Moving from Toronto to London: frequently asked questions

For housing, generally yes. The same budget usually buys considerably more space in London. For current numbers, compare the latest monthly reports from LSTAR (London) and TRREB (Toronto). Some costs aren't lower, though. London's property tax rate is higher than Toronto's, although it applies to lower assessed values, and most households need more driving. Look at the full budget, not just the purchase price.

No. Toronto charges a municipal land transfer tax on top of Ontario's, but London does not. When you buy in London you pay only the Ontario land transfer tax. Eligible first-time buyers can get a refund of part of that tax. See the Government of Ontario's land transfer tax page for current rates and refund rules.

It depends on your finances and how confident you are about your sale. Selling first removes the risk of carrying two homes. Buying first secures the home you want but may require bridge financing or the ability to carry both. Many people list and search at the same time and line up closing dates so the London purchase closes a few days before the GTA sale. Our page on selling in the GTA and buying in London walks through all three approaches.

Possibly. Many mortgages are "portable", which means you can transfer your existing rate and terms to a new property and avoid a prepayment penalty, often with conditions on timing and amount. Ask your lender before you list your GTA home.

It's strongly recommended. Real estate is very local. A London agent knows street-by-street differences, recent comparable sales, and how sellers are responding to offers right now. Your GTA agent can handle the sale, and a London agent can represent you on the purchase.

No. You're moving within Ontario, so your OHIP coverage continues with no waiting period. You just need to update the address on your health card with ServiceOntario.

It can take time, as it does in much of Ontario. Register with Health Care Connect, ask your current doctor about colleagues in London, watch for clinics announcing that they're accepting patients, and ask new neighbours. In the meantime, walk-in clinics, the St. Joseph's Urgent Care Centre, pharmacists and Health811 can cover many needs.

London is served by the Thames Valley District School Board (public) and the London District Catholic School Board, plus French-language public and Catholic boards. Your designated school depends on your address, so use each board's school locator before you buy. Register once you have a confirmed address.

London Health Sciences Centre runs University Hospital and Victoria Hospital, which includes the Children's Hospital. St. Joseph's Health Care London runs St. Joseph's Hospital, including an Urgent Care Centre, along with specialised rehabilitation and mental health services. London is a regional referral centre for Southwestern Ontario.

Downtown Toronto is about 190 kilometres away, roughly two hours in light traffic. At GTA rush hour, or in winter weather, it can take much longer.

Yes. VIA Rail runs trains between London's downtown station and Toronto's Union Station, with trips usually taking a little over two hours. Schedules are more limited than GTA commuter rail, so check viarail.ca. A GO train pilot to London ran from 2021 to 2023 but has ended.

Most households do, and many have two. Living car-light is realistic downtown, near Western University, and in walkable neighbourhoods like Wortley Village and Old East Village, especially if you're on a busy bus route.

People do it, mostly on hybrid schedules of one or two office days a week. Daily commuting is a big commitment, so test the trip at real rush hour before you decide.

Generally, yes. Lake-effect snow off Lake Huron can bring heavier and more frequent snowfalls than Toronto sees. It's manageable, but think about driveway length, garages and snow removal when you choose a home.

It depends on what you love about where you live now. Wortley Village and Old East Village appeal to people who like walkable, character neighbourhoods. Old North suits Annex-style tastes. Byron, Masonville and Oakridge are established family areas. Hyde Park, Sunningdale, Summerside and the southwest have newer subdivisions. Downtown has the most condo options. See our neighbourhood guide for GTA movers for more detail.

Many families move here for more space, abundant parks and trails, shorter in-city commutes, and access to major hospitals including a children's hospital. Check school boundaries, childcare availability and drive times to activities for the specific areas you're considering.

Plenty: the Thames Valley Parkway and Springbank Park, Covent Garden Market, Richmond Row, the Grand Theatre, London Knights hockey, summer festivals in Victoria Park, and day trips to Grand Bend, Port Stanley and Stratford. Our things-to-do page has a fuller list.