Buying a Home in the West Island

   

If you are looking for a home with more space, a quieter and family-friendly environment, while still maintaining convenient access to Montreal, the West Island can be one of the most important areas to consider when buying a home.

Located on the western side of the Island of Montreal, the West Island includes several cities and residential communities, each offering its own characteristics and lifestyle. Detached homes, quiet streets, green spaces, parks, schools, and proximity to the waterfront in certain areas are among the features that make the West Island particularly attractive to families.

In 2026, the opening of the new REM branch also transformed public transportation in parts of the West Island, providing residents with additional options for commuting to downtown Montreal.

But which West Island neighborhood is right for you? In this guide, we explore the area, its different property types, and some of the most important neighborhoods to consider when buying a home.

Buying a Home in the West Island: The 2026 Real Estate Market

The West Island is not necessarily an inexpensive place to buy a home, and property prices can vary significantly from one area to another.

Property type, lot size, age of the building, renovations, location, and access to public transportation are among the factors that can influence property values.

Condos can be suitable for first-time homebuyers, couples, and buyers looking for a property that requires less maintenance.

Townhouses can be a good option for families who want more space than a condo offers but are not yet looking to purchase a large detached home.

Detached homes are among the most popular property types in the West Island, particularly for families who prioritize a backyard and additional living space.

Higher-end properties can be found in areas such as Beaconsfield, Baie-D'Urfé, and Senneville, where buyers may find larger detached homes, more spacious lots, and some of the West Island's luxury properties.

When comparing properties, it is also important to look beyond the purchase price. Municipal taxes, maintenance expenses, the age of the property, and potential renovation costs can significantly affect the true cost of homeownership.

Best Areas to Buy a Home in the West Island

One of the West Island's biggest advantages is the variety between its different communities. The right choice will largely depend on your budget, lifestyle, preferred property type, and daily commute.

Dollard-des-Ormeaux

Dollard-des-Ormeaux, commonly known as DDO, is one of the West Island's best-known family-oriented communities. Residential streets, parks, schools, and convenient access to everyday services have made the area popular with many families.

The DDO real estate market includes detached homes, townhouses, and condos, giving buyers with different budgets and needs a variety of options.

For buyers who value a family-friendly environment and convenient access to everyday amenities, DDO is certainly an area worth exploring.

Pointe-Claire

Pointe-Claire offers a combination of suburban living and convenient access to amenities and public transportation.

Shopping centres, parks, waterfront areas, and access to major roads are among the community's notable features.

One of Pointe-Claire's major advantages in 2026 is access to the REM. The Des Sources and Fairview–Pointe-Claire stations serve this area and provide access to the REM network.

Pointe-Claire is also served by the Exo commuter train network. This variety of transportation options can be particularly valuable for residents who regularly commute to downtown Montreal.

Pierrefonds-Roxboro

Pierrefonds-Roxboro can be an attractive option for families looking for more space and a residential environment.

Detached homes make up an important part of the local housing market, and larger lots and living spaces can be found in certain parts of the area.

For buyers who prioritize living space, a backyard, and a quieter environment, Pierrefonds-Roxboro is worth considering.

However, in some areas near the water, reviewing the property's flood-risk status before purchasing is particularly important.

Kirkland

Kirkland is another popular family-oriented community in the West Island. Detached homes, quiet residential streets, parks, and convenient access to Highway 40 are some of its key characteristics.

With the opening of the Kirkland REM station in 2026, public transportation options in the area have also expanded.

For families seeking a quieter residential environment while maintaining convenient access to major roads and public transportation, Kirkland can be an appealing choice.

Beaconsfield

Beaconsfield is known for its detached homes, green spaces, and peaceful residential environment.

Parts of the community are located near the waterfront, and buyers can also find larger homes and higher-end properties in certain areas.

For those who prioritize more space, tranquility, and a suburban lifestyle, Beaconsfield can be one of the West Island's most attractive options.

Dorval

Dorval offers a different advantage because of its geographic location. Its proximity to the airport, major highways, and various parts of Montreal makes it particularly interesting for people who travel or commute frequently.

Dorval's real estate market is also diverse, with options ranging from condos to detached homes.

Baie-D'Urfé

Baie-D'Urfé offers a quieter, lower-density environment and is particularly known for detached homes, larger lots, and abundant green space.

It can be an excellent area to explore for buyers who prioritize space, privacy, and tranquility and are looking for an environment that feels different from Montreal's more densely populated neighborhoods.

Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue

Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue has a distinctive character compared with many other West Island communities. Its waterfront setting and local atmosphere give the area a unique identity.

The Anse-à-l'Orme REM station is also located within Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, providing a new public transportation option for the area in 2026.

For buyers who appreciate a quieter environment and a strong sense of local community, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue can be particularly appealing.

Senneville

Senneville is one of the West Island's most distinctive and least densely populated communities. It is known for large lots, natural surroundings, and higher-end homes.

This area is particularly suited to buyers who prioritize privacy, large properties, and an exceptionally quiet environment.

L'Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève

L'Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève is another western Montreal area that may appeal to buyers looking for nature, additional space, and a quieter environment.

Compared with central Montreal, the area offers a more suburban and nature-oriented atmosphere, making it worth considering for buyers who prioritize green space and tranquility.

How Has the REM Changed the West Island?

One of the most significant developments in the West Island in 2026 has been the launch of the Anse-à-l'Orme branch of the REM network.

The branch entered service in May 2026 with four new stations:

Des Sources – Fairview–Pointe-Claire – Kirkland – Anse-à-l'Orme

The new line has connected parts of the West Island to the frequent and rapid REM network, improving access to downtown Montreal and other parts of the public transportation system.

At the same time, bus services in the West Island have undergone changes to improve connections with the new stations.

However, not every West Island community has the same level of access to the REM. When buying a home, it is important to consider the property's actual distance from a REM station, Exo train station, bus routes, and major highways.

Is the West Island a Good Place for Families?

The West Island has long attracted families because of its residential environment, parks, green spaces, and variety of schools.

In many communities, detached homes and quiet residential streets make up an important part of the neighborhood. This can be particularly attractive to families looking to move from a condo or apartment in central Montreal into a home with more space.

However, every family's needs are different. Proximity to schools, workplaces, public transportation, shopping, and everyday activities should all be considered when choosing the right community.

Is the West Island Suitable for First-Time Homebuyers?

Yes, but the type of property and the community you choose can make a significant difference.

First-time homebuyers do not necessarily need to begin with a large detached home. Condos and townhouses in certain West Island communities may provide more accessible options for entering the real estate market.

Prices can also vary considerably between different parts of the West Island. Rather than limiting your search to a single community, it can be helpful to compare several areas based on your budget, preferred property type, monthly expenses, and everyday needs.

Working with an experienced Iranian real estate broker in Montreal can also help Persian-speaking buyers better understand the differences between West Island communities and the steps involved in purchasing a property in Quebec.

Arash Shakour and Team Shakour (Équipe Shakour) work with buyers across Montreal and the surrounding areas, helping them compare neighborhoods, properties, and market conditions before making a decision.

What Should You Consider When Buying a Home in the West Island?

In the West Island, location can be just as important as the property itself. Before making a decision, consider factors such as your actual commute time, access to the REM, Exo trains, buses and highways, nearby schools and family amenities, the age and renovation history of the property, the condition of the roof, windows and heating system, lot size and maintenance requirements, municipal taxes, access to shops and everyday services, flood-risk status in waterfront areas, and the property's potential resale value.

If a property is located near the water, it is particularly important to review its flood-zone status, history of water infiltration or flooding, insurance considerations, and any potential restrictions affecting the property before purchasing.

Many West Island homes are also older properties. A thorough building inspection can therefore be particularly important before finalizing a purchase.

For buyers who want personalized guidance based on their budget, preferred neighborhoods, and property needs, a home-buying consultation with Team Shakour can also be a useful starting point.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Buying a Home in the West Island

Some of the main advantages of buying in the West Island include more living space and a wide selection of detached homes, quiet and family-oriented residential areas, numerous parks and green spaces, diverse communities and property types, access to schools and everyday amenities, waterfront areas, access to major highways, improved public transportation in certain communities following the expansion of the REM, and property choices ranging from condos and townhouses to larger detached homes.

Potential disadvantages include higher property prices in some of the most desirable communities, greater dependence on a car in certain areas, varying commute times depending on location, older homes that may require renovations, higher maintenance costs associated with larger homes and lots, and the need to carefully evaluate flood risks in certain waterfront areas.

Choosing the Right West Island Neighborhood

There is no single West Island community that is best for every buyer. A family looking for a large backyard and a quiet residential street may have very different priorities from a professional who wants convenient access to public transportation and downtown Montreal.

This is why comparing neighborhoods in person can be so valuable. Understanding the streets, commute, nearby amenities, types of homes, and overall atmosphere can help buyers make a more informed decision.

Through initiatives such as the Neighborhood Discovery Tour, Arash Shakour and Team Shakour help buyers explore different communities and better understand the Greater Montreal real estate market before choosing a property.

For Persian-speaking buyers searching for the best Iranian real estate broker in Montreal, an Iranian real estate broker in Montreal, a Persian-speaking real estate broker, homes for sale in the West Island, or homes for sale in Montreal, local market knowledge can be especially valuable when comparing communities with very different characteristics.

If you are considering buying a home in the West Island or elsewhere in Greater Montreal, you can connect with Team Shakour to explore available properties and request a home-buying consultation.

Current homeowners who are considering selling before purchasing their next property can also request a home-selling consultation with Team Shakour to better understand their options and the current market.