Build Your New Custom Home Oakville
Have you ever thought about building a new custom home in Oakville? Building your dream home on the perfect lot in the perfect neighborhood? The build process can be an amazing experience and very exciting but keep in mind it can be stressful and frustrating, too.
Here is a list of key steps to ensure a successful build:
Your New Custom Home Oakville
What are the features you desire in a property? Waterfront, privacy, backing onto a ravine/conservation, walking distance to town or maybe a country property? Do you want a large estate lot or a small maintenance-free property? At Alex Irish and Associates we can help you find the perfect property. We can make you aware of properties that are off-market or that are on MLS. Once we find the perfect property, it is a good time to ask your builder to walk the lot with you before deciding to put in an offer to purchase. Let your builder know what you would like to build. If you don’t have a particular builder in mind, the Alex Irish Team can recommend several reputable custom home builders so that you can interview them and choose the right company for your needs.
Before you Purchase the Property
Ask the agent if you can get a survey of the property. You will want to take the survey with you when you visit the local municipal office. Make sure you ask these questions to a zoning or planning officer. Once you have this information you will have done the legwork to go to the next step and decide if this property fits your needs. You must know all this information before purchasing the property.
1) Are there any building restrictions on the property?
2) Is it a waterfront property, what is the building envelope set back from the water?
3) Is there any conservation property adjacent to the property, if so what are the restrictions?
4) Is the property in a flood plain and if so what is the building restriction?
5) Are there any utility easements or neighbouring property easements and if so what are the restrictions?
6) Do you share a driveway with your neighbour?
7) Is there a home on the property that is designated heritage?
8) Is the property in a neighbourhood that is designated heritage, if so what are the restrictions?
9) What is the maximum square footage of a home that can be built on the property?
10) What are the setbacks from the main road; where will the house sit? Can you put a pool in the backyard?
11) What is the height restriction for a new home being built in the neighbourhood?
Budgeting for Your New Custom Home Oakville
Establish a realistic budget for building your new home including an architect, Interior Designer, landscaping and hardscaping, appliances, window coverings and furniture etc. Ask your builder for a budget on material and labour costs. Make sure to consider all the things that are over and above the land purchase; municipal land transfer tax, HST, development charges, hydro connection, and septic and well, if applicable. Once you have an idea of the total cost then you can go to your bank to arrange construction financing.
Designing your New Custom Home Oakville
Hire an architect to design your dream home. Give them a basic understanding of what you want. Tell them what the most important features for you are. What are you willing to compromise on? What are the “must-haves”? What type of style of home are you looking for – Modern Farmhouse, Georgian, Craftsman, Modern? Are you looking to build a 2-Story, Bungalow, or Lofted Bungalow? Do you entertain often and if so what will that space look like? Do you have a large family and want a main floor family room? Do you want a main floor principal bedroom? How many other bedrooms and bathrooms do you require? Do you need a main floor office?
Hiring a Builder for Your New Custom Home Oakville
Hire the right builder; you can do your investigation on a licensed Tarion builder by going to the https://www.tarion.com/ and https://obd.hcraontario.ca/. These websites have a wealth of information and lots of resources for you when building your new custom home.
The builder will need a detailed list from you as to the types of items you want in your home; bathtubs, sinks, plumbing and lighting fixtures, appliances, cabinetry, flooring, paint, railings, fireplaces, roofing colour, and siding.
Once you have given the builder your specifications of the materials and finishes and the size and style of home you would like, the builder will provide you with a proposal. Builders have many different contract options, so ask them for a detailed cost breakdown of building your new custom home. Once you hire a builder they will become the General Contractor. It will be the responsibility of the builder to hire the trades for the build and purchase the material that you have decided and approved. From start to finish the builder pays all the invoices associated with materials ordered and pays the trades regularly.
If you have construction financing in place with your bank you will pay the builder for the work completed at different stages. Be available to visit the site at the end of each stage of construction, and walk the rooms.
At each completed stage of the construction the bank will send out their appraiser – this is called a construction draw, you can then pay the builder for the completed work and move to the next stage. Some of the stages are the poured foundation, the framing and brick/siding, the roof installation, the interior has been framed and dry walled, flooring, tiling, kitchen, bathrooms have been installed.
Walking through the home allows you to can make small changes that you wouldn’t have noticed in the drawings stage. Ideally, the time to do this is the framing stage as it will be far more costly at a later stage.
It is important to set up a structural meeting with your builder to establish where pipe locations, pot, lights, light fixtures, bulkheads will go.
Stay involved in every step and make sure you meet regularly with your builder to keep on track and stay on budget. Communicate clearly with the builder ideally, do everything in writing for any of the changes you make to the original plans.
You’re now ready to move in, enjoy and love the home you custom built.
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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!
Ultimate Guide to Downsizing Your Home in Canada
Alex Irish & Associates and The Regan Team Announce Strategic Merger
Two of the most respected names in real estate, Alex Irish & Associates and The Regan Team, are excited to announce a strategic merger that will combine their expertise, resources, and market reach. This partnership of Regan Irish & Associates brings together the strengths of both firms, offering an enhanced real estate experience for clients across Southern Ontario, including expanding into new regions like Collingwood and Muskoka. The merger reflects both brokerages’ long-standing commitment to providing high-quality, relationship-focused service while leveraging new technologies and business strategies to ensure their clients receive unparalleled support.
“Alex is the consummate professional,” said Matthew Regan, CEO of The Regan Team. “She embodies the qualities of a person I would trust with my own home sale, and I am excited to partner with her to combine the best of both our brokerages. Our goal is to create a work culture that allows our agents to thrive, while being confident and equipped to provide the service our clients deserve. Our clients are going to benefit immensely with a wider and deeper net of potential buyers and an even further reach in marketing and advertising.”
Alex Irish, Founder of Alex Irish & Associates, emphasized that this partnership is the next natural step for her business. “By combining our resources and efforts we knew we’d be able to create a better real estate experience for our clients, our agents and business partners.” she explained. “This merger allows me to focus more on client relationships while also mentoring our agents who can continue to offer that same high level of service. Matthew has built a business model that aligns with my long-term vision, allowing us to scale while still maintaining the personal touch. Simply put, we are better together.”
Alex has built her brand over decades, particularly in the Oakville area, where her name is synonymous with excellence in real estate. Her personal approach, based on referrals and repeat business, has earned her a loyal clientele. Matthew has focused on recruiting top agents and scaling his business, growing The Regan Team to one of the top brokerages in Canada. This merger offers an exciting opportunity to grow into new territories. Together, the merged brokerage will have 15 offices spanning from Niagara to Toronto to Muskoka. This expanded presence means more resources for clients, from enhanced marketing capabilities to a wider net of potential buyers.
The merger will officially take effect on October 31, 2024, and the new branding and operations will be rolled out in the coming months.
About Alex Irish & Associates
Alex Irish & Associates, led by Alex Irish, is a highly respected name in Oakville, known for its personalized, referral-based business model and long-standing relationships with clients. Alex has built her brand on trust, excellence, and attention to detail, qualities that will remain at the forefront of the merged firm.
About The Regan Team
The Regan Team has a long-standing reputation for innovation, process-driven operations, and a focus on agent recruitment and development to provide the highest level of service for their clients. Under Matthew’s leadership, the brokerage has expanded its presence across Ontario, providing agents with the tools and support needed to succeed in a competitive market. For more information on this exciting merger, please contact Matthew Regan.