Condo of the Week: $330,000 for a design-friendly loft in Briar Hill
Address: 550 Hopewell Avenue, Unit 212
Neighbourhood: Yorkdale-Glen Park
Agent: David Fraser, Metropolitan Commercial Realty, Inc., Brokerage
Price: $334,900
The Place: A swinging bachelor or bachelorette loft space in the Briar Hill area.
Bragging Rights: The owner has a sharp eye for design (although it’s an eye that settles maybe a little too frequently on the Ikea catalogue—we spot several items from the Grundtal collection). The nice fittings and furnishings make this place a lot more appealing than it would otherwise be. But if that’s not enough, did we mention the wine fridge in the kitchen island?
Big Selling Point: As many downtown condo dwellers will know, it’s rare to be allowed a barbecue on a unit’s terrace, let alone one with a dedicated gas hookup. That may not seem so appealing at the moment, but a little snow should never stop a Canadian from enjoying a fire-grilled steak.
Possible Deal Breaker: Though the lofted bed creates a lot more floor space, it may exclude some older potential buyers who lack the necessary spryness.
By the Numbers:
• $334,900
• $390.95 in monthly maintenance fees
• 2 bedrooms
• 1 washroom
• 1 barbeque ready terrace
• 1 wine fridge
• 1 lofted bed
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- The building has that industrial appearance loft buyers seem to like.
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- The owner has used an area rug and some seating to make a small den next to the kitchen.
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- Here's a view of the kitchen through to the den.
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- And a reverse view of the kitchen.
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- The washroom is big for a condo this size.
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- This is technically one of the unit's bedrooms, but it's currently set up as a living room.
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- Cool bed—but can it withstand, uh, vigorous use?
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- The terrace has a coveted barbecue hookup.
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. The nice fittings and furnishings make this place a lot more appealing than it would otherwise be. But if that’s not enough, did we mention the wine fridge in the kitchen island?
Big Selling Point: As many downtown condo dwellers will know, it’s rare to be allowed a barbecue on a unit's terrace, let alone one with a dedicated gas hookup. That may not seem so appealing at the moment, but a little snow should never stop a Canadian from enjoying a fire-grilled steak.
Possible Deal Breaker: Though the lofted bed creates a lot more floor space, it may exclude some older potential buyers who lack the necessary spryness.
By the Numbers:
• $334,900
• $390.95 in monthly maintenance fees
• 2 bedrooms
• 1 washroom
• 1 barbeque ready terrace
• 1 wine fridge
• 1 lofted bed
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I’ve got to say… I wasn’t expecting something this spiffy from the outside. Wow. That is one groovy loft!
This will be basically an instant decision to the right (and quirky enough) buyer, being so unique. The area isn’t fantastic (although it is home to a South American restaurant that I have maintained for some time now as having the best steak I’ve had anywhere in Toronto), which had ought to be taken into account, considering that condos can be bought at a comparable price point in the Yonge and Eg area, which is essentially the mecca of uptown Toronto living.
The article understates this condo a bit, in that it’s not a bachelor pad, as the beginning of the article states. Rather, it’s a two-bedroom condo – which is becoming more and more rare – and yes, I did verify that it’s a two bedroom by checking out the listing on the MLS – http://www.realtor.ca/propertyDetails.aspx?PropertyId=15090337
Now, the biggest point of concern (to me) that wasn’t mentioned in the article is whether or not there is a parking space included. This doesn’t really matter downtown… but given how far this is from the subway or GO stations, it’s more likely that one will require (or at least have) a car.
Fortunately, as per the listing, there is a parking space – which makes this listing all the more attractive – right along with the relatively low maintenance fees, and the ability to use a BBQ on your patio (mmm… grilled).
One other thing that’s not mentioned is the property taxes… assuming they’re not included in the condo maintenance fee (which they usually aren’t), this will be an additional $2,000 to $2,500 per year – which is certainly worth taking into consideration.
Not sure how I feel about the elevated bed, though. I tend to roll around a bit, and that might get a tad dangerous.
A whole lot of white walls and no character or uniqueness. This isnt a steal or a deal.
This place looks great and is priced reasonably. Scottld is just a hater and still lives in his mom’s basement.
No, Scott is a design graduate and works in the media primarily in visual arts and he owns a home. Zimm is a name caller, one step up from the troll category. Hey Zimm take a hint; read the facebook postings and the other posts about this property. They mostly are saying the same thing as me. If you want to live in a place that looks like a hotel lobby be my guest.