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What $1.5 Million Actually Buys You: Oakville vs. Milton vs. Burlington
Tuesday Dec 02nd, 2025
Quick Summary: The $1.5 Million Trade-Off
What does $1.5 million buy in Oakville vs. Milton vs. Burlington? In Milton, this budget secures a large, modern detached home (2,500+ sq ft) with luxury finishes. In Burlington, it buys a renovated detached home in an established, family-friendly neighbourhood. In Oakville, $1.5 million typically limits you to a premium townhouse or a smaller, older detached bungalow that may require updates, as the detached average sits closer to $1.9 million.
A budget of $1.5 million is a significant investment, but how far that money goes depends entirely on your postal code. Are you looking for the prestige of the Lakeshore, the balanced lifestyle of Burlington, or the maximum square footage of Milton?
Below, we break down exactly what you can expect in each city right now.
Oakville: The Premium Choice
In Oakville, $1.5 million is considered an entry-level price point for detached living. While you gain access to some of the best schools in Ontario and prestigious neighbourhoods, you will likely need to compromise on the size or age of the home.
At this price point, you are typically looking at:
- Premium Townhomes: Luxury end-unit towns in areas like The Preserve or West Oak Trails.
- Older Bungalows: Smaller detached homes (1,200–1,500 sq ft) in maturing neighbourhoods like Kerr Village or Bronte, often requiring renovation.
Browse current listings here: $1.5 Million Homes for Sale in Oakville.
Burlington: The Balanced Middle Ground
Burlington offers a "sweet spot" for many families. It is generally more affordable than Oakville but offers a similar lakeside lifestyle. With $1.5 million, you move firmly into the detached market.
You can expect to find updated 4-bedroom homes in highly desirable areas like The Orchard or Palmer. These homes often feature modern kitchens, finished basements, and good-sized lots, offering a turnkey solution without the need for immediate renovations.
See what's available: $1.5 Million Homes for Sale in Burlington.
Milton: Maximum Space & Luxury
If square footage is your priority, Milton is the clear winner. As one of Canada's fastest-growing communities, your money stretches significantly further here.
For $1.5 million, you are looking at the top tier of the market: massive detached homes (often 2,800+ sq ft) with double car garages, 9-foot ceilings, and high-end builder upgrades. These are often newer builds (2010+) in family-centric neighbourhoods near the Escarpment.
Explore the options: $1.5 Million Homes for Sale in Milton.
Head-to-Head Comparison ($1.5M Budget)
Here is a side-by-side look at the typical property profile for this price point in late 2024/2025.
| Feature | Oakville | Burlington | Milton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Type | Luxury Townhouse / Fixer-Upper Detached | Updated Detached | Large Luxury Detached |
| Square Footage | 1,500 - 2,000 sq ft | 2,000 - 2,500 sq ft | 2,800 - 3,500 sq ft |
| Typical Age | 1960s (Detached) or 2015+ (Towns) | 1990s - 2000s | 2010 - 2024 |
| Finishings | Dated (Detached) or High-End (Towns) | Renovated / Modern | Luxury Builder Upgrades |
| Lot Size | Variable (Towns = small, Bungalows = large) | Standard (40-50ft frontage) | Standard to Large (36-45ft frontage) |
💰 Calculate Your Payments
A $1.5M home comes with specific mortgage requirements. Use our Mortgage Calculator to see your monthly payments, including land transfer taxes.
📈 Market Strategy
Inventory moves fast in this price range. Whether you are a First-Time Buyer or upgrading, sign up for our Area Alert to catch new listings first.
Which City is Right for You?
Choosing between these three cities often comes down to lifestyle vs. house size.
- Choose Oakville if location prestige, top-tier school rankings, and commute to downtown Toronto are your non-negotiables.
- Choose Burlington if you want a balanced lifestyle with a solid detached home near the water, without paying Oakville premiums.
- Choose Milton if you need space for a growing family, want a newer home with zero renovations required, and love access to nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are property taxes higher in Oakville or Milton?
Property tax rates vary, but typically Oakville has one of the lowest tax rates, but higher assessed values. Milton often has slightly higher rates to fund new infrastructure, but you get more house for your money.
Which city has the best commute to Toronto?
Oakville offers the best commute via the Lakeshore West GO line (express trains available). Burlington is the next best option. Milton has a GO line, but it offers fewer train times compared to the Lakeshore line.
Is $1.5 million enough for a detached home in Oakville?
Yes, but inventory is limited. You will primarily find smaller bungalows in older neighbourhoods or fixer-uppers. The average price for a move-in ready detached home in Oakville is closer to $1.9 million.
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