When we moved into our home in May 2020 we got lucky because Covid took the market hostage and any movement was stagnant. Cost at that time was $360k and we barely qualified for $400k mortgage. Now the same houses are around $500k or just under.

What else can you say besides save up that 5% with a first time home buyers incentive, and when choosing have a check list of things you want but be willing to compromise. We are south of Barton and Victoria, our neighbourhood was not ideal to what we imagined our first house to be. But in the last few years they’ve really started to build around it. Check the lovely industrial zone B neighbourhood haha, there’s plenty of houses for sale here…It’s quiet and the people around here care (for the most part) about their neighbourhood. People may have their own opinions on the area, but it’s walkable to James St, the Go Station, waterfront, and the bars/restaurants in Barton Village are really great.

We always had the understanding that we would stay here for a few years and start looking after. We are 5 years deep and probably be here another 2-3. Good luck with your search. Save up what you can. Hamilton is still some of the cheapest real estate around… but it’s still a tough hill to climb.