I would be hard pressed to come up with a more requested style of property over the course of my 15 years selling real estate than the coveted Toronto Loft.  The conversation always starts the same… “I’m looking for….” And I listen carefully as our future buyer describes a unique space and lifestyle reminiscent of a Friends episode (minus the roommate).  And in truth…Who wouldn’t want that?  But before we discuss the probability of such a Unicorn existing in the Toronto real estate market I feel it’s necessary to decode and define what a Toronto Loft “is” and “isn’t”.

In my experience when someone says “I want to sell my loft” or “I want to buy a Loft” they could mean one of three things; A Hard Loft, A Soft Loft or a 2 Level Loft.  Truthfully, the differences can be a varying as the characters Ross, Monica and Chandler (sorry I couldn’t resist).  So let’s decode the lingo as it relates to Toronto Lofts.

Toronto Loft

/härd lôft/

A hard loft is an existing building, warehouse or church converted into residential apartments.   Think post and beam ceilings, concrete pillars, large open spaces, warehouse windows and exposed brick.  Basically the stuff of real estate dreams.  In my experience, when people say “find me a loft loft”, this is what they mean.  Hard Lofts aren’t for everyone. 

First of all… she’s expensive!  There are only so many buildings that fit the bill.  Supply and demand drives prices up for buyers looking for an “outside the box” apartment lifestyle and these features can come with a price tag 20%+ above the cost of the “basic” condo. 

What you gain in unique finishes can be offset with the loss of some conveniences like amenities and outdoor space since the building wasn’t constructed with residential living in mind.  You will also find some of the most iconic Lofts outside the immediate downtown core since that’s where many of factory’s and warehouses live. 

Overall this is a hella cool living space if you have the budget.  A few of my fav Toronto Hard Lofts are The Merchandise Building – 135 and 155 Dalhousie St the former Sears Warehouse, The Toy Factory Lofts at 43 Hanna Ave once home to the Irwin Toy Factory and The Candy Factory Lofts at 993 Queen St W. as the name suggests previously the Ce De Candy Company.

Toronto Loft

/sôft lôft /

Think of soft lofts like the cooler sister of the condo world.  She’s a hybrid of condo functionality and loft style. 

With the necessity for condo living in Toronto and demand for lofty finishes, developers started creating apartments with more unique features like polished concrete floors, over height ceilings, huge windows and even reclaimed brick walls (We’re looking at you Showcase Lofts – 88 Colgate Ave). 

While some same nothing beats the real thing… most soft lofts do include amenities like modern fully equipped gyms, balconies or terraces for some private outdoor space, more central locations and perks like parking for your guests. 

Soft Lofts while not “authentic lofts” fetch a premium price and can even exceed Hard Lofts in some instances when buyers factor in convenience and extra features and when it comes to Toronto real estate for sale location matters. 

To name drop a few, here are some of the most requested soft lofts for sale; the Electra Lofts at 1029 King St W, the Camden Lofts at 29 Camden St and the Chelsea Lofts at 1375 Dupont St.

Toronto Loft

/2 ˈlevəl lôft /

Last but certainly not least… enter the 2 level loft or 2 storey loft.  If buyers don’t mean a hard loft when they call this is usually what they’re after. Two story loft buildings can be hard lofts, soft lofts or a blend of both. 

Buildings like the Tip Top Lofts at 637 Lake Shore Blvd (the former Tip Top Tailors Factory) feature suites in the original art deco building for the first 5 floors and then modern 2 level soft lofts on the top 3 floors. 

1100 Lansdowne, the Foundry Lofts, is a former train station with multi level lofts complete with drool worthy arched windows, exposed brick and is an excellent example of the hard loft version of a 2 level loft. 

Hands down one of THE most requested 2 storey lofts from our website are the Mystic Point Lofts on Manitoba St in Etobicoke.  They have over height ceilings, sprawling windows and an open bedroom overlooking the living space below.  They attract buyers like a moth to a flame based on the ample square footage and affordable price tag.  I’m partial to the gas fire places and fun fact… I actually made an offer on suite in Mystic Point Lofts when I was buying my first home.  I still think of her as “the one that got away”. 

In all seriousness, this is a fun and in demand style of property and while having a floor between you and your spouse can be good for the relationship in some cases it also isn’t without it’s challenges. 

Open concept bedrooms work well if you’re on the same sleep schedule and routine.  But if one of you is a night owl and the other is a Saturday morning spin addict, the late night comedy special or early morning coffee grinder can create some friction.  Oh and you’ll want some blinds… with a remote.  If it’s a bright space you’re after 18 foot ceilings have you covered.  These types of lofts are popular with photographers and artists or anyone looking for a bright new home.

Now that we’ve covered the DL on the different types of Toronto Lofts…

Is a Loft the right fit for you?  I would consider buying a loft in Toronto to be a lifestyle purchase.  You will pay a premium (often substantial) over and above a more traditional condo for sale in the area. 

Think of buying a Loft like shopping for a handbag at Louis Vuitton v.s Michael Kors.  Both serve the same purpose, but like LV, Loft spaces have a certain prestige, quality and uniqueness that will command higher prices.  However, even looking past the spendy price tag, the layout and locations aren’t for everyone. 

2 level lofts can translate into a layout where one floor is awesome and one is super awkward (this is especially true for smaller units).  Splitting 600sqft in half and stacking them on top of each other and then adding a staircase into the mix isn’t always the most practical.  Factor in your spouse blending their morning smoothie at 6am and you could have a recipe for a few fights.

So after all of that would I buy one? Hell to the yes! As soon as my kid moves out (he’s 4 so I have a few years to go) I plan to sell my house and revert back to apartment life and the sweet, sweet bliss of high ceilings, expansive views and zero exterior home maintenance.  Until then I’ll simply live vicariously through our clients as we guide them through purchasing or selling their Toronto Loft. 

What about you? Are you #TeamLoft?  Do you dream of owning your own Loft?  Don’t be shy… we are just a call or text away if you would like some advice on buying a loft (or ANY home) in Toronto at 647-973-8392. 

OR If you’re considering selling your Toronto Loft text/call or DM me for a no obligation evaluation on your Loft and tips on what to do and what NOT to do to get your Loft ready to sell.  Toronto Condos, Lofts and Unique Modern Homes are our specialty. 

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