Most Popular Condos in Toronto, By Neighbourhood

Unlike our previous The 10 Most Sought-After Toronto Condos post from last year, this year we thought we’d try something a little different: The Best Condos for Riding Out The Apocalypse! Oops, that’s the 2022 version. We’ll try that again: The Most Popular Condos in 10 of Toronto’s Most Popular Condo Neighbourhoods.

To compile this list, we used our algorithm that assess condo demand based on the following three metrics:

• On average, how much units in a building sell above the list price (in competition among buyers)
• How long units sit on the market before selling.
• The amount of appreciation in value over the past 12 months, as compared to neighbouring condos.

The List: The Most Popular Condos in Toronto, By Neighbourhood

King West — The King Lofts

The King Lofts ranked #1 for King West. It’s not the newest or trendiest building in the area, but holds the notable distinction as one of only a handful condos exclusively offering mezzanine loft style layouts. Units in this striking soft loft are bathed in natural light through soaring window walls, and feature exposed concrete ceilings and ductwork, and executive finishes. It’s important to note that open concept, mezzanine units can present logistical problems for couples or families with a late night tv watcher or gamer in the home; best to draft those divorce papers in advance.

Bay Street Corridor — Opera I & II

Opera I and II might appear cookie cutter on the outside, however, Opera’s desirability is a testament to long standing quality. This residence was constructed in the late 90s before the modern condo shrink, so residents have more legroom than most of their Bay Street neighbours. Finishes vary based on past renovations, but buyers can bank on modern and spacious suites, quality construction, excellent amenities, and below average condo fees — an indication of great management.

Cityplace — Library District

Interestingly, the top ranking condo in the Cityplace neighbourhood was actually not built by Concord Development, who built the overwhelming majority of the condos in Cityplace. The Library District is the work of Context.ca, the same developers behind the acclaimed Loretto, and the Market Wharf. While Context is a moderately reputable (and prolific) developer in the Toronto area, it hasn’t completed any buildings quite as notable as those in Contexts’ portfolio.

Suites at the Library District feature executive finishes — hardwood flooring and granite counters — and floor to ceiling windows. When you add in the extensive offering of amenities and the urban location, you end up with a very desirable condo.

The Annex — One Bedford

The Annex has long served as one of Toronto’s most popular neighbourhoods for local celebrities — One Bedford is home to Mayor John Tory. The building’s demand is easily understood; it has a great developer behind it in Lanterra; luxurious finishes and spacious layouts; well maintained amenities that include an indoor pool; a Starbucks on the ground floor and the ROM just across the street.

Yorkville — 15 Mcmurrich St

Upon first glance you might wonder; why did someone build a brick mushroom?

To be blunt, 15 Mcmurrich St is a big, ugly, block, hiding incredible value. Units at 15 Mcmurrich sell for roughly $450 less per square foot than the average Yorkville condo. Yes, $450 PSF! As well, suites sizes are gigantic — the smallest unit is just a hair under 1100 square feet — and there’s only 103 units spread over 15 floors.

The condo being exclusive (low turnover) and offering excellent value is likely what secured its’ #1 spot in the Yorkville area.

West Queen West — District Lofts

The Districts Lofts is a European-inspired soft loft, featuring an interior courtyard and a touch of industrial flare; that’s probably enough to sell every unit in the building. Though, prices are slightly above the neighbourhood average, they’re quite affordable by loft standards, and condos fees are roughly average.

District Lofts is situated at 388 Richmond St W in the West Queen West area, just steps from shopping, dining, and public transit.

Yonge & Eglinton — Redpath Residences

Redpath Residences is an 8-storey boutique condo offering great value in Yonge and Eglinton. There’s nothing flashy about 188 Redpath Ave, other than the fact that units in this building sell for about $250 less per square foot than the neighbourhood average. Suites feature open concept layouts and modern finishes. Turnover is extremely low. What’s not to like?

Liberty Village — Toy Factory Lofts

What can we say that hasn’t been said already? The Toy Factory Lofts is the hallmark of the luxury hard loft. Vintage exposed brick walls, ductwork, and tongue and groove ceilings contrast with hardwood floors and gourmet kitchens. The exterior retains the factory look and the carpeted hallways feel like a vintage cinema.

The Toy Factory is undoubtedly the most desirable condo in Liberty Village, which is why units rarely last on the market.

Parkdale — Q Loft

Units at the Q Loft sell for more than the Parkdale average and condo fees are significantly higher than average too — and yet it scored as #1 for the area. While Q Lofts’ price per square foot is higher than the neighbourhood average, it’s low for a loft. It’s also a low-rise with only 70 units and 8 storeys — and therein lies the desirability: A relatively affordable boutique soft loft that’s near to everything.

Leslieville — The Taylor Lofts

Nothing to see here folks — just another stunning boutique loft from Streetcar, who brought you the renowned Vinegar Lofts. Suites at the Taylor Lofts are consistent with many other high end soft lofts; blending industrial features with executive finishes. The price per square foot is above the Leslieville average, but boutique soft lofts from elite developers are hard to come by.

Final thoughts

Spotting a trend? Us as well. A consistent theme throughout this list is that buyers desire boutique residences, with low turnover, and loft features — even if they’re selling at higher prices than their neighbouring counterparts. Or alternatively, the market is gravitating toward excellent value, particularly in areas where value is sparse.