Canadian Open, is also located here.
Local attractions include the African Lion Safari, the Canadian Football Hall of Fame, Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, Dundurn Castle and the 2700 acre Royal Botanical Gardens. Hamilton has over 2500 acres of parkland and 85 miles of trails. Art galleries have been springing up across the city, garnering media attention. The growth of the downtown condo market is drawing buyers back to the core, effecting change for the better.
There are many established residential areas in Hamilton and its environs including Concession Street which offers an eclectic mix of million dollar estates and 1920’s cottages.
Alex Irish & Associates have noted the rise in popularity of Hamilton and the surrounding towns of Ancaster, Dundas and Waterdown with respect to prospective buyers seeking luxury properties. Just a short drive from Oakville and Burlington too!
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FALL MARKET KICKOFF: September 2025 Real Estate Market Update
As summer winds down, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) real estate market is shifting once again—this time with an important boost from the Bank of Canada’s recent interest rate cut. On September 17, 2025, the Bank lowered its policy interest rate to 2.5%, marking a significant move that is expected to reinvigorate buying activity across the region.
Market Snapshot: August 2025 (TRREB) 
According to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), August brought encouraging signs of stability:
- Sales: 6,232 transactions across the GTA, a 4.6% increase from August 2024.
- New Listings: 13,119, down slightly year-over-year, helping balance supply.
- Average Selling Price: $982,880, nearly flat compared to last year (+0.4%).
- Trend: Balanced conditions are giving both buyers and sellers room to maneuver, with the recent rate cut expected to stimulate fall demand.
City & Regional Highlights
Toronto 
Toronto continues to see steady demand for condos and townhomes, appealing to buyers looking for affordability in the core. Detached homes are moving more cautiously, but price stability suggests confidence returning to the market.
Mississauga 
Mississauga remains a buyer-friendly market, especially in the detached and semi-detached segments. With borrowing costs easing, families upsizing or relocating may find strong value in the fall.
Oakville 
Luxury demand in Oakville is regaining traction. The combination of limited inventory and lower financing costs positions this market for an active fall season, especially for executive homes and lakefront properties.
Burlington 
Burlington continues to attract buyers migrating west from Toronto. The city’s blend of affordability, lifestyle, and community feel has kept prices steady and competitive.
Muskoka 
Cottage country remains strong, with buyers eyeing investment properties and second homes. While activity softened slightly through the summer, the rate drop could encourage more buyers to act before year-end.
What This Means for Buyers & Sellers
With interest rates now at their lowest level in two years, affordability is improving across the GTA and Muskoka. Buyers who were waiting on the sidelines are expected to re-enter the market this fall, while sellers may benefit from increased competition for well-priced homes.
At Regan Irish & Associates, we specialize in helping clients navigate market shifts with confidence. Whether you’re buying a luxury home, selling a family property, or investing in Muskoka, our market insight and negotiation expertise ensure you get the best results.
1320 Cornwall Rd Unit 103, Oakville, ON L6J 7W5
905.842.7677
Visit reganirish.com——
August 2025 GTA Real Estate Market Update | Regan Irish
The August 2025 GTA Real Estate Market Update reflects renewed momentum and affordability in Toronto, Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, and Muskoka. Thanks to steady interest rates and appealing home prices, July proved surprisingly dynamic. Let’s dig into the numbers and what they mean for you.
Interest Rates Remain Stable — Affordability Fueling Activity
In July 2025, the Bank of Canada maintained its key rate at 2.75%, its third consecutive pause. With lower borrowing costs now more accessible, affordability is encouraging a wave of renewed buyer activity.
GTA Market Overview: Sales Surge, Prices Slightly Dip
- Home Sales: 6,100+ transactions region-wide, marking a 10.9% increase YoY and the strongest July since 2021.
- Month-over-Month: Seasonally adjusted sales rose 13% from June to approximately 5,744 units, the biggest monthly gain in nine months.
- New Listings: Up 5.7% YoY, totaling 17,613 new offers.
- Price Trends:
- The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Composite Benchmark fell 5.4% YoY.
- The average GTA selling price dropped 5.5% YoY to around $1,051,719.
- Word on the street indicates the HPI drifted slightly lower—about $979,000, down 0.2% from June.
What It Adds Up To: Buyers are back in force—sales are outpacing new listings while prices softened, creating renewed market opportunities.
City Highlights
Toronto
A more balanced landscape—but some segments remain soft. Condos and detached homes see inventory rising; semis are steadier.
Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington & Muskoka
While TRREB doesn’t break down by city in these reports, regional trends suggest:
- Mississauga & Burlington: Strong rise in listings and dipping average prices give buyers leverage.
- Oakville: Stability in demand for luxury keeps discounts modest.
- Muskoka: Continued strong interest in sub-$2M waterfront properties should benefit from broader GTA momentum.
What This Means for You
- For Buyers:
Renewed affordability, rising inventory, and favorable interest rates make August a prime time to move. - For Sellers:
A more balanced market—strategic pricing and quick response will be key to success. - For Investors & Cottage Buyers:
Strong July sales in the GTA point to increasing investor interest; Muskoka remains a high-value lifestyle and investment destination.
Work With the GTA Real Estate Experts
Whether you’re planning to buy a Muskoka cottage, invest in a luxurious Oakville property, or explore options across Toronto, Mississauga, or Burlington, now is the time to act.
Regan Irish & Associates specializes in luxury, resale, and investment properties across the GTA and Muskoka. Our market insight and negotiation skills help you get the best results—whether buying, selling, or investing.
1320 Cornwall Rd Unit 103, Oakville, ON L6J 7W5
905.842.7677
Visit reganirish.com
Let’s make today’s market your opportunity—contact us today!
