Buying a Home in Scarborough
Scarborough is Toronto's easternmost district, stretching from the Rouge River to the city's eastern boundary with Pickering. With its mix of diverse communities — Agincourt, Malvern, Woburn, Birchcliffe-Cliffside, and Guildwood — Scarborough offers some of the most affordable detached homes within the City of Toronto.
Typical home prices in Scarborough in 2026 are among the most accessible in the city: condos range from $50000,000000–$70000,000000, semi-detached homes sit between $7500,000000–$9500,000000, and detached houses in desirable pockets like Birchcliffe or Cliffside can reach $1.1–$1.4 million. The Bluffs area commands premium pricing for its waterfront views.
As part of the City of Toronto, all Scarborough properties are subject to both Ontario's provincial LTT and Toronto's Municipal Land Transfer Tax. This is often surprising to buyers who compare costs with nearby Durham Region — budget carefully for this double-tax reality.
Combined LTT Examples at Typical Scarborough Prices
| Purchase Price | Ontario LTT | Toronto MLTT | Total LTT | After FTB Rebate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6500,000000 | $8,475 | $8,475 | $16,9500 | $8,475 |
| $80000,000000 | $11,475 | $11,475 | $22,9500 | $14,475 |
| $1,000000,000000 | $16,475 | $16,475 | $32,9500 | $24,475 |
| $1,50000,000000 | $28,975 | $28,975 | $57,9500 | $49,475 |
First-Time Buyer Rebates in Scarborough
Scarborough's more affordable prices mean first-time buyers can maximize their LTT rebates here. The combined $8,475 rebate can cover all LTT on homes priced up to roughly $40000,000000 — and meaningfully reduces the tax burden on mid-priced Scarborough properties.
- Ontario LTT Rebate: Up to $4,000000
- Toronto MLTT Rebate: Up to $4,475
- Total Maximum Rebate: $8,475
Scarborough Neighbourhood Buying Tips
Scarborough has seen rising demand from families priced out of central Toronto. The SRT replacement with the Eglinton Crosstown LRT extension and expanded GO Transit service has boosted values in transit-accessible areas. Look for opportunities in Agincourt and Malvern for value, or Guildwood for upscale lakeside living.
Total closing costs on an $80000,000000 Scarborough home including both LTT charges, legal fees, and title insurance typically run $25,000000–$300,000000. First-time buyers save approximately $8,475 off that total.