Buying a detached home in Southern Ontario has become more challenging as home prices have climbed over the past several years. Much of the attention remains focused on the Greater Toronto Area, where higher home prices often overshadow more affordable communities across the region. Beyond the GTA, buyers can still find affordable homes for sale in communities such as Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent, Lambton County, older neighbourhoods in London, and parts of the Niagara region. The five homes below highlight what’s still possible with a budget under $400,000. Inventory in this price range can change quickly, making it worthwhile to monitor new listings closely. A local REMAX agent can also help you compare homes across different communities and identify opportunities that fit your budget.
Windsor-Essex – Windsor
https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/30102570/962-askin-windsor
962 Askin Avenue
Windsor, Ontario
Price: $364,900
Courtesy of: REMAX Capital Diamond Realty
MLS® Number: 26018560
This 1.5-storey home backs onto parkland, giving you no rear neighbours and a peaceful view from the kitchen. The main floor features a bright living and dining area, an updated kitchen, a renovated bathroom, and three bedrooms. The finished lower level adds two more bedrooms, a second bathroom, and a utility area, bringing the total to five bedrooms on a 44 x 126-foot lot. Central air, forced-air gas heating, hardwood floors, and a front driveway add everyday convenience. For buyers who need extra bedrooms without stretching their budget, this is one of the more affordable homes for sale in Windsor.
Chatham-Kent – Chatham
https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/30091208/170-inshes-avenue-chatham
170 Inshes Avenue
Chatham, Ontario
Price: $297,999
Courtesy of: REMAX Care Realty
MLS® Number: 26018330
At just under $300,000, this three-bedroom ranch bungalow is the most affordable home on the list. Recent updates include a fully waterproofed basement completed in 2024, new windows installed in 2023, and new front and side entry doors. A detached garage off the gravel side driveway provides space for parking, storage, or a workshop. Set on a 36.5 x 108-foot lot, the home is close to schools, parks, and shopping in central Chatham. It’s the kind of property buyers hope to find when searching for affordable homes for sale.
Lambton County – Sarnia
https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/30115828/264-ross-avenue-sarnia
264 Ross Avenue
Sarnia, Ontario
Price: $349,500
Courtesy of: REMAX Sarnia Realty Inc.
MLS® Number: 26018896
Looking for a move-in ready home with space, updates, and character? This beautifully renovated property sits on a large, fully fenced lot with a detached garage and an updated above-ground pool featuring a new liner. Relax on the welcoming front porch or entertain on the expansive back deck. Inside, the flexible layout includes an updated kitchen, separate living and dining rooms, a main-floor bedroom, and a renovated four-piece bathroom. Upstairs, you’ll find two oversized bedrooms and a newly updated two-piece bath. The finished basement rec room with a gas fireplace offers the perfect space for family gatherings or movie nights. Recent updates include vinyl plank flooring, new carpet, fresh paint, renovated bathrooms, newer windows, a newer front deck and door, gas BBQ hookup, Dricore subfloor in the basement, and new pot lights. This turnkey home offers exceptional value inside and out.
Middlesex County – London (Old South)
https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/30086661/43-stanley-street-london-south-south-f
43 Stanley Street
London, Ontario
Price: $399,000
Courtesy of: REMAX Centre City Realty Inc.
MLS® Number: X13612656
Set at the gateway to Old South, this two-storey century home is a short walk from Wortley Village, the Thames River trail system, and downtown London. Inside are three bedrooms, a four-piece bathroom, a wood-burning fireplace, and a breakfast nook with walk-in pantry storage. The main-floor den could also serve as a fourth bedroom or home office, and one of the upstairs bedrooms opens onto a balcony spanning the width of the house. The home features vinyl windows, updated electrical and plumbing, and a new sewer line to the road. The roof and furnace were replaced in 2016, followed by central air in 2024. A separate side entrance leads to a full basement with good ceiling height, making a future secondary suite a possibility. Outside, there’s parking for five vehicles plus a detached garage.
Niagara Region – St. Catharines (Secord Woods)
38 Alexandra Boulevard
St. Catharines, Ontario
Price: $397,500
Courtesy of: REMAX Niagara Realty Ltd.
MLS® Number: X13617796
Buying a detached home in Niagara for under $400,000 has become increasingly difficult, making this Secord Woods bungalow a rare find. Inside, the two-bedroom layout centres on a bright living room with a large front window and a kitchen with generous counter and cabinet space. A patio door off the primary bedroom opens onto the deck and a deep, fully fenced backyard with mature trees and two large storage sheds. Recent updates include fresh paint, new landscaping and a patio, a new sump pump, roof shingles replaced in 2020, and a furnace and air conditioner installed in 2013. The home has a well-maintained crawl space instead of a basement, and it’s just minutes from the QEW and Highway 406.
Finding a detached home under $400,000 often comes down to knowing where you’re willing to compromise. One buyer may prioritize a larger lot over a shorter commute, while another is happy to update an older home in exchange for more living space. Comparing those trade-offs is often easier with local insight than online listings alone.
A local REMAX agent can help you narrow your options, explain how similar homes have been selling, and guide you through financing, inspections, and the offer process.
