Buying a home in today’s market can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. With shifting interest rates, cautious optimism among new buyers, and ongoing affordability challenges, many Canadians are taking a measured approach when entering the market. A recent Royal LePage survey highlighted that while opportunity exists, many first-time buyers are pacing themselves and carefully choosing where and when to make a move. For buyers looking in Burlington, the good news is that there are still neighbourhoods that offer relative affordability, strong community value, and long-term growth potential. Here we’ll explore our top Burlington neighbourhoods for first-time home buyers.

If you’re searching for affordable homes in Burlington, these three neighbourhoods stand out as the best options for balancing affordability and opportunity. Here, we’ll explore Burlington’s top three most affordable neighbourhoods, while also connecting the broader trends from the Canadian housing market survey.

1. Mountainside

Mountainside is one of Burlington’s most accessible neighbourhoods in terms of home prices. Known for its tree-lined streets, mature homes, and a welcoming family-oriented atmosphere, this community offers great value compared to some of Burlington’s higher-priced lakefront neighbourhoods. Over the last 75 days, there have been 17 detached homes sold in Mountainside with the average sold price of $928,765.

• Affordability Advantage: Detached homes, semi-detached houses, and townhomes here typically list at more attainable price points compared to southern Burlington areas. While Burlington’s overall average home price is often above the $1 million mark, Mountainside frequently offers options below that threshold, making it one of the best entry points for first-time homebuyers in Burlington.
• Lifestyle Benefits: The area offers easy access to schools, parks, and community centres, making it ideal for families and young professionals alike. The neighbourhood’s proximity to the QEW and GO Transit also makes commuting into Toronto or Hamilton manageable.
• Recent Market Activity: Homes in Mountainside tend to sell quickly but not with the same frenzied bidding wars that can dominate the waterfront areas. This provides buyers with an opportunity to make competitive offers without the same level of pressure. As the Royal LePage survey noted, many first-time buyers are willing to take their time. Mountainside fits this cautious approach—buyers can find homes that balance affordability and long-term appreciation without being pressured into overstretching their budgets.

2. Brant Hills

Located in the north end of Burlington, Brant Hills offers a strong mix of affordability, accessibility, and amenities. With a variety of housing styles, from townhomes to detached family houses, this neighbourhood has become a popular entry point for buyers. Over the last 75 days, there have been 9 detached homes sold in Brant Hills with the average sold price of $1,034,222.

• Affordability Advantage: Brant Hills offers lower average home prices compared to Burlington’s lakefront communities. For buyers who may not be able to afford the million-dollar-plus homes closer to the lake, Brant Hills provides a practical alternative for detached homes and more affordable entry points with townhomes.
• Lifestyle Benefits: The neighbourhood features excellent schools, local shopping plazas, and quick access to the QEW and 407, making it a convenient location for commuters. Families especially appreciate the abundance of green space, including parks and walking trails.
• Recent Market Activity: While demand in Brant Hills is steady, the area remains one of the city’s more affordable pockets, especially for buyers looking for larger homes without the premium lakefront cost. The national survey indicated that affordability remains a key driver for first-time buyers. Brant Hills’ combination of lower entry prices and solid community infrastructure aligns perfectly with this trend. It provides a sense of stability and long-term value, which is exactly what cautious buyers are prioritizing.

3. Palmer

Palmer is another neighbourhood that consistently ranks as one of the more affordable areas in Burlington. It’s a quiet, family-friendly community that appeals to both young buyers and downsizers. Over the last 75 days, there have been 12 detached homes sold in Palmer with the average sold price of $1,070,230.

• Affordability Advantage: Palmer offers townhomes, semi-detached, and detached homes at more budget-friendly price points than Burlington’s citywide average. For those looking for detached homes under the high $900k to $1M range or townhomes in the $700,000s, Palmer is often where buyers turn for affordable Burlington real estate.
• Lifestyle Benefits: The community is known for its parks, good schools, and proximity to shopping centres such as Burlington Centre Mall. Families are drawn to its safe, suburban feel, while its central location provides easy access to major roadways for commuting.
• Recent Market Activity: Homes in Palmer often stay on the market slightly longer than properties in high-demand southern Burlington, giving buyers more time to make considered decisions. This slower pace of sales can be reassuring for cautious buyers entering the market for the first time. As Royal LePage’s report highlighted, today’s buyers are cautious but motivated. Palmer’s affordability, combined with strong livability, makes it an excellent match for buyers who want to enter the market thoughtfully without overstretching their budget.

Burlington’s Market in relation to Canada’s housing market

The Royal LePage survey showed that Canada’s housing market is full of possibility, but many first-time buyers are pacing themselves due to affordability and interest rate concerns. Burlington reflects this national trend. While the city overall is highly desirable and commands premium prices in many neighbourhoods, communities like Mountainside, Brant Hills, and Palmer present opportunities for buyers to enter the market without feeling overextended.

These neighbourhoods provide:

• Relative Affordability: Lower price points than Burlington’s citywide average, with opportunities for both freehold homes and townhomes.
• Community Appeal: Strong schools, abundant parks, recreational facilities, and family-friendly amenities.
• Long-Term Growth: As demand continues across the GTA, these affordable pockets are poised for steady appreciation. Buyers who secure homes in these areas today may benefit from long-term equity growth as Burlington continues to attract families and professionals.

For first-time buyers, entering the Burlington housing market doesn’t have to feel out of reach. By focusing on communities like Mountainside, Brant Hills, and Palmer, buyers can strike the right balance between affordability, lifestyle, and long-term opportunity. These neighbourhoods provide a way to step confidently into homeownership while staying aligned with broader market realities outlined in the recent Royal LePage survey. There are many other neighbourhoods in Burlington to consider as well. Below is a chart outlining the sales activity over the last 70 days for detached homes in Burlington.

Community	Average of Sold Price	# of Detached Homes Sold
Alton	$ 1,333,393	14
Appleby	$ 1,221,403	31
Bayview	$ 1,800,643	7
Brant	$ 1,213,399	37
Brant Hills	$ 1,034,222	9
Freeman	$ 918,812	2
Grindstone	$ 2,250,000	1
Headon	$ 1,277,714	20
LaSalle	$ 1,312,658	19
Mountainside	$ 928,765	17
Orchard	$ 1,290,012	16
Palmer	$ 1,070,230	12
Rose	$ 1,754,300	16
Roseland	$ 1,747,619	21
Rural Burlington	$ 1,855,000	7
Shoreacres	$ 1,564,886	29
Tansley	$ 1,194,667	6
Tyandaga	$ 1,547,364	11

While affordability is a challenge across Canada, Burlington’s diverse range of neighbourhoods ensures that buyers still have options. For many, starting in a community like Mountainside, Brant Hills, or Palmer can be the perfect launching pad to build equity, enjoy family life, and eventually move into a dream home within the city.

Ready to start your home search for affordable homes in Burlington? Contact The David Bradica Team today to explore more about these neighbourhoods and let us help you find your next home.