$449,900 - 196 1/2 Kenilworth Avenue, Hamilton
Commercial for Sale in Hamilton
337 days on marketNeighbourhood: Homeside
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- MLS Number
- X12509400
- Property Type
- Commercial
- Status
- active
- Days on Site
- 337
- Bedrooms
- 0
- Bathrooms
- 0
- Square Feet
- 3,495 sqft
- Neighbourhood
- Hamilton
- Taxes (2025)
- $4,446
- Listing Brokerage
- RE/MAX ESCARPMENT REALTY INC.
Fantastic opportunity to own a well-maintained mixed-use building in the heart of Hamilton's vibrant Kenilworth Commercial Corridor. This property features a vacant main-floor commercial unit (approx. 1,410 sq. ft.) with excellent street exposure and direct access to the basement. The commercial space includes two 2-piece washrooms and offers flexible layout options-ideal for retail, office, or service-based businesses. Bonus large doors to access the commercial unit from the rear alleyway and 2 parking spaces. The second floor features two residential apartments, both tenanted with reliable occupants in good standing. Unit 1 offers a 1-bedroom layout, while Unit 2 includes 2 bedrooms, each with updated flooring and tasteful finishes. Lovingly owned by the same family since the 1960s, this property has a rich local history-previously home to Olympus Submarine and George's Car Clean Up. Recent updates include: refreshed paint throughout, newer residential flooring, updated fire exit signage, Furnace (2020), copper water line, roof (2015). This is an excellent investment or owner-occupier opportunity in a high-traffic location surrounded by established businesses, transit, and amenities. With a focus to revitalize the area, grants have been made available along this particular corridor through the City of Hamilton! (Barton/Kenilworth Revitalization Grant Program, Barton/Kenilworth Tax Increment Grant Program & Barton/Kenilworth Planning and Building Fees Rebate Program).
Estimate your monthly payments for this property
Estimated Payment
$2,308.22/mo
Includes CMHC insurance ($12,552)
5-yr fixed avg.
Rates shown are estimates based on typical Ontario 5-year fixed rates. Canadian mortgages use semi-annual compounding as required by law. CMHC insurance applies to purchases under $1.5M with less than 20% down. Estimated property tax uses an approximate 0.85% rate. Contact us for current rate options and pre-approval.
Discover Homeside
Homeside is a vibrant community in the Greater Toronto Area, offering excellent amenities, schools, and transportation options. This area is popular with families and professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle with access to urban conveniences and natural spaces.
Why Live in Homeside
- •Convenient location in Hamilton
- •Access to local shops and dining
- •Good public transit connections
- •Community parks and green spaces
- •Well-maintained neighbourhoods
Nearby Schools
Transit & Commuting
- •MiWay bus routes throughout the area
- •GO Transit stations within driving distance
- •Easy highway access to 401/403/QEW
- •Walking distance to local amenities
Parks & Amenities
- •Local parks and recreational facilities
- •Community centres
- •Shopping plazas nearby
- •Restaurants and cafes
Lifestyle & Community
Homeside offers a wonderful quality of life with a mix of residential charm and urban convenience. Residents enjoy easy access to schools, parks, and shopping, making it an ideal location for families and professionals alike.
196 1/2 Kenilworth Avenue, Hamilton
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Key factors for evaluating this commercial property
Commercial Due Diligence Checklist
· Verify zoning and all permitted uses
· Review all existing leases (terms, renewals, net vs. gross)
· Request estoppel certificates from all tenants
· Order a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment
· Commission a property condition assessment
· Review operating costs (taxes, insurance, maintenance)
Commercial Financing Note
Commercial mortgages require 20–35% down, shorter amortization, and lenders underwrite based on the property's income. CMHC insurance is not available for commercial. Connect with a commercial mortgage broker early.
Commercial and land transactions are significantly more complex than residential. Joe recommends assembling a team — commercial real estate lawyer, accountant, and (for land) a land use planner — before making an offer.
Joe's Thoughts
Honest perspective from 30+ years of GTA real estate experience
Commercial Pricing Context
At $129/sqft, this is priced on the lower end for commercial, which warrants investigating condition, zoning restrictions, and tenancy. Commercial values are highly location- and zoning-dependent, so comparable sales analysis is essential. I'll pull recent commercial comps for you.
Extended Exposure — Negotiating Room
At 337 days on market, this commercial property has had significant exposure. Commercial listings typically take longer to sell than residential, but this timeline may indicate pricing or tenancy issues worth exploring. A motivated seller often means better terms for a prepared buyer.
Zoning & Permitted Use — Verify First
I always confirm the zoning and permitted uses before a client gets too far into a commercial transaction. What a property is currently used for and what it's legally permitted for are sometimes different. If you plan to change the use, a zoning amendment or minor variance may be required — that's additional cost, time, and risk.
Tenancy & Income Review
If this property has existing tenants, I'd want to review all leases carefully: term lengths, renewal options, rent amounts, escalation clauses, and who's responsible for operating costs (gross lease vs. net lease). A strong long-term tenant is an asset; a lease expiring at closing is a different story. We'll request estoppel certificates from all tenants.
Environmental & Due Diligence
A Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment is standard practice for commercial purchases in Ontario. If historical industrial use is flagged, you'll need a Phase 2. I also recommend a property condition assessment covering structure, roof, HVAC, and electrical — commercial systems are expensive to replace and often not disclosed in detail on the listing.
Commercial Financing Realities
Commercial mortgages work differently than residential. Expect 20–35% down, shorter amortization (15–25 years), and lenders who underwrite based on the property's income, not just your personal financials. CMHC insurance is generally not available for commercial, and rates are typically higher. I can connect you with commercial mortgage brokers who specialize in Hamilton transactions.