Condo Showdown: five Liberty Village units for under $550,000
Liberty Village has morphed from an industrial dead zone into an enclave of concrete, glass and brick in just a few years. Since units are more affordable than in King West proper, the neighbourhood is popular with first-time buyers (young professionals also appreciate the proximity to necessities like a Starbucks, an LCBO, a grocery store, banks, pubs and trendy furniture stores). A budget of about $500,000 will easily cover a two-bedroom condo in one of the newer towers, but those set on a loft-style apartment will have to compromise on amenities or space (or both). Here, five properties recently on the market.
The archetype
Address: 50 Lynn Williams Street, Unit 1511
List price: $429,900
Building fees and amenities: $479.31; Concierge; indoor swimming pool; whirlpool; steam room; fitness center with change rooms; theater room; billiards room; party room with catering kitchen, bar and outdoor patio with barbecues; guest suites
The take: The oldest building in a three-tower development, Battery Park has a raft of shared amenities, including a large pool and fitness centre. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom corner suite has a pair of balconies and more spacious rooms than you’ll find in some of the newer buildings. However, its views have become more obstructed as more buildings have popped up.
Agent: Monte Walls Burris and Frank Bertucca, Keller Williams Referred Urban Realty, Brokerage
The upgrade
Address: 100 Western Battery Road, Unit 1906
List price: $465,000
Building fees and amenities: $483.05; Concierge; gym; indoor pool; party room
The take: This unit also has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, but snazzier finishes and space for a formal dining table make it a great option for a more mature buyer. The 145-square-foot patio has a view of the lake—if you can look past some less-than-beautiful parking lots and construction.
Agent: Kim Kehoe, Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage
The new loft
Address: 5 Hanna Avenue, Unit 314
List price: $469,000
Building fees and amenities: $487.24; Concierge; fitness centre; indoor basketball half court; yoga studio; art gallery; meeting rooms; copy/fax room; kitchen; dog washing station
The take: This unit in the award-winning Liberty Market Loft building riffs on the area’s industrial roots, with a galley-style kitchen and a master bedroom that overlooks the main living area. The second bedroom is small, but comes with a Murphy bed to optimize the space.
Agent: John Phi-Kin Yuen, Re/Max Goldenway Realty Inc., Brokerage
The old loft
Address: 43 Hanna Avenue, Unit 124
List price: $495,000
Building fees and amenities: $285.56; Concierge; hot tub; rooftop patio
The take: Unlike the vast majority of the area’s condos, the Toy Factory Lofts was converted from an existing industrial building. This one bedroom plus den has all the typical loft features, including factory windows, exposed brick and wood beams. The residents are mostly successful artsy-types who appreciate the building’s character and don’t mind the lack of outdoor space.
Agent: Shaun Nilsson, Royal LePage Signature Realty, Brokerage
The outsider
Address: 915 King Street West, Penthouse 4
List price: $524,900
Sold for: $510,000 after 21 days on the market
Building fees and amenities: $610.29; None
The take: The much-lauded Massey Harris lofts are on King Street, just one step outside the confines of Liberty Village proper. This one bedroom plus den is in a newer addition to the top of the building, which means it lacks some of the structure’s heritage character. The consolation prize: two-storey windows that aren’t found in some of the older units.
Agent: Theodore Wakim, Brad J. Lamb Realty Inc., Brokerage
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