Clarington, Ontario: Buy a House East of the Greater Toronto Area

Clarington is made up of several communities. Bowmanville is the largest and has the historic downtown and most amenities, Courtice sits closest to Oshawa and is mostly newer subdivisions, and Newcastle is a smaller town with a village feel. Rural hamlets and Lake Ontario waterfront lie between. Highway 401 runs through the municipality and commuter rail extension to Bowmanville has been planned for years, so check the current timetable instead of relying on marketing material. Buyers are typically Toronto-area families seeking more space and a lower price per square metre.

If you need big-city access, see our pages on Toronto and Calgary for comparison.

Canada has a federal restriction on non-Canadians buying residential property, with exemptions for some work-permit holders, students and refugees, and it has been extended more than once. Ontario also applies a Non-Resident Speculation Tax of 25% to foreign purchasers in much of the province, with refund routes in certain cases. Both measures change, so ask a Canadian real estate lawyer to confirm the position before you make an offer. Our Canada consultation guide lists the usual steps, and the financing page explains how lenders treat newcomers.

Expect land transfer tax on completion, legal fees, a title insurance policy and a home inspection. In Ontario, a conditional offer with a financing and inspection period is normal in softer markets, although multiple offers can appear in busy ones. Ask about school catchments and any planned development near the lot, because Clarington is still growing.