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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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.