Ontario hosts many cities where smart renovations can markedly increase property value. Whether it’s Niagara or the Greater Toronto Area, homeowners are finding new ways to enhance returns in 2026. There are also cities like Hamilton, London, and Ottawa that continue to attract buyers due to their home demand and supportive housing policies.
In today’s guide, we’ve listed the top 10 locations in Ontario where renovation ROI is highest in 2026 helping you understand your practical opportunities.
| Location | Typical Renovation Value Gain | Avg. Days on Market (Renovated Homes) |
| Niagara Region | 60–85% ROI | 50–70 days |
| Greater Toronto Area (GTA) | 75–90% ROI | 30–40 days |
| Hamilton | 60–80% | 54–56 days |
| Kitchener–Waterloo–Cambridge (KWC) | 60–80% ROI | 50–70 days |
| Belleville & Bay of Quinte Region | 60–80% ROI | 55–75 days |
| Barrie | 65–85% ROI | 50–70 days |
| Ottawa | 60–80% ROI | 50–70 days |
| London | 60–80% ROI | 55–75 days |
| Guelph | 60–85% ROI | 50–70 days |
| Milton & Mississauga | 75–90% ROI | 35–45 days |
Understanding Renovation ROI in the Toronto Market
Toronto is one of the most competitive real estate markets in the whole of Canada. In this environment, your renovation quality plays a direct role in resale performance. Here, market trends show that buyers generally respond to practical interior upgrades. For instance, minor kitchen remodels can recover 75% to 100% of their cost at resale.
On top of that, updated bathrooms and finished basements also deliver dependable returns around 60-70%. You can further enhance value by adding legal secondary suites. You know these renovations make well-upgraded Toronto homes more attractive to buyers who are looking for functionality and long-term investment.
Top 10 Ontario Locations Delivering the Highest Renovation ROI in 2026
1. Niagara Region
The Niagara Region is one of those areas in Ontario that offer strong renovation returns. Here, average home prices are around $613,119. But the premium markets like Niagara-on-the-Lake have resale value at $1,239,504. So, of course, it creates a balanced market for investors and homeowners alike.
On top of that, data shows that you can expect the highest ROI by adding a secondary suite often over 70%. In cities like St. Catharines and Welland, homeowners are turning basements into legal rental units.
So, these functional upgrades can offer you immediate cash flow and make Niagara on the Lake homes for sale highly attractive to your buyers or investors.
2. Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is also Ontario’s most active real estate market. Here, average home prices are near $973,289, giving you opportunities with negotiating power. In this city, you can maximize the renovation returns through multiplex conversions and secondary suites instead of traditional cosmetic updates.
On top of that, legal basement suites now can recover over 70% of renovation costs. So, these renovations ensure higher rental yields and also strengthen long-term property value in the GTA.
3. Hamilton
Hamilton is another best place for renovations that give a good return. Here, the average home price is about $735,913 and adding an ADU brings the most value.
You can also take advantage of the city’s Ontario Renovates program. It offers loans up to $50,000 that do not have to be paid back.
Moreover, renovations near the LRT line can also help the home increase in value over time.
4. Kitchener–Waterloo–Cambridge (KWC)
As for The Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge region, here average home prices are around $716,911.
The city makes it a good starting point for investors. Right now, the most profitable upgrades are Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs).
Moreover, Kitchener’s new Missing Middle Grant can cover up to 100% of development charges for these new suites.
These legal units are very high in demand in this city. So, ultimately, by adding an ADU, you can increase both the home’s value and rental income.
5. Belleville & Bay of Quinte Region
The Belleville & Bay of Quinte region is also known for significant renovation returns. Here also you can expect the highest return through Secondary Dwelling Units (ADUs).
That’s especially true with the city’s Secondary Suites Subsidy, which provides non-repayable loans up to $25,000 for new suites.
Moreover, strategic exterior upgrades, like stone veneer siding, also deliver high returns. These renovations make homes more functional and help owners increase value or rental income.
6. Barrie
In the Barrie city, the average home price is around $691,627. The city now offers a 50% reduction in building permit fees. Moreover, full rebates are available if projects are completed within a year.
You can also use the $15,000 Barrie Bonus grant to create affordable suites. Rental demand is also high in this area with median rents around $2,050 per month.
7. Ottawa
Ottawa also has a stable housing market in 2026. The stable job market of the city and steady buyer demand make renovated homes highly attractive.
You can expect 70% to 90% returns on the renovation costs through updating kitchens, bathrooms, and finished basements.
Here, homes with quality and code-compliant upgrades sell faster and at higher prices.
8. London
In London, you can enhance resale value by focusing on exterior upgrades and adding Secondary Dwelling Units (ADUs).
You know, in this city, simple changes like garage door replacements can return you 268%, steel entry doors 216% of ROI.
On top of that, minor kitchen remodels often recover about 113% of the cost. You can also take advantage of healthy rental markets through these improvements.
9. Guelph
Guelph is another strong competitor for renovation ROI in Ontario. Its proximity to the Greater Toronto Area and local economy keeps buyer demand high.
In this city with the renovation that upgrades the functionality offer marked returns. For instance, minor kitchen remodels also return 60% to 80% of their cost.
Legal secondary suites are also highly sought after adding value to the house. You can expect rent for around $2,775 per month.
On top of that, the city’s Housing Accelerator Fund offers grants up to $20,000 to create legal secondary suites.
10. Milton & Mississauga
Mississauga and Milton are also cities of solid home values and balanced demand. Here, average home prices are about $987,000 in Mississauga and $1,046,516 in Milton.
Surprisingly properties typically sold under 30–40 days, showing brisk interest despite higher prices. In these cities, buyers value functional upgrades.
Moreover, simple upgrades, like garage door replacements, can return you 268% of the cost. As for Mississauga, home demands are high due to its proximity to Toronto.
In this city, strong amenities and family-friendly neighbourhoods keeps the resale potential for updated homes high.
To Conclude
Well, as you see, Ontario has many cities where renovations give great returns. You can increase the value of your home by adding extra living space, secondary suites, or simple upgrades.
You should focus on cities that have high rental demand and helpful programs. Through it, you can bring extra income to your house and also make your home more appealing to your buyers.
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