Burlington's housing market softened in September 2026. Compared with August, benchmark prices fell 2.8% for bungalows, 2.0% for 2-storey detached homes and 1.5% for apartments, while townhomes rose 3.4%. Detached homes and condo townhomes sit in a balanced market at a 30% absorption rate. Freehold townhomes climbed to 40%, while condo apartments remain a clear buyers' market at 12.1%.
Burlington home prices by property type
Three of Burlington's four housing types saw benchmark prices dip in September, and the longer-term picture shows a market that is adjusting rather than falling sharply. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) tracks the benchmark price of a typical home, not the average sale price, so it gives a cleaner read on value trends than averages, which swing with the mix of homes sold.
Property type | 1 month (Aug–Sep 2026) | 3 months (Jun–Sep) | 6 months (Mar–Sep) | 12 months (Sep 2025–Sep 2026) |
1-storey detached (bungalows) | -2.8% | -3.2% | -5.9% | -4.3% |
2-storey detached | -2.0% | -4.8% | -2.7% | -1.8% |
Townhouse | +3.4% | -2.2% | -1.5% | -7.0% |
Apartment | -1.5% | -1.6% | -2.7% | -4.4% |
Source: MLS® Home Price Index, PropTx MLS® System (TRREB), Burlington.
A note on sources. Burlington is served by two MLS® systems, and both publish figures for the city. The segment data above comes from TRREB's PropTx system, which carries the larger number of Burlington listings. The regional figures further down come from the Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® ITSO MLS® System. The two will not match exactly, because each reflects a different pool of properties. Both are labelled throughout so you can see which is which.
Market conditions: absorption rates
The absorption rate indicates how fast homes are selling. It is calculated as homes sold divided by homes currently listed. Under 30% is a buyers' market, 30% to 60% is balanced, and over 60% is a sellers' market.
Segment | September 2026 | August 2026 | Market |
Detached (all) | 30.0% | 32.2% | Balanced, trending toward buyers |
Freehold townhomes | 40.0% | 28.3% | Balanced (up from buyers') |
Condo townhomes | 30.0% | 28.1% | Balanced (up from buyers') |
Condo apartments | 12.1% | 15.4% | Buyers' market |
Source: Martin Group analysis of TRREB Market Watch data, Burlington, September 2026.
Bungalows (1-storey detached)
Bungalow benchmark prices fell 2.8% from August and are down 5.9% over six months, the steepest six-month decline of any segment. Absorption for detached homes is reported as one figure covering both bungalows and 2-storeys, and it slipped to 30%, the bottom edge of a balanced market.
- For buyers: Bungalows, a favourite with downsizers and buyers planning to age in place, offer more room to negotiate than they have in some time.
- For sellers: Pricing to today's benchmark, not last spring's, is what gets a bungalow sold.
2-storey detached homes
Two-storey homes dipped 2.0% month over month and 4.8% over three months, but they are down only 1.8% year over year, the most resilient 12-month result of the four segments. They share the same 30% detached absorption rate.
- For buyers: The three-month softening has opened a window in family neighbourhoods that are normally very competitive.
- For sellers: Year-over-year values have held up well. Presentation and pricing matter more than timing.
Townhomes
Townhomes were the only segment to rise in September, up 3.4% from August. Read that figure with care: townhouse prices are still 7.0% below September 2025 and down over three and six months as well, so a single strong month is a short-term move rather than a turning point. Demand tells the steadier story. Freehold townhome absorption jumped from 28.3% to 40%, the largest shift of any segment, and condo townhomes edged up from 28.1% to 30%. Both have moved out of buyers' territory and into a balanced market.
- For buyers: Townhomes remain well below last year's prices, but buyers are returning, especially for freeholds. Waiting may mean more competition.
- For sellers: Freehold townhome owners are seeing the strongest demand in the Burlington market right now.
Condo apartments
Apartment prices slipped 1.5% from August and are 4.4% lower than a year ago. Absorption fell from 15.4% to 12.1%, keeping condo apartments firmly in a buyers' market.
- For buyers: First-time buyers and downsizers have the most leverage here of any segment: more choice, more time and more room to negotiate.
- For sellers: Competitive pricing and strong presentation from day one are essential to stand out.
The wider Cornerstone picture
Figures from the Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® point the same way. Burlington's composite benchmark price was $854,500 in September, down 2.4% from August and 4.1% from a year earlier.
Across Cornerstone's full market area — which spans Hamilton, Haldimand, Niagara North, Waterloo Region and beyond, not Burlington alone — sales fell 8.2% from August to 1,171, while new listings jumped 33.5% to 3,350. Supply across that wider region sat at 4.6 months, unchanged from last year, and homes took an average of 40 days to sell, down from 42 in August.
Interest rates: what the Bank of Canada's hold means for Burlington
The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.25% on September 2, 2026. The rate has been unchanged at every decision since the last cut in October 2025. The next announcement is October 28, 2026.
The Bank pointed to stronger second-quarter growth and some rebound in housing activity, but flagged CPI inflation hovering around 3%, driven mainly by higher gasoline prices. Core inflation remains close to the 2% target, and the Bank said it is prepared to adjust monetary policy as needed given US tariffs and geopolitical risks.
- For buyers: Borrowing costs have been stable for almost a year, which makes it easier to plan a purchase and lock in a pre-approval with confidence.
- For sellers: Steady rates help keep qualified buyers in the market, but sellers shouldn't count on a rate cut soon to boost demand.
- For homeowners renewing: With the policy rate well below its 2023–2024 peak, a renewal is a good moment to review whether moving up or right-sizing now fits your plans.
What this means in Burlington neighbourhoods
City-wide numbers are a starting point, but every Burlington neighbourhood moves at its own pace.
- Shoreacres and Roseland: Mature lots near the lake keep these neighbourhoods in demand. In a balanced detached market, well-priced homes still sell while overpriced ones sit.
- Elizabeth Gardens: Known for bungalows and backsplits close to the lake, this is the kind of area where softening bungalow values matter most to both downsizers and move-up buyers.
- Millcroft and The Orchards: These north Burlington family communities are anchored by 2-storey homes, the segment that has held its value best over the past year.
- Central Burlington: Downtown is where Burlington's condo apartment supply is concentrated, and condo apartments are the segment where buyers currently have the most choice.
If you want to know how your own street is performing rather than the city as a whole, that is a conversation worth having.
Key takeaways
- Burlington is a balanced market for detached homes and townhomes, and a buyers' market for condo apartments.
- Townhomes were the only segment to gain in September (+3.4%), though they remain 7.0% below last year.
- Freehold townhome demand rose the most of any segment, from 28.3% to 40%.
- Bungalows show the deepest six-month decline (-5.9%), creating opportunity for buyers.
- Two-storey homes have held value best over 12 months (-1.8%).
- Interest rates are steady at 2.25%, with the next Bank of Canada decision on October 28, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is it a buyers' or sellers' market in Burlington right now?
As of September 2026, Burlington is a balanced market for detached homes (30% absorption), condo townhomes (30%) and freehold townhomes (40%). Condo apartments are a buyers' market at 12.1%. No major segment is currently a sellers' market.
Are Burlington home prices going down?
Benchmark prices dipped in September for bungalows (-2.8%), 2-storey homes (-2.0%) and apartments (-1.5%), while townhomes rose 3.4%. Year over year, all four segments are lower, by 1.8% to 7.0%.
Is now a good time to buy a home in Burlington?
For many buyers, yes. Prices are below last year's levels, interest rates have held steady at 2.25% since October 2025, and most segments offer room to negotiate. The best timing depends on your budget, property type and neighbourhood.
Should I sell my Burlington home now or wait?
It depends on your property type. Freehold townhome demand rose sharply in September, while condo apartment sellers face more competition. A local pricing analysis will show how your home compares with recent sales.
About the author
Cory Martin is Broker and Co-Founder of Martin Group, with more than 25 years of experience in the Oakville and Burlington real estate markets. He holds an Honours BMOS and the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation. Martin Group has performed in the Top 1% by TRREB MLS® sales volume every year since 2008.
Thinking of buying or selling in Burlington?
City-wide statistics tell part of the story. What matters most is how your home, your street and your neighbourhood are performing right now. Whether you're weighing a move, planning to downsize or looking for the right time to buy, Martin Group will give you a clear, data-driven picture of your options and a strategy built around your goals.
Contact Martin Group today for a no-obligation conversation about your Burlington real estate plans.
- Call: 905-338-2083
- Email: [email protected]
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Sources
- MLS® Home Price Index, PropTx MLS® System (TRREB): Burlington benchmark price changes by property type, September 2026.
- Martin Group analysis of TRREB Market Watch data: Burlington absorption rates by segment, September 2026.
- Cornerstone Association of REALTORS®: September 2026 market report (ITSO MLS® System), released October 5, 2026.
- Bank of Canada: policy rate decision, September 2, 2026, and policy interest rate page.
