Oshawa is a city in Ontario, Canada, on the Lake Ontario shoreline. It lies in Southern Ontario, approximately 60 km east of Downtown Toronto. The city has seen a significant increase in average home price over the past decade. It is an attractive relocation destination for families looking to move outside of Toronto but want to stay close by. Another great aspect of Oshawa is the affordability of its real estate.
Oshawa offers a place to settle east of Toronto while staying connected to employment, education and amenities across the Greater Toronto Area. Located on Lake Ontario in Durham Region, the city has established residential neighbourhoods, waterfront recreation and a growing role as a centre for post-secondary education and healthcare.
For households comparing housing costs across the GTA, Oshawa remains a lower-priced option. Its combination of local services, highway access and GO Transit connections appeals to buyers who want to maintain ties to Toronto while considering a home farther east.
If you have the income to support your housing payments but need more time to save or improve your credit, rent-to-own can help turn your plans into a structured path toward purchasing a home.
Pre-qualify for Rent-to-own Homes
See how much home you can afford. Get a free, personalized estimate in about two minutes.
Pre-qualifying is quick, free, and won't hurt your credit score.
Real estate trends in Oshawa, Ontario
Oshawa’s housing market recorded lower prices and fewer sales in September 2026 compared with a year earlier. According to WOWA’s September 2026 housing market report, the average home price was $679,861, down 8.2 percent year over year, although it increased 4.1 percent from August.
Detached homes averaged $748,346, a decline of 9.1 percent from September 2025. Semi-detached properties averaged $590,591, while freehold townhouses averaged $656,250. Condominium townhouses averaged $486,108, and condominium apartments averaged $301,786. This range gives buyers several price points to consider depending on the property type and space they need.
The benchmark price, which represents a typical home, was $699,700. Meanwhile, Oshawa recorded 125 residential transactions, down 28 percent year over year and 12.6 percent from August. Detached homes accounted for 89 of those sales, remaining the largest part of the local market.
There were 448 new listings during September and 660 active listings. With sales running below last year’s level, buyers have an opportunity to assess available homes carefully and negotiate terms that fit their budget.
Oshawa’s average price also remained below the September averages of $828,141 across Durham Region and $1,006,409 across the GTA, according to the same report. For families weighing the cost of buying against access to the Toronto area, that price difference remains one of Oshawa’s main attractions.
Transportation in Oshawa
Highway 401 runs through Oshawa, providing a direct road connection to neighbouring Durham communities and Toronto. For residents who travel regularly for work, having both highway and rail options is a practical advantage.
Durham College Oshawa GO connects the city with the Lakeshore East line and Toronto’s Union Station. GO bus services provide additional regional connections, allowing commuters to plan around their destination and schedule.
Within Oshawa and the surrounding region, Durham Region Transit operates local and regional bus services, including PULSE routes. Connections between DRT and GO Transit help residents reach shopping, schools and workplaces without relying entirely on a car.
When comparing neighbourhoods, consider the complete trip from your front door to work or school, including access to stations, parking and any transfers.
Economy in Oshawa
Oshawa’s automotive history remains central to its identity, but its economy now includes a broader mix of healthcare, education, advanced manufacturing, technology and professional services. This gives residents employment options within the city as well as across Durham Region and the GTA.
Healthcare and research are particularly important to the city’s development. Lakeridge Health and the health sciences programs at local post-secondary institutions contribute to clinical services, training and research. The Queen’s University Lakeridge Health MD Family Medicine Program adds another connection between medical education and local healthcare.
Ontario Tech University, Durham College and Trent University Durham GTA also help develop skills for industries such as engineering, information technology, business and health sciences. Their presence supports Oshawa’s role as both a place to study and a place to build a career.
Education in Oshawa
Families in Oshawa have access to elementary and secondary education through the Durham District School Board and Durham Catholic District School Board. French-language public and Catholic school options are also available within Durham Region.
Post-secondary choices are a significant part of the city’s appeal. Ontario Tech University offers undergraduate and graduate education, with strengths in technology, engineering, sciences and other professional fields. Durham College provides applied education and career-focused training, while Trent University Durham GTA offers university programs at its Oshawa campus.
For households planning a long-term move, these institutions provide opportunities for children to continue their studies locally and for adults to return to education as their careers develop.
The benefits of rent-to-own in Oshawa
A lower purchase price than other GTA markets can make Oshawa appealing, but finding an affordable property is only part of becoming a homeowner. You also need savings, suitable financing and a home that works for your household.
Rent-to-own brings these steps together. With an approved property and agreement in place, you can live in the home while building your down payment and preparing for a mortgage.
Suppose your target home costs $400,000, but you need another two years to become mortgage-ready. You have two options:
Rent a home in Oshawa for two years and purchase at market prices
With a regular rental, you pay for accommodation while saving for your purchase separately. Your lease does not normally establish a future purchase price or give you the right to buy the home.
If prices increased by 10 percent annually, a $400,000 home would cost $484,000 after two years. You would need to prepare for a purchase price that had risen by $84,000 while continuing to meet your savings goal.
The property itself may also be unavailable when you are ready. A landlord could choose to keep renting it, or a home you had considered buying could sell to someone else. Mortgage approval might therefore be followed by another search, a new neighbourhood and another move.
Rent-to-own in Oshawa with Requity Homes
For an eligible location and property approved by Requity Homes, the program establishes your future purchase pricing before you move in. Your monthly payment includes rent and a separate savings contribution toward your down payment.
Requity Homes’ published pricing includes a 5 percent annual increase. Using a 5 percent annual compounded increase, the same $400,000 home would have an agreed purchase price of $441,000 after two years. That is $43,000 below the purchase price in the 10 percent growth scenario above.
The arrangement also gives your preparation a specific purpose. You know which home you are working toward purchasing, and regular savings contributions become part of your monthly housing plan. During that time, you can address credit issues and prepare your finances for a mortgage application.
Once you qualify for financing and complete the purchase, you can remain in the home you have already made part of your life.
“
Our biggest obstacle was being a new small business. We didn't qualify with any major banks to get a mortgage.
Customer Story
Amanda & Brad's Journey to Homeownership
Business owners who overcome mortgage challenges of entering homeownership in Sault Ste. Marie
Requity Homes helps eligible buyers work toward homeownership when they need additional time before obtaining a traditional mortgage. The program combines a qualifying property, agreed purchase pricing and monthly down payment savings.
Start by speaking with the team to confirm whether your preferred Oshawa location and property qualify. Requity Homes assesses applications and homes against its program requirements, helping establish a realistic budget before the home search begins.
You can choose almost any move-in-ready home listed publicly or privately, as long as it meets our program criteria.
Eligible homes typically:
Are freehold single-family homes or townhouses
Are connected to municipal water and sewer
Are priced between $150,000 and $600,000
Are located in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, or Saskatchewan in communities with established municipal services and a population of 20,000 or more.
In some cases, newly built condo townhouses with reasonable condo fees may be approved. If approved, condo fees are added to your monthly payment.
Homes must be in good condition. Major systems such as roof, furnace, HVAC, and water heater should be within reasonable age limits. All properties are reviewed to confirm they meet our inspection and funding requirements.
We do not purchase rural properties, fixer-uppers, homes sold as-is, or properties with structural or safety concerns.
Once you are pre-qualified, you can tour homes with a partner agent or your own realtor and we will confirm eligibility before purchase.
Depending on the type of income, we will ask for different supporting documents to verify your income. Our goal is to make sure you can afford rent-to-own payments during the lease term.
Traditional employment (Hourly, Salaried or Commission)
Employment letter
Most recent pay stubs
Notice of assessment from the last two years
Bank statements for the past 6 months
Self-employed
Sole proprietorship
T1 General tax returns for the last 2 years
Notice of Assessment for the last 2 years
Business bank statements for the last 6 months
GST returns if applicable
Incorporated
T1 General tax returns for the last 2 years
Notice of Assessment for the last 2 years
Articles of Incorporation
Business bank statements for the last 6 months
Accountant prepared financial statements for the last 2 years
Corporate tax returns or CRA balance to verify corporate tax
GST returns if applicable
Pension & Disability Incomes
Proof that such payments are expected to be longer than three years
Alimony & Child Support
Proof that such payments have been made consistently in the past 6 months
What is the interest rate?
There is no interest rate during the rent-to-own term because this is not a mortgage.
When you are ready to buy the home, most clients get a mortgage from a lender to complete the purchase.
All content on this website, including but not limited to text, program structure, rent-to-own model descriptions, customer pathways, and proprietary frameworks, is the exclusive property of Requity Homes. Any reproduction, adaptation, or use of this content, in whole or in part, for commercial purposes without express written consent is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.
As a realtor, mortgage broker, or Requity Homes ambassador, you can now help more community members achieve their homeownership goals while streamlining your workload. Partner with us to expand your impact and create success stories with less work.
Oshawa is a city in Ontario, Canada, on the Lake Ontario shoreline. It lies in Southern Ontario, approximately 60 km east of Downtown Toronto. The city has seen a significant increase in average home price over the past decade. It is an attractive relocation destination for families looking to move outside of Toronto but want to stay close by. Another great aspect of Oshawa is the affordability of its real estate.
Oshawa offers a place to settle east of Toronto while staying connected to employment, education and amenities across the Greater Toronto Area. Located on Lake Ontario in Durham Region, the city has established residential neighbourhoods, waterfront recreation and a growing role as a centre for post-secondary education and healthcare.
For households comparing housing costs across the GTA, Oshawa remains a lower-priced option. Its combination of local services, highway access and GO Transit connections appeals to buyers who want to maintain ties to Toronto while considering a home farther east.
If you have the income to support your housing payments but need more time to save or improve your credit, rent-to-own can help turn your plans into a structured path toward purchasing a home.
Pre-qualify for Rent-to-own Homes
See how much home you can afford. Get a free, personalized estimate in about two minutes.
Pre-qualifying is quick, free, and won't hurt your credit score.
Real estate trends in Oshawa, Ontario
Oshawa’s housing market recorded lower prices and fewer sales in September 2026 compared with a year earlier. According to WOWA’s September 2026 housing market report, the average home price was $679,861, down 8.2 percent year over year, although it increased 4.1 percent from August.
Detached homes averaged $748,346, a decline of 9.1 percent from September 2025. Semi-detached properties averaged $590,591, while freehold townhouses averaged $656,250. Condominium townhouses averaged $486,108, and condominium apartments averaged $301,786. This range gives buyers several price points to consider depending on the property type and space they need.
The benchmark price, which represents a typical home, was $699,700. Meanwhile, Oshawa recorded 125 residential transactions, down 28 percent year over year and 12.6 percent from August. Detached homes accounted for 89 of those sales, remaining the largest part of the local market.
There were 448 new listings during September and 660 active listings. With sales running below last year’s level, buyers have an opportunity to assess available homes carefully and negotiate terms that fit their budget.
Oshawa’s average price also remained below the September averages of $828,141 across Durham Region and $1,006,409 across the GTA, according to the same report. For families weighing the cost of buying against access to the Toronto area, that price difference remains one of Oshawa’s main attractions.
Transportation in Oshawa
Highway 401 runs through Oshawa, providing a direct road connection to neighbouring Durham communities and Toronto. For residents who travel regularly for work, having both highway and rail options is a practical advantage.
Durham College Oshawa GO connects the city with the Lakeshore East line and Toronto’s Union Station. GO bus services provide additional regional connections, allowing commuters to plan around their destination and schedule.
Within Oshawa and the surrounding region, Durham Region Transit operates local and regional bus services, including PULSE routes. Connections between DRT and GO Transit help residents reach shopping, schools and workplaces without relying entirely on a car.
When comparing neighbourhoods, consider the complete trip from your front door to work or school, including access to stations, parking and any transfers.
Economy in Oshawa
Oshawa’s automotive history remains central to its identity, but its economy now includes a broader mix of healthcare, education, advanced manufacturing, technology and professional services. This gives residents employment options within the city as well as across Durham Region and the GTA.
Healthcare and research are particularly important to the city’s development. Lakeridge Health and the health sciences programs at local post-secondary institutions contribute to clinical services, training and research. The Queen’s University Lakeridge Health MD Family Medicine Program adds another connection between medical education and local healthcare.
Ontario Tech University, Durham College and Trent University Durham GTA also help develop skills for industries such as engineering, information technology, business and health sciences. Their presence supports Oshawa’s role as both a place to study and a place to build a career.
Education in Oshawa
Families in Oshawa have access to elementary and secondary education through the Durham District School Board and Durham Catholic District School Board. French-language public and Catholic school options are also available within Durham Region.
Post-secondary choices are a significant part of the city’s appeal. Ontario Tech University offers undergraduate and graduate education, with strengths in technology, engineering, sciences and other professional fields. Durham College provides applied education and career-focused training, while Trent University Durham GTA offers university programs at its Oshawa campus.
For households planning a long-term move, these institutions provide opportunities for children to continue their studies locally and for adults to return to education as their careers develop.
The benefits of rent-to-own in Oshawa
A lower purchase price than other GTA markets can make Oshawa appealing, but finding an affordable property is only part of becoming a homeowner. You also need savings, suitable financing and a home that works for your household.
Rent-to-own brings these steps together. With an approved property and agreement in place, you can live in the home while building your down payment and preparing for a mortgage.
Suppose your target home costs $400,000, but you need another two years to become mortgage-ready. You have two options:
Rent a home in Oshawa for two years and purchase at market prices
With a regular rental, you pay for accommodation while saving for your purchase separately. Your lease does not normally establish a future purchase price or give you the right to buy the home.
If prices increased by 10 percent annually, a $400,000 home would cost $484,000 after two years. You would need to prepare for a purchase price that had risen by $84,000 while continuing to meet your savings goal.
The property itself may also be unavailable when you are ready. A landlord could choose to keep renting it, or a home you had considered buying could sell to someone else. Mortgage approval might therefore be followed by another search, a new neighbourhood and another move.
Rent-to-own in Oshawa with Requity Homes
For an eligible location and property approved by Requity Homes, the program establishes your future purchase pricing before you move in. Your monthly payment includes rent and a separate savings contribution toward your down payment.
Requity Homes’ published pricing includes a 5 percent annual increase. Using a 5 percent annual compounded increase, the same $400,000 home would have an agreed purchase price of $441,000 after two years. That is $43,000 below the purchase price in the 10 percent growth scenario above.
The arrangement also gives your preparation a specific purpose. You know which home you are working toward purchasing, and regular savings contributions become part of your monthly housing plan. During that time, you can address credit issues and prepare your finances for a mortgage application.
Once you qualify for financing and complete the purchase, you can remain in the home you have already made part of your life.
“
Our biggest obstacle was being a new small business. We didn't qualify with any major banks to get a mortgage.
Customer Story
Amanda & Brad's Journey to Homeownership
Business owners who overcome mortgage challenges of entering homeownership in Sault Ste. Marie
Requity Homes helps eligible buyers work toward homeownership when they need additional time before obtaining a traditional mortgage. The program combines a qualifying property, agreed purchase pricing and monthly down payment savings.
Start by speaking with the team to confirm whether your preferred Oshawa location and property qualify. Requity Homes assesses applications and homes against its program requirements, helping establish a realistic budget before the home search begins.
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