London real estate

The two branches of the Thames River meet just west of downtown London, and the river and its parks run through much of the city. Downtown has Covent Garden Market, Victoria Park and a growing number of condo buildings. Western University sits in the north end, and Highways 401 and 402 run along the south edge of the city.

For a buyer, the main thing to know is that London neighbourhoods differ a lot. The older areas close to the centre, like Old North, Old South and Wortley Village and Old East Village, have brick homes and mature trees. Further out you find established suburbs like Westmount and White Oaks, and newer areas like Hyde Park and Lambeth.

London has the full range. Detached houses run from wartime storey-and-a-halfs to big newer family homes. There are a lot of townhouses, both freehold and condo, and condo apartments from downtown towers to low-rise buildings in the suburbs. That makes London a good place for a first home, a downsize or an investment.

If you want a detached home, start with houses for sale in London. If you want to be near the river and the parks in the west end, look at Byron. If you want to be near the university and the north end shopping, look at Masonville.

London moves faster than the small towns in Chatham-Kent, and good homes in popular neighbourhoods can get a lot of attention. It helps to have your financing in order before you start, which is where the mortgage calculator and a talk about your mortgage come in.

I like to start by understanding how you live: where you work, whether you need to be near a school or a bus route, and how much yard you want to look after. Then we focus on the neighbourhoods that fit, instead of chasing every listing in the city. My buyer page explains how I work.

London buyers include students' parents, young families, people moving in from the GTA and people moving down from their family home. Who buys your home depends a lot on the neighbourhood and the type of property, and the listing should speak to them.

If you are thinking about selling, start with a home evaluation. If you own a rental property in London, I am a landlord myself and can help you think it through. See landlords and investors.