Oshawa is the largest city in Durham Region, historically built around automotive manufacturing and now a growing university and college town anchored by Ontario Tech University and Durham College. It's one of the most affordable entry points into the GTA housing market for buyers priced out of Toronto and the inner 905.
How Much Does a Home Cost in Oshawa Right Now?
Based on active listings synced to Condohill:
| Property type | Median price | Active listings |
|---|---|---|
| Condo apartment | $457,900 | 120 |
| Detached house | $820,000 | 447 |
Oshawa's detached median sits meaningfully below most of the GTA, including neighbouring Whitby and Ajax, making it a common landing spot for buyers who need a detached home but can't stretch to inner-GTA pricing. Its smaller condo market reflects Oshawa's overall lower-rise housing stock rather than limited demand.
Why Buyers Choose Oshawa
Oshawa's relative affordability is its biggest draw, but it's not the only one. Ontario Tech University and Durham College both drive steady rental demand near their campuses, useful for buyers considering an investment property alongside their own home. Oshawa's downtown core and older neighbourhoods also offer a stock of character homes at prices that are difficult to find closer to Toronto.
Getting Around: GO Transit
Oshawa GO station is the eastern terminus of the Lakeshore East line, giving residents direct rail access into Union Station — a meaningfully longer commute than closer-in Durham communities like Whitby or Ajax, which is reflected in Oshawa's lower price point relative to those cities.
Closing Costs to Budget for in Oshawa
| Cost | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| Ontario Land Transfer Tax | Varies by price — see calculation guide |
| Legal fees and disbursements | Typically $1,500–$2,500 |
| Home inspection | Typically $400–$700 for a detached home |
Oshawa is in Durham Region, so buyers pay only the provincial Land Transfer Tax — no additional municipal tax as in the City of Toronto.
Financing an Oshawa Purchase
With a detached median around $820,000 and a condo median around $458,000, most Oshawa purchases fall well under the $1.5 million mortgage insurance price cap, keeping a low-down-payment purchase (as little as 5% down on the first $500,000) realistically achievable for many buyers here. See how mortgage pre-approval works before house-hunting.
FAQ
Is Oshawa a good option for first-time buyers?
Yes — Oshawa's detached and condo medians both run well below most of the GTA, making it one of the more accessible cities for buyers priced out of Toronto and the inner 905.
Does Oshawa have GO Transit?
Yes — Oshawa GO station is the eastern terminus of the Lakeshore East line, with direct rail service into Union Station.
Is Oshawa good for rental investment?
It can be — Ontario Tech University and Durham College both generate steady student and staff rental demand near their campuses.
Is there a municipal land transfer tax in Oshawa?
No. Oshawa is in Durham Region, so buyers pay only the provincial Ontario Land Transfer Tax.
How does Oshawa compare to Whitby and Ajax?
Oshawa is generally more affordable than both, though its GO Transit commute into Toronto is somewhat longer since it sits at the eastern end of the Lakeshore East line.
Browse current Oshawa homes for sale on Condohill to see what's actually available today.
Sources
Price data reflects Condohill's synced MLS® listing data for Oshawa as of September 2026. For official regional statistics, see the TRREB market statistics page.