Last year was a lot of things, but one thing it wasn't? Lacking in the Toronto real estate market department.
From January through December, 2020 boasted listings for bungalows, lofts, laneway houses, mansions, and (nearly) everything in between; many of which had even those already in love with their current homes hankering to make a move.
As we collectively embrace the dawn of a new age 2021, it's high time to reflect on the year past and make plans for the 12 months to come. Enter: a review of the top properties that hit Toronto's market in 2020.
Maybe you're planning to move house (or condo) this year and you're looking for some inspiration. Maybe you're keen on redecorating your current place and you want to glean some insight from the staging experts.
Or maybe you're simply still easing into returning to your normal routine and you need something fun to read during this afternoon's (perhaps extended) lunch break.
READ: The 5 ‘Most Affordable’ Condos Sold in Toronto this Past Month
Whatever the reason you're keen to see them, we won't make you wait any longer. These were 15 of our favourite properties to hit Toronto's real estate market in 2020.
Under $1 Million
1. 2-Bed Broadview Loft Serves “Balanced Perfection”
It’s easy to gripe about what $1 million can get you in Toronto, shed-like spaces and spots deemed “unsafe to enter” considered. But 430 - 68 Broadview Avenue proves that with patience, perseverance, and some exploration of the east end, there are still chances to strike gold. The space is, unquestionably, ideal — particularly for those with a keen eye for slick design and a love for urban atmosphere.
Nestled into the heart of one of the city’s most endearing neighbourhoods, the property is like a sanctuary in the centre of it all.
Specs:
- Status: Sold
- Address: 430 – 68 Broadview Avenue
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 2
- Size: 1,100 sq. ft.
- Price: $999,000
- Taxes: $3,367/yr
- Maintenance fees: $821/mo
2. Darling 2-Storey Semi in Old Toronto Asking Just $629K
This semi-detached, revamped home in Old Toronto is downright darling with its open-yet-cozy vibe. It’s the kind of place you can imagine settling down in with your partner, a four-legged friend, and maybe even a (small) kid. And asking $629,000, it’s pricing is more akin to what condos are currently asking than houses. Featuring 2-bedrooms and 1-bathroom, this abode at 819 Craven Road has an adorable front yard garden and a modern facade with a statement red door that will surely garner some attention from those passing by.
Stats:
- Status:Sold
- Address: 819 Craven Road
- Type: Semi-detached
- Style: 2-storey
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 1
- Size: N/A
- Lot Size: 11.75 x 78 Feet
- Price: $629,000
- Taxes: $2,507 /yr
3. Call This Gorgeous Scarborough Bluffs Houseboat Home for $325K
If it’s forever summer in your heart, why not fully embrace your truth by snatching up this dreamy houseboat and calling it home? Sure, the city possesses a plethora of homes on the waterfront, but it’s not often you come across the chance to live directly on that water. And that’s just what E-55 – 7 Brimley Road is offering up.
Listed for a (relatively) breezy $325,ooo, the Bluffers Park paradise is tiny but mighty, and a peek inside may fool you into believing you’ve entered an airy downtown loft instead of a boat-meets-home in The Scarborough Bluffs. The open-concept living room, for example, feels particularly spacious. While the whole home features less than 500-square-feet of space, you’ll likely forget that floorspace is limited with the horizon consistently in view.
Specs:
- Status:Inactive
- Address: E-55 – 7 Brimley Road
- Type: Detached Condo
- Style: Bungaloft
- Bedrooms: 1
- Bathrooms: 1
- Size: 0-499 sq. ft.
- Price: $325,000
- Taxes: $700/year
- Maintenance: $750/mo
4. Tiny But Mighty Scarborough Bungalow Hits Market for $750K
A house doesn’t have to be huge to be swoon-worthy. After all, the larger a spot’s square-footage, the more there is to clean! This bungalow in Scarborough gets it, and is making a strong case for smaller abodes. The little brick house at 145 McIntosh Street, which isn’t boasting its exact size, sits atop a large, 140-sq. ft. lot in Cliffside Village. Asking $749,000, the property is located in walkable surroundings; shops and necessities are nearby while downtown is only 20 minutes away via transit.
Specs:
- Status: Sold
- Address: 145 McIntosh Street
- Type: Detached
- Style: Bungalow
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 2
- Size: N/A
- Lot Size: 25 x 140 ft.
- Price: $749,000
- Taxes: $3,202 /yr
5. Tiny Shed-Like House Hits Market in Little Italy for $1 Million
Where these properties are concerned, we said "favourite." We didn't say favourite what, however. (See: love-to-hate.)
Which is to say, we would be remise if we did not include 300 Euclid Avenue -- a detached two-bedroom, one-bathroom bungalow, priced at $999,999. At first glance, the house appears to be a shed for the home next door. But the lot itself offers 2,600 sq. ft. and houses a two-car garage, which is actually what makes its price hurt the most… it’s likely that this property was asking under its value for anyone with the money and patience to erect a new home in its place.
Quickly, that estimate proved true, as the property promptly sold for $800,000 over its listed price.
Specs:
- Status:Sold
- Address: 300 Euclid Avenue
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 1
- Sq. ft: N/A
- Lot: 20.16 x 129 Feet
- Taxes: $5,307
- Price: $999,999.00
- Sold: $1,800,000
$1 Million to $3 Million
6. Stunning Simpson Avenue 5-Bed for Less Than $2 Million
Spacious and sun-filled, this North Riverside property boasts five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and ample outdoor space. Standing tall in the heart of one of the coziest neighbourhoods the east side has to offer, 96 Simpson Avenue is a truly ideal family home.
The address has been fully renovated, and comes fully-finished with exceptional features including a custom-designed kitchen with ample storage. Bright and airy rooms, encased by large windows, are filled with natural light, while an all-glass, four-season family room overlooks the property’s large backyard. In this hangout space, the whole family can gather for a movie on a rainy night or for board games in mid-winter.
Specs:
- Status:Sold
- Address: 96 Simpson Avenue
- Type: Detached
- Style: 3-storey
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 4
- Size: N/A
- Lot Size: 25.00 x 116.67 Feet
- Price: $1,996,000
- Taxes: $9,080 /y
7. Enchanting Cabbagetown Cottage Asking Under $1.3 Million
Toronto is a treasure trove of quaint and charming properties, but we’re not sure we’ve ever seen one quite like 64 Amelia Street. Owned by the seller — who may or may not be Pomona Sprout (we can’t confirm) — since 1973, the home is asking $1,295,000. According to its listing, the space “requires a comprehensive renovation,” and is priced to reflect the investment that will require. While, understandably, the property may actually need upgrades to ensure it’s up to code across the board, if we had our way… we might not change a thing.
Specs:
- Status:Sold
- Address: 64 Amelia Street
- Type: Att/Row/Townouse
- Style: Bungalow
- Bedrooms: 1
- Bathrooms: 1
- Size: N/A
- Price: $1,295,000
- Taxes: $6,963/yr
8. High Park Home Provides a Peaceful Forested Hideaway
The last 10 months (yeesh) have continually emphasized for most the importance of loving where you live. And, if you’ve realized you, in fact, don’t love where you live, this High Park haven is inspo to switch things up so you do. It’s not often a Toronto listing comes along offering the chance to live out your most enchanted childhood dreams, after all.
Wedged between High Park and Bloor West Village on a quaint and quiet cul-de-sac, 31 Dacre Crescent might be where fairies live. Or at least right next to where fairies live.
Specs:
- Status: Sold
- Address: 31 Dacre Crescent
- Type: Detached
- Style: 2-Storey
- Bedrooms: 3+1
- Bathrooms: 2
- Size: N/A
- Price: $2,650,000
- Taxes: $8,622
9. Take Us To Church: Historical East End Property Asking Under $2M
If you’ve ever hoped that one of your home’s most distinguishing characteristics would be a pew or two, 562 Jones Avenue, serves as a once-in-a-blue-moon opportunity. The 2-storey detached, asking $1,995,000, is unlike most others… in that it’s currently operating as a church. An all-brick, three-bedroom house stems off the rear of the well-maintained building, and is complete with a detached garage suitable for two-car parking. On top of the space’s functionality, it’s also down-right funky. Who wouldn’t be intrigued by the opportunity to reside in a historical and hauntingly beautiful space such as this?
Specs:
- Status:For sale
- Address: 562 Jones Avenue
- Type: Detached
- Bedrooms: 3+1
- Bathrooms: 3
- Size: 3,500 – 5,000 sq. ft.
- Lot size: 30.00 x 100 ft.
- Price: $1,995,000
- Taxes: $433.59 / yr
10. Listed: Funky Summerhill Laneway Home with Rooftop Respite Asks $1.3M
Funky freshness and cozy home vibes don’t need to be mutually exclusive; such a case is made by 40R Shaftesbury Avenue, newly-listed and providing a groovy place to hibernate in Summerhill. Spanning the entire building, the two-bedroom, two-bathroom home is steps (a one-minute walk!) from Summerhill TTC Station, placing it in a particularly coveted — and accessible — area of the city.
The address is one of the original laneway houses designed by superkül, a Toronto-based sustainable architecture practice, which creates “buildings and spaces that are functional, beautiful, and unusual.” Other projects under their name include “Tree House” in High Park, Fielding Estate Winery in Beamsville, and both Rosedale and Queen West’s Aesop stores.
Specs:
- Status:Inactive
- Address: 40R Shaftesbury Avenue
- Type: Freehold
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 2
- Size: N/A
- Lot Size: 20 x 42 ft.
- Price: $1,295,000
- Taxes: $6,717/yr
Over $3 Million
11. Ultra-Chic South Hill Pad Makes Solid Case for Moving House
Even if moving house wasn't a top 2020 priority, this property just off Avenue Road made a serious case for consideration. High-end, minimal, and beautifully positioned in one of the city’s most opulent neighbourhoods, 21 Clarendon Avenue stuns. The home — asking $3,950,000 — combines overall elevated design with meticulous attention to detail, making for a lavish experience from top to bottom.
Specs:
- Status:Sold
- Address: 21 Clarendon Avenue
- Type: Detached
- Style: 2-storey
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 5
- Size: N/A
- Lot Size: 32 x 80 ft.
- Price: $3,950,000
- Taxes: $8,504 /yr
12. $4.2M Rosedale Estate Stands Where Flora Meets Fauna
Seeing the market last year for the first time since 1976, 61 Roxborough Drive feels — in a word — special. With an interior reminiscent of a modern farmhouse and an exterior that might just be the entrance to Terabithia, the home is marked by both its aesthetic and its energy.
Renovated and restored, the two-storey family home is particularly well-placed, with consideration to the Park Drive Reservation Lands and Trail, and Yellow Creek, all of which run alongside the back of the property.
Specs:
- Status:Inactive
- Address: 61 Roxborough Drive
- Type: Detached
- Style: 2-Storey
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 3
- Size: N/A
- Lot Size: 50.00 x 211 Feet
- Price: $4,249,000
- Taxes: $15,640 / year
13. Sun-Soaked Stunner in Bennington Heights Pulls Out All The Stops
Cold days and long nights spent indoors don’t sound too shabby if they’re happening at 11 Lumley Avenue. The luxe, lofty, lavish home just south of Leaside asks a trade of $6,495,000 for a winter — and, ultimately, a lifetime — full of comfort, natural sunlight, and perfect views from all angles.
Described as “one of the most architecturally significant homes” to hit midtown’s market in 2020, the two-storey structure boasts breathtaking design, sophistication, and impressive craftsmanship.
Specs:
- Status: For sale
- Address: 11 Lumley Avenue
- Type: Detached
- Style: 2-Storey
- Bedrooms: 4+1
- Bathrooms: 5
- Size: 3000-3500 sqft
- Lot Size: 59.09 x 98.83 Feet
- Price: $6,495,000
- Taxes: $15,850 /yr
14. Forest Hill 4+1 Bed Features Stunning All-Season Backyard Oasis
If “stunning outdoor space that can be enjoyed all year round” is on the top of your new-home-hunting list, this Forest Hill estate fits the bill. The backyard is a major selling point at 208 Glenayr Road, but as we detail here all the reasons why this luxe, newly-listed spot should be on your radar, we’ll ask you to practice patience. Before we head out back, there’s a whole 4+1 bedroom home to experience.
Specs:
- Status:Inactive
- Address: 208 Glenayr Road
- Type: Detached
- Style: 2 1/2 Storey
- Bedrooms: 4+1
- Bathrooms: 6
- Size: 3000-3500 sqft
- Lot Size: 40 x 130 ft.
- Price: $4,295,000
- Taxes: $14,849 /yr
15. Former Leafs Player’s Prior Home Asks Over $11 Million
If you’re on the market for an elaborate estate and a slice of Canadian sport history, you could score this Bridle Path property — previously owned by NHLer Patrick Marleau — for a cool $11.9 million. Alas, Marleau is no longer a Maple Leafs forward; he’s back with the San Jose Sharks following a two-year stint with the Toronto team. Nor is he the owner of 113 Mildenhall Road any longer; he sold it when he left the city last year.
But, evidence of the pro athlete’s presence is still prevalent (and we don’t mean via a phantom stink from his hockey equipment).
Specs:
- Status: For sale
- Address: 113 Mildenhall Road
- Type: Freehold
- Style: 2-Storey
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 7
- Depth and Frontage: 459.13 x 101.5 sq. ft.
- Price: $11,888,000
- Taxes: $53,181.75 / yr
With files from Ainsley Smith.
