Luxury Real Estate Trends In Toronto: How The Lavish Live Large

When it comes to luxury real estate, Toronto has plenty of homes that qualify.

The city that never settles is quickly becoming a playground for the elite, where homes are more than just places to live — they’re status symbols, private retreats, and sometimes, architectural masterpieces that make you do a double-take.

And while many of us may never be able to afford such luxury, we can covet the trendy things we see in them. So what are the 1% doing in their homes?

The Condo Craze Continues

First off, let’s talk condos. You might think that a luxury home needs to come with a sprawling lawn and a backyard pool. But in Toronto, sky-high living is equally luxurious.

Just check out Suite 1700 at 155 Cumberland St. It is the epitome of fancy city living, with a whopping 6,644 sqft of indoor luxury, plus 1,000 sqft of stunning outdoor terraces.

There’s also 4602 & 03 - 183 Wellington St W which has stunning 180-degree panoramic views of Toronto, and all the amenities that the Ritz-Carlton has to offer.

But from stunning views of the cityscape, concierge services that rival the best hotels, and amenities like rooftop pools, private gyms, and even wine cellars — luxury condos can compete with the most lavish of mansions.

So it’s no surprise, luxury condos are popping up faster than you can say "penthouse suite". Some are even so coveted that they’re selling before the building is even finished, like with One Bloor St. W.

The Smart Home Boom

Now, a lot of homes can look fancy. But what turns a fancy house into a dream home? Tech. That’s right, move over traditional mansions — smart homes are the new must-have in Toronto’s luxury market.

Today’s affluent buyers want homes that can do it all. From lighting that adjusts to your mood to automated security to blinds that close themselves, smart homes are turning fantasies into reality.

And you’ll notice that almost all the luxury mansions have smart home technology integrated, because who doesn’t want to control everything from your smartphone, whether you’re on the couch or sipping cocktails in the Caribbean?

Just take a peek at how cool 17 Ardwold Gate is! This luxurious home is crafted with state-of-the-art innovation and technology including an automated wine cellar and an 11-car garage that rotates.

Outdoor Spaces Get the Royal Treatment

In the GTA where space is at a premium, outdoor living areas have become the ultimate luxury.

Forget about basic patios; we’re talking outdoor kitchens with pizza ovens, heated infinity pools, and fire pits that make you want to roast marshmallows all year round.

These outdoor spaces aren’t just an afterthought. They’re designed with the same attention to detail as the interiors, offering a seamless blend of comfort and nature. One home that does this really well is 11 Thornwood Rd in Midtown, which truly celebrates the surrounding landscape.

But just outside of the city, we can’t help but drool over the backyard of 15466 The Gore Road in Rural East Caledon. Although, not sure you can call it a “backyard” when it has 52.5 acres of private forest, three ponds, and a cascading stream. But even with all that space, it’s still a vibe.

Sustainability Meets Sophistication

Luxury doesn’t have to come at the expense of the environment. Toronto’s high-end market is seeing a rise in eco-friendly features that don’t skimp on style.

Take 95 Riverview Dr. This stunning four-bedroom home was thoughtfully designed with sustainability at its core. It has eco-friendly features like green roofs, rainwater harvesting, skylights that open for natural ventilation, energy-saving LEDs, a permeable driveway, high-efficiency split-zone mechanical systems, and much more.

Sustainable luxury is here, and it’s making a big statement.

Heritage Homes with a Modern Twist

Toronto’s love affair with history is no stranger to Toronto’s elite. In fact, many of the stunning homes we see on the market today were equally stunning back in the 1800’s and early 1900’s. Heritage homes are being snapped up by buyers who appreciate the charm of the past, but still want all the modern comforts.

These homes are being meticulously restored to maintain their original character while incorporating the latest technology and design trends. The result? A great blend of old-world elegance and contemporary flair that’s hard to resist.

Right now, we’re lusting over 27 South Dr., an Edwardian home that was masterfully renovated by Architect Ray Murakami, Designer Ann Johnston, and Landscape Architect Mark Hartley.

We’re also loving 82 Chestnut Park Rd., which was originally built in 1904 by famed architects Henry Langley and Charles Langley (who also built some of the most iconic homes around Toronto), but has been completely renovated into a modern day beauty.

The Rise of Customization

Last but certainly not least, customization is king. The ultra-wealthy don’t just want a beautiful home — they want a home that’s uniquely theirs. Custom-built estates are becoming more popular, with buyers working closely with architects and designers to create spaces that reflect their personal style.

Whether it’s a home theatre that rivals the best cinemas, a wine cellar that could host a sommelier’s dream tasting, or a garage that doubles as a showroom for a luxury car collection, the possibilities are endless when you have the budget.

Like in 393 Maple Grove Dr. in Oakville there’s an entire bowling alley. And in 108 Sandringham Dr. in North York, there’s even an old-school arcade.

In Toronto, luxury real estate isn’t just about where you live — it’s about how you live. And with these trends, it’s clear that the city’s affluent are living large, with no signs of slowing down. After all, why just live when you can live luxuriously?