Mortgages in Dundas
A historic valley town in Hamilton’s west, with older homes, a walkable main street and McMaster University nearby. Here’s what buying there costs and which rules apply, before you compare lenders with one licensed mortgage professional.
Short answer
Dundas is in Hamilton, so Hamilton’s tax rates and Ontario’s rules apply. On a $750,000 home you’d need at least $50,000 down and $11,475 in land transfer tax ($7,475 for a first-time buyer). Property tax runs about $1,557 a year per $100,000 of assessed value.
Buying in Dundas
A historic valley town in Hamilton’s west, with older homes, a walkable main street and McMaster University nearby.
Older homes, a walkable King Street and trails in the valley make it one of Hamilton’s most sought-after areas. Many homes here are older and may need updates.
What to know about a mortgage in Dundas
Older homes in Dundas often need updates. A thorough inspection helps you budget, and if you plan to renovate, ask about a purchase-plus-improvements mortgage, which adds the cost of the work to your mortgage up front.
How NorthMerit can help
Tell us what you’re planning and we’ll connect you with one licensed mortgage professional who compares lenders for you. It’s free, and there’s no obligation.
What it costs to buy a $750,000 home in Dundas
| Repeat buyer | First-time buyer | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum down payment | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Mortgage insurance (added to the loan) | $28,000 | $28,000 |
| Sales tax on insurance (cash) | $2,240 | $2,240 |
| Ontario land transfer tax | $11,475 | $7,475 |
| Cash at closing | $63,715 | $59,715 |
Example price, not a local average. Minimum down payment and a 25-year amortization; legal fees, title insurance and adjustments are extra.
Hamilton rules that apply in Dundas
Hamilton’s 2026 residential property tax rate is 1.5572% (urban area with full-time fire service), about $1,557 a year for every $100,000 of assessed value. Source
Hamilton charges a Vacant Unit Tax of 1% of the assessed value on homes empty for more than 183 days in the year. Council renews it year by year, so check the City’s page for the current year. Source
Ontario’s Planning Act allows up to three units on most serviced residential lots, such as a main home plus a basement apartment and a garden suite, as long as you meet the building code and local zoning details. Source
Rentals in Wards 1 and 8 and part of Ward 14 need a rental housing licence, under a program made permanent in December 2025. Source
Sources
We checked these figures against official sources in October 2026. Rules and rates change, so confirm the details with your mortgage professional, lawyer or the source before you rely on them.
- Minimum down payment (Financial Consumer Agency of Canada)
- Mortgage insurance premiums (CMHC)
- Calculating land transfer tax (Government of Ontario)
- Land transfer tax refunds for first-time buyers (Government of Ontario)
- Additional residential units, up to three per lot (Environmental Registry of Ontario)
- Hamilton property tax rates
- Hamilton: vacant home tax
- Hamilton: rental licensing
Common questions
How much down payment do I need for a home in Dundas?
What property tax will I pay in Dundas?
Can I add a rental unit to a home in Dundas?
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