Quick answer: Durham Region (Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa and Clarington) is one of the GTA's last big supplies of new freehold homes. In November 2026, builders list new townhomes from under $500,000 and detached homes from the low $700,000s. Three things drive value here:
- The toll-free Highway 407 East (since June 1, 2025)
- The GO extension to Bowmanville, now under construction
- Rebates of up to $80,000 on new homes signed by March 31, 2027
Why are so many buyers looking at new construction in Durham Region?
Durham is growing fast. The Region says more than 750,000 people live here today. Its approved Regional Official Plan expects 1.3 million people and more than 460,000 jobs by 2051. That growth needs new homes, so builders keep opening new phases.
For buyers, the draw is simple. You can still find new freehold townhomes and detached homes at prices that are hard to match closer to Toronto. Most new Durham supply is low-rise. That means a yard, a garage and no condo fees on many homes.
Transport has also improved:
- Highway 407 East is toll-free between Brock Road in Pickering and Highway 35/115 in Clarington. The province lifted tolls on June 1, 2025. The privately owned part of the 407 west of Brock Road still charges tolls.
- GO Lakeshore East is extending to Bowmanville. Metrolinx says the line will run nearly 20 km further east, with 18.7 km of new track and four new stations. The project is under construction. Metrolinx has not published an opening date.
- Durham College Oshawa GO is being expanded. Ontario broke ground in August 2026 on two new tracks, a new north platform, pedestrian bridges and a bus loop.
Which Durham cities have new homes for sale, and what do they cost?
The table below shows sample "from" prices that builders list on Buyprecon.ca in early November 2026. Builder prices change often, and "from" prices are usually the smallest or least-upgraded model. Always confirm the current price sheet before you sign.
| City | Main new-home areas | Sample projects (listed starting price) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pickering | Seaton, Whitevale, City Centre | Trails of Whitevale Towns (from $659,990); Seaton Whitevale Phase 5 detached (from $716,740); VuPoint 2 Condos (from $609,000) | Shortest drive to Toronto; condos near Pickering GO |
| Ajax | North Ajax, Central Ajax, South Ajax | Time in Ajax Towns (from $499,990); Northgate Trails (from $559,990); Lake Pointe Condos (from $598,900) | Established town with new infill and north-end subdivisions |
| Whitby | Brooklin, West Whitby, Whitby Meadows | Brooklin Towns 2.0 (from $479,990); New Towns in Whitby Meadows (from $629,990); Brooklin Trails (from $729,195) | Families; Brooklin is right beside the toll-free 407 |
| Oshawa | North Oshawa (Conlin, Harmony, Grandview), Ontario Tech area | Heights of Harmony Freehold Townhomes (from $596,372); Bellaro at Palmetto (from $599,900); U.C. Tower 3 Condos (from $508,990) | Lower entry prices; student rental demand near Ontario Tech and Durham College |
| Clarington | Bowmanville, Courtice, Newcastle | Ravine Mills, Bowmanville (from $589,990); Meadow Towns, Courtice (from $699,990); The Willows, Courtice (from $724,770) | Buyers betting on the future GO stations |
Want to see every project on one screen? Use the Buyprecon.ca map and zoom in on Durham.
How do development charges affect new home prices in Durham?
Development charges (DCs) are fees that pay for roads, transit, water and sewers. Builders pay them, and the cost is usually built into your price. Some agreements also pass DC increases to the buyer at closing. That is why you want a cap.
Here are the Region of Durham's region-wide charges in effect from July 1, 2026:
| Home type | Region-wide charges | Total incl. water and sewer |
|---|---|---|
| Single or semi-detached | $32,465 | $76,227 |
| Medium-density (townhomes) | $25,833 | $60,684 |
| Apartment, 2+ bedrooms | $18,843 | $44,320 |
| Apartment, 1 bedroom or smaller | $11,574 | $27,224 |
Two things to know. First, the Region removed its GO Transit charge as of January 1, 2026. Second, these charges are indexed every year, so they can rise before your home closes. The Region's figures above do not include charges set by your local city or by school boards.
Before you sign, ask your lawyer to check the DC and levy clauses. Ideally, you want a firm dollar cap, or a promise that you pay no new or increased charges. Our development charges guide explains the clause in plain English.
Which rebates can Durham new-home buyers claim?
Many Durham homes fall under $1.5 million. That matters, because it is the price where the full Ontario Enhanced New Housing Rebate applies.
- Ontario Enhanced New Housing Rebate: For agreements signed from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. Combined with the regular Ontario new housing rebate, it is worth up to $80,000. The full amount applies up to $1.5 million and phases out at $1.85 million.
- Federal rebates: Eligible first-time buyers may also get GST relief on a new home. Rules and limits apply.
- Land transfer tax refund: First-time buyers can get a refund of up to $4,000 on Ontario land transfer tax. Durham has no municipal land transfer tax, unlike Toronto.
Read our Ontario HST rebate guide for the full rules and worked examples.
Freehold or condo in Durham: what protections do I get?
Most new Durham homes are freehold townhomes and detached homes. Freehold buyers have different rules than condo buyers:
| Protection | Freehold (most of Durham) | Condo |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling-off period | 10 days for agreements signed on or after January 1, 2027 | 10 days (already in place) |
| Tarion deposit protection | Up to $60,000 (homes up to $600,000) or 10% of price up to $100,000 (over $600,000) | Up to $20,000, plus deposits held in trust under the Condominium Act |
| Register with Tarion | Buyer must register the purchase with Tarion within 45 days of signing | Not required |
| Tarion warranty | 1, 2 and 7-year coverage | 1, 2 and 7-year coverage |
Freehold deposits in Durham are often paid in several instalments. Keep your total deposit within the Tarion protection limit where you can, or ask your lawyer about extra protection.
What should I check before buying new construction in Durham?
- ☐ Confirm the builder is licensed in the HCRA Ontario Builder Directory.
- ☐ Ask for the full price sheet, deposit structure and incentives in writing.
- ☐ Check the development charge and levy cap clause.
- ☐ Check the tentative closing date and the outside closing date.
- ☐ For freehold: register your purchase with Tarion within 45 days.
- ☐ Look up the lot's grading, backing (road, park, rail) and any future road widening.
- ☐ Check the drive to the nearest toll-free 407 interchange and GO station.
- ☐ Get a mortgage pre-approval that covers the full price, not just the deposit.
- ☐ Have a real estate lawyer review the agreement before it goes firm.
Related reading: The Ultimate Guide to Investing in Pre-Construction in Ontario · Ontario's New 10-Day Cooling-Off Period for Freehold Homes · How to Choose the Best Pre-Construction Project
Frequently asked questions
Is Durham Region a good place to buy new construction in 2026?
For many buyers, yes. Durham still offers new freehold homes at lower prices than most of the GTA. Population growth, the toll-free 407 East and the GO extension support long-term demand. As with any purchase, check the builder, the contract and your budget first.
When will GO trains reach Bowmanville?
Metrolinx has not published an opening date. The extension is under construction, with the major contract awarded in January 2026 and bridge work under way. Do not count on a set train date when you plan your purchase.
Is Highway 407 free in Durham?
Yes, the Ontario-owned 407 East is toll-free between Brock Road in Pickering and Highway 35/115 in Clarington, as of June 1, 2025. The privately owned 407 ETR west of Brock Road still charges tolls.
What is the cheapest new construction in Durham?
Townhomes are usually the lowest-priced option. In early November 2026, some Durham townhome projects list starting prices under $500,000. Starting prices are usually for the smallest model, so compare the price per square foot too.
Do I pay development charges when I buy a new home in Durham?
The builder pays them and usually includes them in the price. But your agreement may let the builder charge you for new or increased charges at closing. Ask for a cap before you sign.
Does Durham have a municipal land transfer tax?
No. Only the City of Toronto charges a municipal land transfer tax. In Durham you pay the Ontario land transfer tax, and first-time buyers may qualify for a refund of up to $4,000.
About the author: Ola Otubu is a REALTOR® with Realty ONE Group Reveal, Real Estate Brokerage, and the founder of Buyprecon.ca. He represents buyers of new construction homes and condos across Ontario, from the first deposit through PDI, closing and warranty claims.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Prices, rebates and charges change often; confirm current details with the builder, your lawyer and the official sources before you sign. Last updated November 5, 2026.
Sources: Region of Durham, Region-wide Development Charge Information (July 1, 2026) and Regional Official Plan approval release; Metrolinx, Bowmanville Extension project page; Ontario government announcement on Highway 407 East tolls (June 1, 2025, via CP24); ReNew Canada, Durham College Oshawa GO upgrades (August 27, 2026); Canada Revenue Agency, Ontario Enhanced New Housing Rebate; Tarion and HCRA; builder price sheets listed on Buyprecon.ca (November 2026).
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