It’s easy to get overwhelmed when buying a modern Toronto condo. The options are almost endless. If you’re the type of person who has a hard time deciding between whole wheat and sourdough toast at brunch, the idea of choosing your condo’s finishings and features could actually seem like a nightmare. 

In addition to thinking about the features that you want to see, you’re likely thinking about the long game. Most people don’t buy condos and live in them forever, so you’ll like want to make some choices that will help improve the future sale of the condo. 

Great, more options. 

That’s where we come in! Here are some of our favourite upgrades to make in a modern Toronto condo that are totally worth it when it comes to selling the condo down the road. 

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Today’s Condo Buyer Expects Stainless Steel 

Can you picture appliances in any other finish but stainless steel? Depending on your age, you might remember when black glossy appliances were all the rage. Or maybe you grew up in an all-white kitchen (complete with chicken or cow accents on the tea towels). Or maybe, if you are of a certain–ahem–vintage, you might remember when appliances came in different colours, notably that light mustard yellow you might see on long-lost episodes of Mad Men. 

Regardless of what you grew up with, appliances in the 2020s are decidedly stainless steel. It’s a durable, neutral finish that matches every type of decor and can elevate a basic-looking kitchen into something more special. 

Stainless is so ubiquitous now that most people buying condos automatically expect it. And if your condo doesn’t have stainless steel or (s/s as we say on the MLS®) they will likely scroll right past your listing. 

Looking for more info on buying or selling modern Toronto homes and condos? Read these posts next: 

• 5 Features that Could Make or Break Your Modern Toronto Home
• When Should Seniors Sell Their Homes?
• Dishing on Your Top Toronto Selling FAQs

What’s Next in Appliances? 

If you want to get ahead of the game and go beyond stainless steel, you could opt for the next big thing. Built-in appliances that are covered or designed in a way to look completely custom to the space. What are we talking about? Ranges built into countertops, single or double ovens mounted in the wall, or even dishwashers or fridge doors designed to look exactly like the surrounding cabinetry. 

Speaking of cabinetry…

Sleek Cabinets are In 

Back around the same time as the white appliances, came the rise in popularity of ornate cabinetry. Cabinets are notoriously expensive and the cabinets of the 1990s and early 2000s had perfectly good reason to be. With extensive millwork, fancy handles, and custom paint, cabinetry was a popular way to refresh your kitchen and flex your style. 

But cabinetry is not revered this way by modern condo buyers. In fact, someone purchasing a condo might be more inclined to love a kitchen or a bathroom if the cabinets have a minimalist Scandinavian design. 

Modern condo owners care more about space and functionality when it comes to their kitchens and sleek cabinets in a glossy finish with hidden handles, and soft-touch fixtures, and as an added bonus, custom interior organization is much preferred. 

Is it time to sell your condo? Here are 5 signs it’s time to ditch your Toronto condo. Read more.

It’s All About Lighting 

This is less of an upgrade you can make to your condo, and more of something we recommend looking out for when making your purchase. In a condo, natural light often comes at a premium. Condos with covered balconies, or buildings located in the thick of things downtown, might struggle to get ample natural light. 

The solution?

Floor-to-ceiling windows are always a plus for anyone purchasing a condo. It looks super modern and gives the space so much room to breathe. Additionally, the amount of light that comes in with a floor-to-ceiling window is incredible. Buyers practically line up to see modern condos with floor-to-ceiling windows. 

Learn more about selling your home in Toronto here: 

• Should You Hire Your BFF to Sell Your Home?
• 4 Reasons Why Your Home Isn’t Selling
• 3 Things Buyers are Swiping LEFT On

Wall-to-Wall Carpet is Out 

Again, some might remember when wall-to-wall carpeting was an appealing selling feature in a home. And we get it! It’s cozy and warm, but today’s buyer simply detests wall-to-wall carpeting. 

Hardwood, engineered hardwood, and even laminate flooring are much preferred over any type of carpet. 

The reason? Hardwood or laminate is easy to clean and much more sanitary. It doesn’t wear as quickly, and the overall aesthetic is much more sleek and modern. 

However, when it comes to hardwood or laminate. There are even more options. Do you get dark brown? Light brown? Grey? Narrow plank? Wide plank? We could go on but we’ll stop. 

In our humble opinion, light-coloured hardwood in a warm tone is probably your safest bet. It’s neutral, looks great in any style of decor, and is likely to stay in style for a long time to come. 

Buy with Your Heart, Sell with Your Brain 

While this list is meant to give you some insight into what buyers of the future might look for in a modern Toronto condo when the time comes for you to sell, we should also caution against putting too much pressure on yourself when making your initial investment. 

As your home, your condo should be about you. It should always be a balance between expressing yourself, showing off your great taste, and making savvy choices now that will help you in the future! 

Whether you’re buying your first condo or you’re ready to move on and sell, we can help! Call or text me at 647-973-8392.