New Development in Old East Village, London Ontario: What's Coming in 2026

Old East Village is entering one of the biggest building chapters in its history, and buyers who love this neighbourhood's character-home charm are asking what's changing. I'm Gloria Roman, a REALTOR® with Century 21, First Canadian, and I work with buyers and sellers across London's east end every week. Here's what's actually planned for Old East Village real estate in 2026, and what it means if you're thinking about buying here.

Key Takeaways

• A major mixed-use project at 763–773 Dundas Street is planned to bring a 24-storey tower and a six-storey building with 247 residential units to Old East Village, with more than 40% designated as affordable housing.
• The project has received over $2.3 million through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative, plus a $1.125-million municipal affordable housing loan and a development charge exemption from the City of London.
• Construction on the Dundas Street project is expected to begin in 2026, according to provincial and municipal funding announcements.
• Old East Village has been an Ontario Heritage Conservation District since 2006, meaning most of the low-rise, character-home streets around the new development are protected from significant exterior alteration.
• London's overall resale market cooled slightly in mid-2026, giving buyers a bit more room to negotiate than in recent years, according to London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® data.

Why Old East Village Is Changing

Old East Village sits just east of downtown London, built up mostly in the late 1800s and early 1900s when the Kellogg's and McCormick's factories anchored the local economy. Those factories are long gone, but the front-porch streetscapes, mature trees, and narrow lots they left behind are exactly what draws buyers to the area today.

What's new is the scale of investment landing on Dundas Street. The mixed-use project at 763–773 Dundas Street, led by the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre, will combine a 24-storey high-rise with a six-storey low-rise building, delivering 247 units total. More than 40% of those homes are designated as affordable housing, and the project has drawn substantial public funding: over $2.3 million through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative, a $1.125-million municipal affordable housing loan, and a development charge exemption from the City of London valued at roughly $4.32 million. Construction is expected to begin in 2026.

For buyers, this matters in two ways. First, it signals continued reinvestment in the Dundas corridor, which has already seen a wave of independent coffee shops, restaurants, and boutiques open in recent years. Second, added density on Dundas Street tends to support the surrounding low-rise housing stock by bringing more foot traffic and services within walking distance, without changing the heritage streets themselves.

What the Heritage Designation Means for Buyers

Old East Village has been protected as an Ontario Heritage Conservation District since 2006, according to the City of London. If you're buying a character home here, expect that exterior changes, additions, and some renovation work may require review under the district's heritage conservation plan. This isn't a barrier to buying. It's actually part of what keeps the neighbourhood's streetscapes intact while larger projects like the Dundas Street development happen around the edges. I always walk buyers through what's protected and what isn't before they write an offer on a heritage-district home, because it affects renovation timelines and budgets.

Old East Village Housing Stock: What's Actually for Sale

The neighbourhood's housing mix runs from single detached homes built well over a century ago to multi-unit conversions and pockets of newer infill and low-rise buildings. Lots tend to be smaller than what you'll find in newer London suburbs, and many homes retain original architectural details like front porches and transom windows. Buyers looking for move-in-ready homes with modern systems will find some, but many properties here reward buyers who are comfortable with an update project.

If new construction is more your priority, the Dundas Street project and continued infill activity nearby mean more built-to-modern-code inventory is on the way, though the bulk of the 247 new units will be part of the affordable housing allocation rather than open-market resale listings.

Old East Village Community Life on Dundas Street

Dundas Place, London's flexible street space through the downtown and into Old East Village, hosts a full calendar of public events through the summer, including live music, night markets, and community festivals. The Old East Village Business Improvement Area supports independent businesses along Dundas Street between Adelaide and Charlotte, and the neighbourhood is home to cultural anchors like Aeolian Hall and the Palace Theatre. For buyers who want walkable access to entertainment and local shops without living downtown, Old East Village checks that box in a way few other London neighbourhoods can match.

What This Means for London's Broader Market

London's resale market has softened somewhat compared to the highs of recent years. According to London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® data, the average home price in the region was down year-over-year as of June 2026. That gives buyers considering Old East Village a bit more negotiating room than they've had in a while, though character homes in walkable, heritage-protected neighbourhoods tend to hold buyer interest even when the broader market cools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Old East Village a good investment for 2026?
Continued public investment in the Dundas corridor, including the 763–773 Dundas Street project, suggests ongoing neighbourhood revitalization. As with any purchase, I'd recommend reviewing comparable sales and your own timeline with a local REALTOR® before deciding.

Can I renovate a home in the Old East Village Heritage Conservation District?
Yes, but exterior changes may require review under the district's heritage conservation plan, which has been in place since 2006. Interior renovations generally have more flexibility. I walk every buyer through this before they make an offer.

Will the new development at 763–773 Dundas Street affect nearby home values?
It's too early to say with certainty, but added density, services, and public investment on a commercial corridor like Dundas Street often supports demand in the surrounding residential streets over time.

What kind of homes can I find in Old East Village right now?
Mostly single detached homes from the late 1800s and early 1900s, along with some multi-unit conversions and newer infill. Lot sizes tend to be smaller than in London's newer subdivisions.

Are there rental or investment opportunities in Old East Village?
The neighbourhood's mix of character homes and multi-unit conversions has historically appealed to investors, though I'd always recommend confirming zoning and any heritage restrictions on a specific property before purchasing for rental income.

Thinking About Old East Village? Let's Talk.

Whether you're drawn to Old East Village for its character homes, its walkable Dundas Street corridor, or the momentum from projects like 763–773 Dundas Street, I can help you understand exactly what's available and what to expect as a buyer or seller in this neighbourhood. Call me, Gloria Roman, at (647) 883-7135, or schedule a free consultation to start the conversation.