Downsize To A Bungalow or Condo Bungalow

by David ANTHONY Holt

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Downsizing · Adult Lifestyle

Downsize to a Bungalow or Condo Bungalow

A Realtor's guide for homeowners in Mississauga, Oakville and Burlington who want everything on one level.

By Dave Holt, Sales Representative, eXp Realty  ·  October 29, 2026  ·  8 minute read

~$1.29M
Average Mississauga detached price, Sept. 2026
~$711,000
Average Mississauga condo townhouse price, Apr. 2026
5.21%
2026 Mississauga residential property tax increase
~$11,475
Ontario land transfer tax on a $750,000 purchase

For many homeowners, the dream of downsizing isn't a high-rise. It's a home where everything you need is on one level: no stairs to the bedroom, no stairs to the laundry, and a smaller footprint to look after. If you're thinking about whether to downsize to a bungalow, or to a condo bungalow with the exterior upkeep handled for you, this guide is for you.

As a Realtor working with homeowners in Mississauga, Oakville and Burlington, I know these homes can be harder to find than condo apartments, and the price tags can surprise people. Here's what to understand before you start looking.

The appeal

Why bungalows appeal to downsizers

The appeal is simple. One-level living is easier on knees and backs, easier to navigate with a walker later on, and easier for guests who can't manage stairs. You usually get a private entrance, a yard or patio, and often a garage, which many people miss after years in a house. A bungalow can also feel more like "home" than an apartment, which matters when you're leaving a place you've lived for decades.

The trade-off is that detached bungalows often sit on larger lots, so the price can reflect the land more than the house itself. That is where a condo bungalow or bungalow townhouse comes in.

Know your numbers before you fall in love with a house.

Dave Holt

The types

Bungalow, condo bungalow or bungalow townhouse: what's the difference?

The terms get mixed up, so it helps to be clear on what each means. "Bungalow" generally means the main living areas are on one level (KeyHomes). Ownership and fees are where they differ.

Type What you own Monthly fee Exterior upkeep Best for
Detached bungalow House and land None You Privacy, space, a yard
Condo bungalow or bungalow townhouse (condo) Your unit plus a share of common elements Yes, usually lower than an apartment Usually the condo corporation Low maintenance with a front door
Freehold bungalow townhouse House and land Usually none, sometimes a small shared-element fee You Lower price than detached, no condo corporation

Condo townhouse fees are often lower than apartment fees because there are typically fewer amenities and no concierge (Get What You Want). In summer 2026, one main-floor condo townhouse near Eglinton Avenue West in Mississauga was listed at about $499,000 with a $517 monthly fee (Condos.ca). Fees vary widely by building, so always ask what's included.

The costs

What a bungalow really costs in Mississauga

Mississauga prices are softer than a year ago. In September 2026, the average home price was about $929,600, and detached homes averaged roughly $1.29 million (INsauga, from TRREB data). Bungalows in established south Mississauga neighbourhoods like Lorne Park and Clarkson often sit well above those averages because of their lots and the location.

For example, a Clarkson bungalow was reduced from $1,499,000 to $1,350,000 in May 2026 (ViewHomes), while a Lorne Park bungalow listed in September 2026 asked $2.6 million and showed about $21,400 in annual property taxes (Property.ca). These are individual listings, not averages, but they show the range, and how much of the price can be land.

That's why I always walk through the numbers with downsizers:

  1. Purchase price versus what you free up. A bungalow may release less equity than a condo apartment, but gives you more space and privacy.
  2. Property tax. Mississauga's 2026 residential tax bill rose 5.21%, combining the City and Region of Peel (City of Mississauga). A detached bungalow on a valuable lot can carry a high tax bill.
  3. Maintenance. A detached bungalow means roof, windows, furnace, snow and lawn are on you. A condo bungalow shifts much of that into the monthly fee.
  4. One-time costs. Mississauga has no municipal land transfer tax, only Ontario's, which is about $11,475 on a $750,000 purchase (WOWA).
The neighbourhoods

Where to look in Mississauga

Bungalows are more common in established neighbourhoods than in newer ones. In Mississauga, I'd start with Clarkson and Lorne Park, which have mature streets and large lots, with GO access in Clarkson. Mineola and Port Credit have a mix of older homes near the lake. Erin Mills, Streetsville and other established areas can also offer bungalows and townhouse options. Because this kind of home doesn't come up often, tell me what you want and I'll watch for new listings as they appear.

Halton Region

Bungalows in Oakville and Burlington

The same logic applies in Halton Region, but prices are different. Oakville is a premium market. Its single-family average price was reported at about $1.75 million in February 2026, with townhouses and condos averaging about $822,000 (Niblock Real Estate, citing OMDREB). That spread is why many Oakville downsizers look at condo townhouses and low-rise condo options. I also work with buyers and sellers in Burlington, where established neighbourhoods offer a mix of detached bungalows and townhouses. Inventory shifts constantly, so the best approach is to compare current listings side by side.

The checklist

What to check before you buy a bungalow

A bungalow can look perfect in photos and still not suit your next 15 years. Before you make an offer, check:

  • ■The layout. Is the bedroom on the main floor? Are doorways wide? Is the entry step-free? Some "bungalows" are raised bungalows with half-flights of stairs.
  • ■The basement. Many bungalows have finished basements. Don't count on them as living space if stairs may become a problem.
  • ■Age and condition. Ask about the roof, windows, furnace and electrical. If equipment is rented or leased, get the contract and buyout figure first. I explain why in Furnace, A/C and Hot Water Tank: Should You Rent, Lease or Buy?
  • ■For condo bungalows. Read the status certificate and reserve fund study, and ask what the fee covers (roof, driveways, snow, landscaping). Check the pet and rental rules too.
  • ■Your lender. Some ownership structures, such as freehold townhouses with common-element fees, can be treated differently by lenders, so confirm early (KeyHomes).
The timing

Sell first, or buy first?

Because bungalows can be scarce, some downsizers are tempted to buy as soon as the right one appears. I cover the options in detail in How to Downsize in Mississauga, including conditional offers, bridge financing and lining up closing dates. The short version: know your numbers before you fall in love with a house, and talk to a mortgage professional and your lawyer first.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions from downsizers in Mississauga, Oakville and Burlington.

What is a condo bungalow?

It's a one-level home that's owned as a condominium. You own your unit and share the common elements, and the condo corporation usually handles exterior work such as roofs, snow removal and landscaping in return for a monthly fee. Exactly what is covered differs from one community to another, so check the status certificate.

Is a bungalow or a condo bungalow cheaper in Mississauga?

Generally, a condo bungalow or condo townhouse costs less to buy than a detached bungalow on a large lot, though you pay a monthly fee. In 2026, Mississauga's average detached price was about $1.29 million in September, compared with a condo townhouse average of about $711,000 in April. Individual homes vary widely, so compare specific listings.

Are bungalows easy to find in Mississauga, Oakville and Burlington?

They can be harder to find than condo apartments, especially in established neighbourhoods. Inventory changes weekly, so tell me what you're looking for and I'll watch for new listings in all three cities.

Should I sell my house before buying a bungalow?

It depends on your equity, lender and comfort with risk. Options include a purchase conditional on selling, bridge financing, a home equity line of credit set up in advance, or lining up the closing dates. Speak to a mortgage professional and your lawyer before you commit. I walk through the choices in How to Downsize in Mississauga.

What should I check before buying a condo bungalow?

Read the status certificate and reserve fund study, find out what the monthly fee covers, and ask about special assessments, pet rules and rental rules. Ask your lawyer to review the documents before your conditions come off.

Do you help with bungalows and condo bungalows in Oakville and Burlington?

Yes. I help buyers and sellers across Mississauga, Oakville and Burlington. Contact me and we can compare areas and build a search around what matters to you.

Ready to find your bungalow?

Whether you're selling a larger home in Mississauga, Oakville or Burlington, or you're ready to start looking at bungalows and condo bungalows, I can help you compare your options with real numbers. Tell me what matters most (one-level living, a yard, low fees, GO access) and we'll build a search around it.

(416) 725-6662

davidanthony.holt@exprealty.com

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Dave Holt, Sales Representative, eXp Realty. Figures are general information as of October 2026, not mortgage or legal advice.

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David ANTHONY Holt
David ANTHONY Holt

Agent

+1(416) 725-6662 | davidanthony.holt@exprealty.com

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