Scarborough is one of the most multicultural places on Earth, and its housing market is just as diverse. From the dramatic Scarborough Bluffs along Lake Ontario to the established neighborhoods of Agincourt and the emerging developments in Rouge, this former city — now part of Toronto — offers buyers a range of options that spans from accessible condos to detached homes approaching the million-dollar mark. With the Scarborough Subway Extension reshaping the transit landscape, this market is evolving fast.
The Local Broker connects you with independent, licensed mortgage professionals who understand Scarborough’s distinct market. Whether you’re a first-time buyer eyeing a condo in Scarborough Village, a family moving up to a home in Highland Creek, or a homeowner in Birch Cliff approaching renewal, we match you with brokers who compare rates from over 30 lenders to find the product that fits your situation.
Scarborough’s Housing Market — 2026 Update
Scarborough’s market in 2026 remains active, with wide price variation between neighborhoods and property types. As part of the City of Toronto, Scarborough benefits from the city’s infrastructure and services while maintaining price points that are more accessible than downtown or midtown Toronto.
Where prices sit across Scarborough (2026):
- The average home price varies widely — approximately $800,000 across all types, but ranging from ~$490K for condos to over $1.3M for detached homes in premium areas
- Detached homes in Cliffcrest average around $1.35M, while Highland Creek sits near $1.1M
- More affordable areas like Eglinton East, Malvern, and West Hill offer detached homes closer to $800K
- Condos in the Scarborough Village area average $489K-$550K — among the most accessible entry points in the City of Toronto
- The market is active with a median of 28 days on market and roughly 25% of homes selling above asking price
The Scarborough Subway Extension and ongoing transit improvements are reshaping property values along the corridor. Neighborhoods near the future stations are seeing increased buyer interest. A broker who understands Scarborough’s micro-markets can help you identify where the value is — and where it’s heading.
What We Help With
First-Time Buyers
Scarborough offers some of the most accessible entry points in the City of Toronto. Condos under $550K and townhomes in the $600K-$750K range make homeownership realistic for buyers who want a Toronto address without Toronto-core pricing. Your broker navigates CMHC insurance, the stress test, and first-time buyer programs to find the lender with the best rate for your income profile.
Refinancing
Scarborough homeowners — particularly those who bought before 2020 — often hold significant equity. With the subway extension expected to lift values along the corridor, refinancing now can unlock equity for renovations, investment, or debt consolidation while locking in favorable terms. Your broker calculates whether the penalty for breaking your current mortgage is worth the savings.
Mortgage Renewals
Scarborough property values and Scarborough homeowners’ payment histories make your mortgage desirable to competing lenders. That gives you leverage at renewal that your current lender would prefer you didn’t use. A broker shops your renewal across dozens of lenders and consistently returns with a better rate than your lender’s initial offer.
Self-Employed & Non-Traditional Income
Scarborough’s entrepreneurial community is one of the largest in the GTA — small business owners, restaurant operators, retail entrepreneurs, and independent professionals whose income is strong but doesn’t fit standard T4 documentation. A broker connects you with lenders who understand these income profiles and offer stated-income programs, business-for-self documentation, and flexible qualification paths.
Investment Properties
Scarborough’s population density, transit connections, and university campus (UTSC) create strong rental demand across the borough. With condos available at lower entry points than most of Toronto, the rental yield math can be favorable. Investment mortgages carry different down payment and qualification requirements — a broker who knows Scarborough’s rental landscape helps you structure the financing properly.
Scarborough Neighborhoods We Serve
We connect buyers and homeowners across Scarborough, including:
- Scarborough Village — Waterfront-adjacent area with condos, townhomes, and the Bluffs nearby
- Birch Cliff — Charming neighborhood on the Bluffs with character homes and a village feel
- Cliffcrest — Premium area along the Bluffs with established detached homes and lake views
- Highland Creek — Family-friendly community near UTSC with parks, trails, and a range of housing
- Agincourt — Established neighborhood with a vibrant commercial core and diverse housing stock
- Malvern — North Scarborough community with affordable family homes and growing amenities
- Morningside — East Scarborough area near the Rouge River with a mix of townhomes and detached properties
- West Hill & Rouge — East-end communities bordering Rouge National Urban Park with a suburban feel
Scarborough’s price range is among the widest in the GTA. A condo in Scarborough Village and a detached home in Cliffcrest can differ by $800K or more. Different neighborhoods attract different lender appetites and require different mortgage strategies. A broker who works across Scarborough navigates these distinctions so you’re matched with the right product at the right rate.
Why The Local Broker
- Independent — Not tied to any single bank or lender. Your broker shops the entire market on your behalf.
- Access to 30+ lenders — Major banks, credit unions, monoline lenders, and alternative or private options.
- No cost to you — Mortgage brokers are paid by the lender, not the borrower, on standard residential mortgages.
- 100% online, phone, or in-person — Whatever works for your schedule.
- Ontario-focused — We know Ontario’s market, regulations, and lender landscape.
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Common Questions About Mortgages in Scarborough
How much income do I need to buy a home in Scarborough?
It depends heavily on the neighborhood and property type. For a condo in the $500K range, a household income around $100,000-$110,000 can work. For a detached home in a mid-range area near $800K, you’ll need a combined income well into six figures. Premium areas like Cliffcrest require significantly more. A broker runs your exact numbers in minutes.
Should I go to my bank or use a mortgage broker?
Your bank offers you their products at their rates. A broker compares products from 30+ lenders and finds the best fit for your situation — often at lower rates or with better terms. There’s no cost to you for using a broker on a standard residential mortgage.
What’s the minimum down payment for a Scarborough home?
For homes under $500,000 — including many Scarborough condos — just 5% down. Between $500,000 and $1,499,999: 5% on the first $500K plus 10% on the remainder. For homes $1.5M and above: 20%. Scarborough’s wide price range means the minimum down payment varies significantly — from around $25,000 for a condo to $100,000+ for detached homes in premium neighborhoods.
How will the Scarborough Subway Extension affect housing prices?
Transit-oriented development historically lifts property values near new stations, and the subway extension is expected to have a similar effect along the corridor. Neighborhoods near future stations are already seeing increased buyer interest and development proposals. For current homeowners, this could mean rising equity. For buyers, it means getting in before the full impact is priced in. A broker can help you factor these dynamics into your purchasing strategy and financing timeline.