A Complete Guide for Buyers, Retirees & Investors

_{By The Weeks Group – Your Barrie Real Estate Experts}

Barrie is one of Ontario’s most diverse and fast-growing real estate markets- and one of the most misunderstood. Buyers coming from the GTA often ask us:

• “What types of houses are in Barrie?”
• “Are bungalows common here?”
• “What’s the difference between a duplex, semi-detached, and townhouse?”

Today, we’re breaking down every major home style in Barrie, what they offer, what they cost, and who they’re perfect for. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, downsizer, investor, or someone dreaming of waterfront luxury, Barrie has a home type that fits your lifestyle- and your budget.

Are you on the hunt for Barrie houses for sale? Start here with our featured properties. 

The 5 Main Types of Houses in Canada (All Found in Barrie)

Before diving into Barrie specifically, here are the commonly recognized five major types of houses in Canada:

1. Single Detached House
2. Semi-Detached House
3. Townhouse / Rowhouse
4. Duplex / Triplex / Multi-Unit
5. Apartment / Condo

Barrie has every one of these categories- plus styles unique to Ontario like bungalows, raised bungalows, back-splits, side-splits, and bungalow-lofts.

Let’s break down each one in a real, practical Weeks Group way.

Is there a move coming up in your future? Book a meeting with our experienced Barrie real estate agents to start the search for the right home. 

Single Detached Homes

A single detached house is exactly what most people imagine when they think of suburban living: a stand-alone home with no shared walls, a private yard, a driveway, and often a garage.

Why They’re Popular in Barrie

Barrie is built for families. Detached homes dominate neighbourhoods like:

• Ardagh Bluffs
• Holly
• Bayshore
• East End
• South Barrie (new developments)
• Snow Valley & Midhurst (luxury)

Buyers love detached homes because they offer privacy, space, and long-term value. Plus, compared to Toronto, they’re incredibly affordable.

• In the GTA, detached homes easily pass $1.5M+.
• In Barrie, you can still find quality detached homes under $1M, sometimes far less.

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Why consider buying a house in Barrie? The neighbourhood spotlights below will shed some light on the situation:

• Is Barrie a Good Place to Live With a Young Family?
• Discover Fun Things To Do in Barrie, Ontario
• Why We Love Winter in Simcoe County

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Semi-Detached Homes

A semi-detached home shares one wall with a neighbouring property. They offer the size and feel of a detached home without the price tag. Let’s see how they stack up against other housing styles.

Detached vs Semi-Detached in Barrie

• Detached- more privacy, larger lots, higher price.
• Semi-detached- more affordable, great for first-time buyers.

Townhouse vs Semi-Detached

• A townhouse usually has two shared walls, while a semi only has one.
• Semis often feel more spacious and private than townhomes- and that’s why demand for semis in Barrie is consistently strong.

Townhouses & Rowhomes

Townhomes are one of the most popular entry-level home types in Barrie.

Why They Work Well Here:

• Lower purchase price
• Lower maintenance
• Often newer builds
• Great for commuters to the GTA
• Ideal for first-time buyers

South end neighbourhoods near Mapleview, as well as newer areas like Southwoods, offer excellent townhouse communities.

Duplexes, Triplexes & Legal Second Suites

A duplex is a home divided into two separate units. Investors love them. So do multi-generational families.

Duplex vs Semi-Detached

These are completely different concepts:

• A semi is one building split side-by-side for two owners.
• A duplex is one property split up-down or side-by-side for tenants, with one owner.

Barrie is one of Ontario’s strongest markets for legal second suites because of demand from Georgian College students, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) staff (our largest employer), and young renters.

Condos & Condo Townhomes

Condo buildings are growing fast in Barrie, especially along the lakeshore and in the south end.

Condos are perfect for:

• First-time buyers
• Downsizers and retirees
• Commuters
• Investors

And yes- you can still get incredible value.

We recently helped a client purchase a 1-bedroom waterfront condo with a balcony and lake view for $330,000. Try finding all that in Vaughan or Markham. If they had waterfront condos. (Which, being so far inland, they do not.)

Bungalow Houses in Barrie

Bungalows are one of Barrie’s most requested home types- especially among retirees. There are quite a few reasons for this, starting with the number of levels, which leads us to:

Do bungalows have basements?

Yes.

Most Barrie bungalows have full basements, many finished, adding another full level of living space and because of the expanse of the footprint of a bungalow style- the basement is large and open.

Does a basement count as a story?

No.

A basement is not considered another storey, even when it’s finished. That’s why we often talk about bungalows being all on one level even though you could argue that there are two.

Raised Bungalows vs Bungalows

This is a classic Barrie question.

• Bungalow: All main living spaces are on one level. The basement is fully below ground.
• Raised Bungalow: Front entry is elevated- meaning the basement has full size above grade windows.

Why Buyers Love Raised Bungalows:

• Brighter lower level
• Perfect for in-law suites

Often ideal for investors wanting separate-unit potential. You’ll find raised bungalows all over Barrie, especially in Letitia Heights, North Barrie, Ardagh, and Holly.

Back Split Homes

A back split is a multi-level home where the floors are staggered, a uniquely Ontario design.

What is a Back Split House? It’s a home divided into 3 or 4 levels, split front-to-back rather than top-to-bottom.

Why They’re Popular:

• Tons of interior space
• Budget-friendly
• Great for large families
• Unique layouts

Back splits are common in Barrie’s older, established areas like the East End.

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Looking for insightful tips to help you find and secure your new home? Start with the related reading below:

• How to Buy a House in Ontario
• Must-Have Conditions for an Offer on a House Purchase–Part 1
• Must-Have Conditions for an Offer on a House Purchase–Part 2

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Why First-Time Homebuyers Love Barrie

With real estate prices in the GTA continuing to skyrocket, Barrie offers something Toronto simply can’t:

Affordability + lifestyle + value.

Great options for first-time buyers include:

• Entry-level condos
• Condo townhomes
• Traditional townhouses
• Semi-detached homes
• Older detached homes needing cosmetic updates

Compared to places like Toronto, Vaughan, or Markham, your budget stretches significantly further in Barrie.

Barrie gives first-time buyers the chance to build equity in a stable and growing market without the hyper-competitive conditions found in large cities.

Why Retirees Are Moving to Barrie in Record Numbers

Barrie is quickly becoming one of Ontario’s most desirable retirement cities — and for good reason.

Retirees Love Barrie Because It Offers:

• Quiet neighbourhoods
• Easy access to nature
• A beautiful waterfront
• A strong arts and culture scene
• Excellent healthcare (Royal Victoria Hospital is a regional hub)
• Active senior centres
• Low-maintenance living options
• Many bungalow and bungalow-loft communities

Retirees can choose from:

• Waterfront condos
• Bungalows
• Adult lifestyle communities
• Townhomes
• Low-maintenance modern developments

Many of these homes have features for aging in place, like main-floor living and easy accessibility.

Luxury Homes in Barrie: High-End Living Without the GTA Price Tag

If you’re looking for upscale living, Barrie is full of possibilities.

Top Luxury Areas Include:

• Snow Valley
• Ardagh Bluffs
• North Shore
• Tollendale
• Innisfil Heights
• Shanty Bay / Oro-Medonte

Here, you’ll find:

• Waterfront estates
• Homes on large, private lots
• Custom builds
• Executive properties
• Modern architectural homes
• Lake Simcoe luxury retreats

And the best part? They’re still dramatically more affordable than comparable homes in the GTA.

Barrie Is Growing, And So Are Its Housing Options

With ongoing developments across South Barrie, Springwater, Essa, and Innisfil, buyers have more choice than ever. Many new-build projects are offering great incentives, especially for early-phase buyers.

Whether you want modern urban living, suburban comfort, an investment property, or a tranquil luxury estate, Barrie has it.

Thinking About Moving to Barrie? The Weeks Group Can Help.

If you’re considering Barrie, you’re not alone- and you’re choosing well. The market is strong, the lifestyle is unbeatable, and the value is exceptional.

As one of Barrie’s top real estate teams, we grew up here, we work here, and we know this market inside and out. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, downsizer, investor, or luxury shopper, The Weeks Group is here to guide you home.

Want help finding the right style of home in Barrie? Just tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll take care of the rest. Reach out to our Barrie real estate agents today at 705.305.4174 or email hello@weeksgroup.ca to begin a conversation.