Durham Region, east of Toronto, has long been a destination for buyers looking for more space at lower prices. It includes Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Clarington and northern townships. Here is our outlook.
Market snapshot
| Area (September 2026) | Sales | Average price |
|---|---|---|
| Durham Region total | 552 | about $828,100 |
| Pickering | 92 | about $893,800 |
| Oshawa | 125 | about $679,900 |
| GTA overall | 5,040 | about $1,006,400 |
Source: TRREB Market Watch, September 2026.
Why buyers choose Durham
- Value: average prices well below the GTA average.
- Space: more detached homes with yards.
- GO Transit: the Lakeshore East line connects Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa to Union Station, with plans to extend service further east.
- New communities: Seaton in Pickering and growth areas in Whitby and Clarington.
Challenges
- Longer commutes for those working downtown.
- Infrastructure catching up with growth in new subdivisions.
- Interest-rate sensitivity among first-time buyers.
Outlook
Durham is likely to remain one of the GTA’s affordability options. Near-term prices may stay flat to slightly softer while rates are elevated, with long-term demand supported by population growth, hybrid work and transit expansion.
Local guides
- Pickering and Pickering housing development projects
- Oshawa and Oshawa investment outlook
- GTA infrastructure and property prices
General information only, not real estate or financial advice.