According to new data released by MPAC (the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation), housing development in Ontario has radically changed over the last 70 years.
While single-detached houses made up about 95% of new homes built in the 1950s in Ontario, condo development surpassed single-detached houses, with approximately 41% per cent of new residential builds being condos and around 38% being single-detached by 2020.
“While new single-detached houses still make up a significant portion of new builds across Ontario, construction of this residential form has declined, especially in urban areas like the GTA,” said Greg Martino, Vice President and Chief Valuation and Standards Officer for MPAC, in a statement.
“This shift reflects evolving market dynamics, affordability challenges and the rise of higher-density urban centres.”
Otherwise, the shift toward larger single-detached houses and smaller condos has become increasingly common.
Single-detached houses have grown from a median size of 1,317 square feet in the 1970s to 2,383 sq ft in the 2020s with the most significant growth between the 1970s and 1980s, with a 44% increase.
Meanwhile, the median condo size has decreased by 32%, shrinking from 965 sq ft in the 1970s to 658 sq ft today reflecting the rising construction costs, land costs due to scarcity, and investment property appeal.
As a result, modern condos are now significantly smaller than they were 50 years ago.
Townhouses have steadily increased from 1,220 sq ft in the 1970s to 1,640 sq ft in the 2020s, a growth of about 35% over five decades, while semi-detached houses have increased by about 43% over the same period.
When it comes to single-detached houses, King Township ranks at the top of the list for the largest new home builds from 2020 to 2024, boasting a median size of 4,716 sq ft.
North York follows closely with a median size of 3,824 sq ft. and Mississauga came in third at 3,680 sq ft.
Cities and towns with the smallest median square footage for new condos include Kingston at the top with 483 sq ft followed by Gravenhurst at 530 sq ft and Oshawa at third with 577 sq feet. Coming in at sixth place is Toronto, prior to amalgamation, at 616 sq feet.
Ontario cities and towns with the largest median square footage for new condos include St. Catharines in first place at 1, 412 sq ft followed by London at 1,315 sq feet and Centre Wellington at 1,274 sq ft.
“As Ontario continues to grow and evolve, it’s important to recognize how changing market factors and consumer preferences will impact housing needs,” said Martino in a statement.
“Tracking housing trends helps municipalities create strategies that address both current and future demands.”