Demand for affordable luxury has played a role in the upswing in sales over $2.5 million in Burlington as move-over buyers from markets in Toronto and Oakville took advantage of the city’s blue-chip real estate in the first two months of the year. Eight properties, both on and off the Burlington waterfront, changed hands in January and February, up from four during the same period in 2024.
Although an extended winter tempered sales activity across the Golden Horseshoe, improved weather conditions have brought luxury buyers back into the market throughout the region in recent weeks.
Today’s upper-end homebuyers are largely equity-rich move-over and move-up purchasers, many of whom are drawn to the lifestyle offered by smaller towns and communities throughout the Golden Horseshoe. Properties offering privacy, expansive outdoor living spaces and close proximity to boutique shoppes, fine dining, golf courses and wineries have been especially sought after.
Oakville holds its ground at the top end
While overall sales of high-end properties priced above $2 million in Halton Region are down more than 11 per cent year-over-year, homebuying activity in Oakville trailed 2025 levels by just seven sales in the first four months of the year. Demand at the top end of the market has proven especially resilient, with sales over the $5-million price point in Oakville jumping 33 per cent, rising to 12 properties sold so far this year, compared with nine luxury home sales during the same period in 2025. Of those 12 sales, two were reported above the $10-million mark. Neighbouring Burlington has also noted greater upward momentum in the luxury segment in recent weeks with potential buyers drawn to waterfront estates at lower price points.
Bay Street finance professionals, including investment bankers, wealth managers, corporate executives and entrepreneurs, have continued to drive demand for luxury real estate in Oakville’s most prestigious communities, including Eastlake.
Niagara continues to draw lifestyle buyers
The Niagara Region has also continued to outperform, fuelled by an ongoing influx of buyers from the Greater Toronto Area in recent years. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ridgeway, Port Dalhousie and Fonthill are among the communities that have been attracting mortgage-free buyers seeking waterfront living, small-town charm and a more relaxed pace of life. Foodies are especially drawn to the region’s top-tier culinary scene, including two-star Michelin-rated restaurant Pearl Morissette in Jordan, along with Michelin-recommended Fat Rabbit and Trius Winery Restaurant.
While sales of luxury properties priced from $1.4 million were down approximately three per cent year-over-year in Niagara, activity accelerated sharply in May as warmer weather has brought hibernating buyers back into the market. Almost 340 homes changed hands between January and April of this year, with sales expected to surpass last year’s levels in the months ahead.
Hamilton buyers eye opportunity
Hamilton’s upper-end market, meanwhile, has remained comparatively sluggish, weighed down by broader economic concerns and cautious consumer sentiment. Luxury home sales were down approximately 20 per cent year-over-year, with 53 homes changing hands between January and April, compared with 67 during the same period in 2025.
A healthy supply of luxury inventory is currently available, with additional listings expected to come to market in the weeks ahead. While some homeowners remain hesitant to list, improving market conditions have begun to create opportunities for trade-up buyers. Stable interest rates, greater selection and more time for due diligence have shifted some leverage back to purchasers. In many cases, the narrowing gap between existing home values and luxury properties could allow move-up buyers to transition into higher price points at a significantly lower cost than was possible at the height of the market.
As confidence gradually returns and delayed spring market activity continues to build momentum, luxury sales across the Golden Horseshoe are expected to strengthen in the months ahead. While economic uncertainty has continued to temper decision-making in some markets, well-positioned buyers have been increasingly recognizing the opportunities that current conditions present, particularly in lifestyle-driven communities offering relative value, strong amenities and long-term appeal.
