At Strata.ca, we’re always trying to understand what condo buyers are looking for in a home. While TV shows may suggest that lavish penthouses and panoramic waterfront views are what buyers seek, the data often tells a different story — one that’s more practical.
Toronto’s most searched for condos are littered throughout the GTA, and as far west as Mississauga. Granted, some of these condos are quite luxurious; but by and large, the top 10 most searched for condos on Strata.ca are those offering great value.
There's probably no better indicator of quality than the fact that 92 King Street East is among the most searched for condominiums in the city, 30 years after its completion date. King Plaza offers spacious floor plans, convenient amenities, and best of all, below average price-per-square-foot in the heart of the St. Lawrence market.
Because of the building's age, you may find opportunities to modernize dated finishes with your own personal touch.
For families wanting to stay downtown without sacrificing space, 1-47 Sudbury Street is the perfect compromise. The King West Townhomes aren't necessarily chic, and do require some updates. But buyers are drawn to the charming red brick facades, large suite sizes, and multi-floor layouts.
“These townhomes are an affordable alternative for young couples wanting to start a new family. And there’s always great resale value when it’s time for something bigger,” says Victoria D’Ilario, real estate agent at Strata.ca.
Despite its urban location, this complex has a private community feel and is set back from major thoroughfares. Suites are typically larger than other townhomes with comparable layouts. Some units even come with gas fireplaces and private rooftop patios.
120 Bayview Ave, also known as Canary Park, is a newer mid-rise development in the Corktown neighbourhood. As the name suggests, this condominium complex sits on a park. Residents enjoy an assortment of amenities, including an indoor pool, a fitness centre, a games room, and more.
Strata.ca real estate agent, Alex Hood, thinks Canary Park is a frontrunner in today’s market because it offers many of the things that buyers are looking for, especially from a quality-of-life perspective.
“Because it’s steps from the Distillery District, you can get to a big selection of shops and restaurants on foot. There’s also easy access to TTC. If you’re driving, you can head to all your favourite destinations via the DVP or Gardiner in just minutes.”
Each of the 439 units in Canary Park contain executive finishes. Granite countertops, European styled kitchens with integrated appliances, and hardwood flooring are standard. All suites are open concept, and many feature irregularly shaped layouts; a nice change from the linear, bowling alley style units found in other modern buildings.
If you’re going to call your loft ‘Showcase’, it had better impress. Fortunately, 88 Colgate Avenue does just that. This 7-storey soft loft in the Leslieville-South Riverdale neighbourhood blends rustic touches (like exposed brick walls) with the amenities and luxuries of an upscale condo.
The suites here include hardwood floors, sliding glass walls separating bedrooms, and quartz countertops with stainless steel appliances. As well, all units have large private balconies.
Hood says you get the benefit of living in a unique building without paying high maintenance fees, which is a common downside to many boutique condominiums.
“You also get that industrial feel that’s in short supply, but high demand. And being a ‘soft loft’, you don’t have to be concerned about travelling noise the way you would in some converted ‘hard lofts’”, adds Hood.
Considering the incredible location near Queen East, it’s hardly surprising to see this building attract so many eyes.
2055 Danforth Avenue is a mid-rise offering great value at an exceptional location in the Upper Beaches.
The desirability around the Carmelina Condos is a testament to its quality. For starters, residents enjoy a carefully curated list of amenities, and most suites offer modern finishes. These units also have extremely efficient layouts with lots of natural lighting and private balconies. You can easily run errands on foot or commute into the downtown core via Woodbine Station, just minutes from the building.
Though plenty of condos lean on the High Park name, High Park Residences is one of only two condos that directly overlooks the famous 400 acres of parklands. The developer, Daniels Corp, clearly took this to heart. It designed the U-shaped building to provide the most units with a view of the park.
Galina Sheveleva, Strata.ca real estate agent, thinks you just can’t beat this condo’s excellent location.
“Not only is it steps from the Bloor subway line and right across from the park, but it’s also an ideal option for those looking to live close to the core...and still avoid the hectic vibes that downtown neighbourhoods tend to have,” she says.
The High Park Residences offer many appealing amenities. And yet, maintenance fees are below average, as is price per square foot. Prospective buyers won’t find top-end finishes in most units. But with 9-foot ceilings, open concept layouts, and large windows, these suites have great bones.
Upside Down Condos II is located at 812 Lansdowne Avenue -- just minutes from shopping, dining, and public transit. The building contains 303 suites, all of which are modern and open concept. Kitchens feature granite counters, stainless-steel appliances, and ceramic flooring. Internet sleuths will note that most bedrooms have carpet, but that’s an easy replacement.
Price-per-square foot and condo fees are slightly higher than the neighbourhood average. But they’re still lower compared to downtown Toronto.
1093 Queen Street West is home to TEN93 Condos, a soft loft development in Little Portugal. But you could say this building is more ‘luxury condo’ than it is loft. From subway tile backsplashes to wide-plank hardwood floors and stylish interior windows, there are few vintage touches or rustic vibes inside.
The building’s Queen Street West location means dining and nightlife can be found just outside the lobby doors. With Queen streetcars running east and west, plus nearby on-ramps to the Gardiner Expressway -- TEN93 checks all the boxes for comfort, style, and convenience.
1100 Kingston Road perfectly encapsulates why south Scarborough’s Birch Cliff-Cliffside neighbourhood has become so popular in recent years. Kingston & Co Condos is just steps from pubs, restaurants, and a large green space. It’s also a 5-minute drive to Woodbine Beach. In short, this condo offers the Beaches lifestyle at a good discount.
“More than half of the suites here are larger than 800 square feet, and many of them offer unique lake views. You definitely get more value for your dollar, compared to similar units in the Beaches or downtown,” says Larry Medina, real estate agent at Strata.ca.
In all, there are 144 units spread out over 10 floors. You’ll find rich hardwood throughout principal rooms, with lavish bathrooms and gourmet kitchens. Stainless steel appliances and generous counter space are also a big draw. All suites have large private balconies, and residents can enjoy some great amenities.
The suites at 3895 Doug Leavens Blvd are essentially attached houses that sell in the mid-700s in a great area. And therein lies the desirability for this Mississauga complex. For families in search of a safe, and affordable area to call home, there’s a lot to love about the Lisgar neighbourhood along Line 9. The area is populated with diverse families, lots of parks, water features, and quality schools. You’ll also find lots of shopping nearby, plus easy commuter access.
“You’re basically getting the idyllic suburban lifestyle without all the hassle of traditional home maintenance. These townhomes offer generous space, comfortable layouts and an overall higher quality of life,” says Medina.
Inside, finishes vary based on past renovations. Some are quite modern while others are in need of love. Regardless, all suites are open concept and most feature multi-floor layouts, with fenced backyards, and private garages.
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