Established detached subdivisions through south Pickering, rural and hamlet properties to the north, and newer high-density development around the city centre and GO station.
- Commuters
- Families moving east for space
- Buyers wanting Durham prices with the shortest commute
Pickering is the first Durham municipality east of Toronto and therefore the one with the shortest commute. The Lakeshore East GO line runs from a station beside the city centre, which is being redeveloped at higher density.
South Pickering is conventional established subdivision housing. North of the urban boundary it turns rural quickly, with hamlets and country properties inside the protected greenbelt.
It prices above Ajax and Whitby, which is essentially the cost of the shorter commute.
The Pickering market — August 2026
All 24 monthly reports →3.7 months of supply — a balanced market. Figures from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board.
Financing a home in Pickering
The north end runs into rural lending rules — well and septic, limited acreage valuation, and greenbelt restrictions that can affect what a property may be used for and therefore how it appraises. In the south, the newer condo supply near the GO station raises the same maintenance-fee point as Square One: a high monthly fee reduces borrowing capacity, because lenders count a share of it against you.
Ask me about PickeringQuestions about Pickering
What kind of homes are in Pickering?
Established detached subdivisions through south Pickering, rural and hamlet properties to the north, and newer high-density development around the city centre and GO station.
Who does Pickering suit?
Pickering tends to suit commuters, families moving east for space, buyers wanting durham prices with the shortest commute. The closest Durham municipality to Toronto, with a GO station, a growing city centre and a large protected greenbelt to the north.
Is there anything unusual about getting a mortgage in Pickering?
The north end runs into rural lending rules — well and septic, limited acreage valuation, and greenbelt restrictions that can affect what a property may be used for and therefore how it appraises. In the south, the newer condo supply near the GO station raises the same maintenance-fee point as Square One: a high monthly fee reduces borrowing capacity, because lenders count a share of it against you.