How much money do I need to start investing in real estate in Ontario?

House-hacking a duplex can be started with as little as 5% down on an owner-occupied purchase. A pure investment property typically requires 20% down. In London Ontario that means roughly $25,000–$120,000 of capital to enter the market.

What's the best real estate investing strategy for beginners in Canada?

Most successful Canadian investors start with house hacking — buying an owner-occupied duplex or triplex with low down payment, living in one unit, and renting the others. It minimizes capital required and builds operating experience before scaling.

Is real estate still a good investment in 2026?

Yes — particularly in secondary Ontario markets like London where prices are well below the GTA, rents have grown substantially, and population growth continues. The strategy matters more than the market: cash-flowing multi-family and value-add BRRRR deals work in any environment.

The Playbook

Real Estate Investing in Ontario

Real estate is the most reliable wealth-building vehicle Canadians have access to — leverage, cash flow, appreciation, principal pay-down, and tax advantages all stacked into one asset. Here's the playbook, from your first house hack to your first 10-unit building.

The five wealth levers in every deal

Cash flow — rent minus expenses minus mortgage.
Principal pay-down — tenants paying down your mortgage every month.
Appreciation — long-term property value growth.
Forced equity — renovations and rent increases that raise value (the engine of BRRRR).
Tax advantages — depreciation, deductible expenses, capital gains treatment.

Pick your strategy

House hack a duplex

Lowest barrier to entry. Live-in-one-rent-the-other with 5% down.

BRRRR

Buy ugly, renovate, refinance, repeat. Recycles capital indefinitely.

Triplex buy & hold

The cash-flow sweet spot still under residential financing.

Multi-family / CMHC MLI

Scale with commercial financing and 50-year amortizations.

Why London Ontario is the smart market

Toronto and Vancouver get the headlines. London Ontario gets the cash flow. Prices are roughly half of the GTA, rents are strong thanks to Western University and Fanshawe College, and the city's renovation stock is perfect for forced-equity strategies.

Build your portfolio with a local investor-agent

Ben Davis invests in this market, owns rentals in this market, and represents buyers in this market.

Call (519) 777-2624