The Chase: How this renter scored a one-bedroom-plus-den in Scarborough

The renter: Jasmine Boateng, 30, a freelance content creator

The story: In July of 2021, Jasmine, originally from Ghana, was studying marketing at the Toronto School of Management and growing tired of her shared student housing. She figured that, with her part-time income, she could afford $1,600 a month, and she started looking at spots close to transit. But, after months of searching, nothing. By mid-2022, Jasmine’s freelance work had picked up, so she raised her budget to $2,400. She also convinced a friend with a full-time gig to co-sign her lease. Here’s what happened next.

Option 1: Sonic Way, near Don Mills and Eglinton

Listed at: $2,400 Rented for: $2,500

Jasmine saw this one-bedroom-plus-den in June of 2022 and loved the views. It had tons of storage and natural light, which would be perfect for filming videos. She also appreciated the building’s amenities: a gym and pilates room, a bowling alley, and a music room. And the place was steps from the future Eglinton Crosstown. She submitted an application at asking—but was gutted to learn she had been outbid by $100, which was extra disappointing since she would have been willing to up her budget. “By the time I heard what was happening, it was too late,” she says.

Option 2: McMahon Drive, near Bayview and Sheppard

Listed at: $2,450 Rented for: $2,500

The next apartment was a one-bedroom, one-bathroom in Bayview Village just north of the 401. The place was close to several shops and restaurants, and like the last one, it was open and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows. It was also in great condition, with brand new appliances, and had a balcony, which wasn’t on Jasmine’s must-have list but was a perk nonetheless. She loved the neighbourhood’s accessibility—both Bessarion and Leslie stations were a 10-minute walk from the building. She offered the listing price but lost out again, this time by just $50.

The find: Sheppard Avenue East, near Sheppard and Warden

Listed at: $2,400 Rented for: $2,400

Jasmine visited this one-bedroom-plus-den a few weeks later. It was in a brand new tower, with some of the units still under construction. Her apartment didn’t have massive windows like some of the others she’d seen, but the light was decent, the appliances still had plastic on them and she liked the idea of being the first to live in the space. She met the owner at the viewing, and the two hit it off. When she submitted a bid at asking, the landlord immediately accepted. “I’m not planning on leaving soon,” says Jasmine. “I’m still loving Toronto.”