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.
Alex Irish
CEO & Team Leader - Sales Representative
Alex Irish has been a leading force in real estate for over thirty years, establishing a reputation as one of Oakville’s most respected and successful realtors. Known for her unwavering work ethic and ethical approach, Alex consistently ranks among the top producers in the industry.
Her commitment to client satisfaction is unparalleled, exemplified by her signature concierge service that ensures each client receives personalized and dedicated attention. In late 2016, Alex embraced a new chapter as the Team Leader of Alex Irish & Associates, where she could uphold the high standards of service that have defined her career.
In 2024, Alex expanded her team’s reach by merging with the Regan team to create Regan Irish & Associates, forming a dynamic new firm that blends the strengths of both businesses. This partnership not only enhances their services but also provides clients with greater resources and an expanded network, all while preserving the personal, relationship-driven approach that clients have come to trust.
Alex’s insights on real estate trends are highly sought after, and she has been featured in prominent publications such as the New York Times and Globe & Mail. A certified luxury marketing specialist, she has received numerous accolades throughout her career and frequently speaks at industry conferences.
Every February, Alex and her team at Regan Irish & Associates participate in the Kindness Tour, a tradition launched in 2017. During this month-long initiative, the entire team supports 28 local charities, embodying the company’s commitment to community. In recognition of their efforts, they were nominated for a Community Spirit Award.
At the heart of Alex’s philosophy is the belief in “doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.” She is deeply committed to building lifelong client relationships and takes pride in mentoring a dedicated team of agents while continuing to actively sell real estate.
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Rate Cut Ignites GTA Real Estate
Market Snapshot
The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) September 2025 Market Watch report shows early signs of a GTA rebound.
- 5,592 sales, up 8.5% YoY
- 19,260 new listings, +4% YoY
- Average price ≈ $1,059,377, down 4.7% YoY
- MLS® HPI ↓ 5.5% YoY
- Sales up MoM, listings down MoM → tighter market forming
These numbers point to a slow but steady market recovery. But what’s really fueling the conversation now is the Bank of Canada’s latest decision.
Bank of Canada’s October 2025 Interest Rate Decision
On October 29 2025, the Bank of Canada cut its policy rate by 25 basis points to 2.25% — the second consecutive cut and the lowest level since 2022.
The Bank signaled that this may mark the end of its easing cycle unless inflation weakens further.
Why it matters:
- Borrowing costs drop, boosting affordability for buyers.
- Confidence returns to sellers and investors after months of hesitation.
- Refinancing and investment opportunities reopen for savvy property owners.
In short, this move has re-energized housing markets across Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, and even Muskoka, where buyers and investors had been waiting for the right signal.
What Buyers Should Do Now
- Act strategically: With rates lower and listings up, this is a golden moment to negotiate.
- Get pre-approved quickly — competition could ramp up by early 2026.
- Focus on quality locations like south Oakville, Lorne Park (Mississauga), and core Burlington — where long-term equity growth outperforms.
- For investors: Explore Muskoka vacation homes or rental-ready units before rising demand drives prices back up.
What Sellers Should Know
- Sales are rising despite lower average prices — buyers are re-entering the market.
- Presentation and pricing are everything. Professional staging, premium photography, and data-backed pricing attract serious offers.
- Upsizing or downsizing? With lower mortgage costs, you can move equity efficiently while conditions remain favourable.
- Luxury sellers: Demand for turnkey listings is picking up again — especially in Oakville and Mississauga.
Local Insights
Mississauga & Oakville: Still among the GTA’s most resilient sub-markets. Expect balanced conditions through Q4 2025.
Burlington: Family buyers are back — affordability plus lifestyle make it a top performer.
Toronto: Core condos are stabilizing; investors are returning to well-located downtown units.
Muskoka: Cottage and short-term rental demand remains strong — ideal for diversification and passive-income seekers.
Investor Takeaway
With the policy rate at 2.25% and inflation under control, investment real estate looks compelling again. Expect:
- Better cash-flow margins with cheaper financing
- Gradual price stabilization through 2026
- Long-term upside as population growth and housing supply constraints persist
What To Do Next
- Buyers: Review your mortgage options now — lenders are updating rates.
- Sellers: Get a current market evaluation to plan your listing window.
- Investors: Compare cap rates and projected yields across GTA vs Muskoka.
Need a strategy tailored to your goals? Let’s make your next move your smartest yet.
About Regan Irish & Associates
We specialize in luxury homes, resale properties, and investment real estate across the GTA and Muskoka. Our team’s market insight and negotiation expertise deliver results — whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or investing.
1320 Cornwall Rd Unit 103, Oakville ON L6J 7W5
905-842-7677
reganirish.com
Call to Action
The market has shifted — don’t wait for the crowd.
Contact Regan Irish & Associates today for a personalized market plan that helps you buy, sell or invest with confidence in Mississauga, Oakville, Toronto, Burlington or Muskoka.
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
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!