Real Estate

Condo Showdown: five waterfront condos for under $500,000

Condo Showdown: five waterfront condos for under $500,000

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Condo Showdown: five condos on the water for under $500,000

No wonder Toronto’s feverish condo construction is at its most intense on the borders of Lake Ontario: the waterfront boasts calming lake views, proximity to the downtown core and the Island airport, and the promise of several government-initiated beautification projects. However, a brand new tower with flashy finishes isn’t the sole option for the would-be waterfront dweller. Older buildings along the stretch may need overhauling, but they tend to offer more square footage for your money. Here, five properties currently on the market, from a loft in the Tip Top building to an Oakville suite with a slew of amenities.

The classic harbourfront unit

Address: 77 Harbour Square, Unit 3404
List price: $379,000
Building fees and amenities: $524.66. Concierge; guest suites; fitness centre; swimming pool; restaurant; lounge; cleaning staff; shuttle bus service to downtown
The take: Hotel-like amenities and views of the lake have attracted business types to this building at the foot of York Street since it went up in 1991. This spacious one-bedroom has had several updates over the past two decades, including granite countertops, new appliances and a renovated bathroom. The low price also leaves room for further upgrades (the kitchen could use a refresh).
Agent: Carl Langschmidt, Royal LePage Your Community Realty, Brokerage

The heritage loft

Address: 637 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Unit 126
List price: $498,000
Building fees and amenities: $506.64. Concierge; outdoor patio; fitness centre; hot tub; sauna; yoga studio
The take: The Tip Top Lofts is one of the oldest and best-known properties on the waterfront, popular with young professionals who appreciate its Art Deco vibe. This one-bedroom-plus-den has an open layout with factory-style windows and a spectacular balcony. The den (currently used as a second bedroom) is a decent size, though it lacks privacy.
Agent: Terry Szwec, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage

The new loft

Address: 90 Stadium Road, Unit 720
List price: $489,000
Sold for: $484,500 after 9 days on the market
Building fees and amenities: $477. Concierge; fitness centre; billiards room; theatre; party rooms; car wash
The take: The Tip Top Lofts’ younger, shinier sister building is less expensive than the original. This two-bedroom unit also a better view of the lake and updated finishes. There are no heritage features, but the layout is spacious and the good-sized second bedroom has a closet and balcony access.
Agent: Elizabeth Goulart, Sutton Group Quantum Realty Inc., Brokerage

The condo just out of town

Address: 2111 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Unit 719
List price: $415,000
Building fees and amenities: $754.83. Concierge; party room; media room; library and games room; fitness centre with sauna and change rooms; bicycle storage; guest suites
The take: Move further west and you get a lot more condo for your money. This two-bedroom unit in Mimico (a neighbourhood that made our Where to Buy Now list last year) comes in at 1,075 square feet and recently underwent a $35,000 renovation. It also has direct access to several waterfront walking and bike trails.
Agent: Anissa Wong, Re/Max Realtron Realty Inc., Brokerage

The Oakville equivalent

Address: 11 Bronte Road, Unit 404
List price: $479,900
Building fees and amenities: $544.18. Concierge; library lounge; guest suite; party room; fitness and yoga centre; media centre; theatre; rooftop pool with patio, change rooms, sauna and outdoor kitchen
The take: Move even further out of town and things start to get expensive again. This 838-square-foot one-bedroom in Oakville’s swanky Bronte Village has a two-sided fireplace, a balcony that spans the width of the unit and access to the building’s stunning rooftop pool. The bedroom, however, has no windows.
Agent: Rina Di Risio, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage

Topics: Condo Showdown Condos Real Estate Toronto Waterfront

5 thoughts on “Condo Showdown: five waterfront condos for under $500,000”

  1. People need to realize that we live in Canada, sure it’s nice to be near the water in the summer but it’s dreadful the other 8 the months

  2. What do u mean, I sail for 6 months of the year and know others who sail 8 months in Lake Ontario, I love seeing the lake and being near the water.

  4. I’ve lived at waterfront for almost 5 years – it’s actually warmer in the winter, and cooler in summer because of the lake effect. Large bodies of water moderate temperature. In the winter it’s way colder around dundas square than it ever is around queens quay.

  5. Bet everyone can hardly wait for Porter jets blasting by every 2 minutes if CEO Deluce and the Toronto Port Authority ram the proposal through. Values will tank.

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