London, Ontario · New construction

The local guide to buying a new build in London

London is growing at its edges, with new subdivisions in the southwest, north and southeast, plus new condos downtown. Buying from a builder is very different from buying resale. The builder writes the contract, the rebates are complicated, and the warranty has deadlines. This guide walks you through it, step by step.

Last reviewed October 30, 2026

Why buy new in London?

New construction appeals for reasons that are easy to understand: modern layouts, energy-efficient building systems, the chance to choose your finishes, and a statutory warranty. In London, new homes are mostly in the city's growth areas: the southwest around Lambeth and Talbot Village, the north around Sunningdale and Fox Hollow, the northwest near Hyde Park, and the southeast near Summerside. That puts many new subdivisions close to highway access and big-box shopping, and farther from downtown.

Recent changes to sales tax have also shifted the math. The federal government now offers first-time buyers a rebate of up to the full GST on qualifying new homes. Ontario has temporarily enhanced its own new-housing rebate for agreements signed between April 2026 and March 2027. Read HST & GST rebates on new homes for who qualifies and what to confirm.

The guide, in order

How buying new works, in five stages

1. Research and budgeting

Decide on area, home type and budget. Talk to a lender early, because a pre-construction home can close a year or more after you sign, and they'll explain how that affects your approval.

2. Visiting sales centres

Compare builders, floor plans, standard features and lot premiums. Ask for the full agreement, the schedules and the list of closing adjustments before you get emotionally attached.

3. Signing and the review period

For condos, Ontario law gives you a 10-day cooling-off period. For freehold homes there isn't one, so negotiate a condition allowing your lawyer to review the agreement before it becomes firm.

4. Construction, deposits and selections

You'll pay deposits on a schedule and choose finishes at the design centre. You'll also receive notices about closing dates. Keep every document.

5. PDI, closing and warranty

You'll walk through the home with the builder at the pre-delivery inspection, close, move in, and then use the Tarion warranty forms within their deadlines to get defects fixed.

Key terms you'll see

• Agreement of purchase and sale (APS): the builder's contract, usually with many schedules attached.
• Tarion Addendum: the mandatory section of every Ontario new-home agreement that sets the rules on closing dates, delays and termination.
• Statement of adjustments: the closing-day accounting of credits and charges between you and the builder.
• Lot premium: an extra charge for a lot with a feature such as a ravine, a corner location or a larger size.
• Firm vs tentative closing date: builders often start with a tentative date and must set a firm one within the Addendum's timelines.