Perth County
Stratford Real Estate: Buying in the Festival City
A Perth County city on the Avon River, best known for the Stratford Festival and its heritage streets.
What Stratford is
Stratford is a city on the Avon River in Perth County. It was named after Shakespeare’s birthplace in England, and that theme runs through the place: the Stratford Festival has run each summer since 1953, with performances at the Festival Theatre, the Avon Theatre and the Third Stage. Each year swans are released on the river, and they have become a symbol of the city.
What buying a home here is like
Stratford is a city with a historic core, so many buyers are drawn to older homes with character. That is where inspections matter most. Ask about the age of the roof, wiring and plumbing, the condition of the foundation, and whether past renovations were done with permits. If a home is on or near a heritage street, ask the city whether any designation applies, since it can affect exterior changes.
The seasonal calendar also matters. A street that is quiet in February can feel different in July when visitors arrive for the theatre season. View a property more than once, at different times, and ask neighbours what it is like.
For people working in the arts or hospitality, living in Stratford may mean a short trip to work. For others, it is a base for exploring Perth County and reaching London.
Local anchors worth knowing
- The Avon River. It runs through the city and shapes its parks and downtown.
- Stratford Festival. The theatres are a defining part of the city’s calendar.
- Stratford Public Library. It is at 19 St. Andrew Street, in a 1903 Carnegie building, and also serves Perth County.
- Nearby towns. St. Marys is also in Perth County and a popular alternative for buyers who want a smaller town.
What to ask your REALTOR® about Stratford
- Is the home near the river or in a floodplain, and does the conservation authority regulate it?
- How does summer visitor traffic affect this street, and is parking an issue?
- Can I use the property as a short-term rental, and what does the city say about it?
- What updates have been made to an older home, and are there records?
- How do prices compare with nearby towns in Perth County?
Ready to take the next step?
Planning to sell? Request a home valuation and we will talk through the market. Buying? Start with our buyer guide.
Keep exploring
Communities Near Stratford
St. Marys
A limestone-built town on the Thames, between London and Stratford, with its own rec facilities.
St. Marys real estateHuron CountyExeter
The main town of South Huron, Huron County, north of London, with its own hospital and municipal office.
Exeter real estateLambton CountyGrand Bend
A Lake Huron beach town in Lambton Shores, close to Pinery Provincial Park and busy every summer.
Grand Bend real estateLondon NeighbourhoodsByron
A southwest London neighbourhood beside Springbank Park, with its own main street and a ski hill.
Byron real estateLondon NeighbourhoodsOld North
Mature, tree-lined streets between downtown London and Western University, edged by the Thames.
Old North real estateLondon NeighbourhoodsWortley Village and Old South
A historic neighbourhood just south of downtown, with a village main street on Wortley Road.
Wortley Village and Old South real estateGuides
Helpful Reading for Stratford Buyers and Sellers
Buying a House in London, Ontario: The Process and the Costs
Buying a house in London, Ontario, step by step: down payment rules, CMHC, land transfer tax, FHSA and HBP, agent agreements, inspection and closing.
Buying a New Build Home in London, Ontario: Tarion Warranty Guide
How Tarion's 1-, 2- and 7-year new home warranty works, the statutory maximums for freehold and condo, and what to check before you buy a new build.