January 14, 2025 | Buying
Why First-Time Home Buyers Should Choose Pickering

It’s no secret that the last few years have been hard on first-time home buyers. Rising real estate values make it challenging to save for a down payment and qualify for financing. Some younger buyers have set their sights on smaller towns and cities, where the market remains far more accessible.
However, buying a house and commuting isn’t always feasible, especially with the growing congestion on some of the major highways. In addition, many people just want to stay close to Toronto and all of the conveniences and excitement of the big city. What can you do as a first-time buyer if you have your heart set on a home in the GTA?
As one of the most affordable housing markets in the region, it’s easy to see why many people are turning to Pickering. In this post, we’ll take a look at all the reasons you might want to consider making this your first place to call home.
Attention all first-time home buyers! We are offering a free seminar on February 20, 2025 to help you make the most of your purchase. Book your spot right here.
A Varied Housing Market
Whether you’re searching for an entry-level condo or want to hit the market with a detached home with living space to spare, you’ll have no shortage of options in Pickering. New possibilities are everywhere, including in Seaton, one of Canada’s biggest developments in history.
When completed, this expansive enclave will offer enough space for up to 70,000 residents. Talk about a breath of fresh air in a region constantly making the news for its housing shortage! Homes here are spacious, modern, and perfect for a homebuyer looking to put down roots for the long term. This development will span more than 7,000 acres, with half of the space being dedicated to greenery and parks.
Seaton may be our most famous upcoming development, but it’s far from the only one. The city is home to more than 75 projects that are expected to be completed over the next 10 years. Many of these are condos that will make the market more accessible for first-time buyers, while others provide room to grow.
Are you still on the fence about where to move? The posts below can help you narrow down your search:
- Pickering Vs Toronto: Where Should You Buy a Home?
- What Are Pickering’s Best Neighbourhoods?
- Is Seaton, Ontario a Good Place to Live?
A Fun and Convenient Lifestyle
Affordability, check! Availability: check again. However, does any of this matter unless you love the lifestyle you’re about to experience as a new homeowner? Once again, Pickering checks off all of your boxes and then some.
Is buying a house one of your goals for the year? If so, our team can put you in touch with a qualified mortgage specialist to help you finance your purchase. Connect with us today at info@teamrajpal.com or call 647-875-8000 to take the next step.
The shopping scene is out-of-this-world; whether you want to shop until you drop at the Pickering City Centre, a massive complex of over 150 stores and services or browse the independent boutiques around the city, you’ll always find what you’re looking for. Pickering’s dining options are also vast and varied, with restaurants offering nearly every type of cuisine under the sun.
One of our favourite benefits of Pickering life is the incredible waterfront. A location along the shores of Lake Ontario provides parks and trails with views that are simply breathtaking! Hiking, cycling, in-line skating, or simply relaxing in nature are just a few fun activities you can enjoy all year long.
Unlimited Possibilities to Grow
The first step, a condo; next, a gorgeous home with a garage and a massive backyard. New possibilities you can’t even imagine could open up to you once your equity starts to grow. Increased purchasing power as housing values rise is one of the primary benefits of becoming a homeowner. The sooner you get on the property ladder, the more (and faster) your equity can grow.
Pickering’s dynamic job market with plenty of high-paying opportunities will also help you secure your financial future. With thriving technology, manufacturing, and logistics sectors, you can hardly ask for a better place to establish your career.
First-time buyers often need to be very resourceful and creative. The posts below can help you navigate a challenging market:
- Can You Make a Home Offer Appealing Without Paying More Money?
- What Creative Solutions Are Available for First-Time Buyers?
- Buying A Home? Know These 4 Important Mortgage Options First
Resources to Help You Purchase Your First Pickering Home
Getting established in a home of your own all starts with getting your foot in the door, which is easier in Pickering’s real estate market than anywhere else in the GTA. In addition, there are government programs in place to help you reach your goals faster. For example:
- The First Home Savings Account, which allows you to save up to $8,000 per year tax-free (to a maximum of $40,000, along with any dividends you earn) to put towards your new home.
- The Home Buyer’s Plan allows you to withdraw as much as $60,000 from any tax-sheltered investment to buy a house. As long as you repay those funds within 15 years, there is no tax penalty.
- The Land Transfer Rebate instantly saves you up to $4,000 off of the land transfer tax, which is your most substantial closing cost.
The new guidelines for down payments have also changed to make it easier to get into your first home. Now, you can buy a home for up to $1.5 million with less than 20% upfront. If you have questions, one of our experienced real estate agents will be happy to review your options with you.
Do you want to know even more about the incredible lifestyle Pickering offers? The posts below will give you a glimpse behind the curtain:
- Where are the Places of Worship in Pickering, ON?
- Is Pickering a Good Place to Live?
- What Are the Best Parks in Pickering?
A Family-Friendly Environment
Affordability is often the highest priority for a younger buyer, followed by living in an area with plenty of job opportunities to allow you to elevate your lifestyle. There’s no question that Pickering meets both of those criteria. However, even that is just the beginning.
Beautiful parks everywhere you look, as well as a network of highly reputable schools, make Pickering one of the most family-friendly areas in the GTA. Since downtown Toronto is easily accessible by car or on the Go Train, older students have access to outstanding post-secondary education. Pickering has so much to offer for homebuyers of all ages and backgrounds, making it easy to put down roots for many years to come.
Do you have questions about buying your first home? Our Pickering real estate agents will patiently and expertly guide you through all of the steps. Reach out today at info@teamrajpal.com or call 647-875-8000 with any questions or to get started.

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