How to Hack the Market

Finding affordable, centrally located, passably hygienic accommodations in Toronto can feel impossible. Houses are laughably expensive; condos are cramped; spacious, non-grimy rentals are rare. For some, the solution is to book it to the suburbs and never look back. But there’s another option: get creative. The Torontonians in the pages ahead—students, young professionals, first-time buyers, empty nesters, retirees and more—all found ways to live well within their respective budgets. The lesson: in these times of low vacancy rates, sky-high prices and dashed dreams, there is hope.

Seven Ways to Hack the Market

Part 1: The Skinny Dippers Three buyers who scored narrow plots of prime real estate and found a way to make it work

Part 2: The Co-owners These couples couldn’t afford much individually, so they pooled their resources and nabbed a gem in the Annex

Part 3: The First-Timers Two young professionals needed a bit of help to buy a condo. Then they found Options for Homes, a non-profit that provides no-interest loans

Part 4: Microsize Me A condo building that offers tiny living without the claustrophobia

Part 5: Young at Heart Empty nesters who need help around the house; cash-strapped college kids who need cheap lodging. The solution: HomeShare

Part 6: The Year of Living Nomadically My relationship had gone to ashes, my apartment to my ex, and I was broke. My salvation? Serial house-sitting

Part 7: All in the Family This Toronto builder is designing homes for multiples generations, each in their own space, all under one roof

This package originally appeared in the May 2019 issue of Toronto Life magazine. To subscribe, for just $29.95 a year, click here.