This bachelor wanted to be free from roommates. He found his new place just down the street

The Buyer: Akshay Kapoor, 29, a data scientist at a financial company.

The Story: In May of 2023, Akshay was living in a three-bedroom Corktown townhouse with two roommates. Hoping for a place to call his own, he started looking for a one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo, but prices were too high. A year later, the market had cooled, and Akshay resumed his search, now also hoping for a balcony, a big kitchen for cooking Indian food, and a proper bedroom with full-length walls and a door. He set a budget of $530,000 and hit the listings.

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Option 1: Front Street East near Jarvis

Listed at: $499,900 Sold for: $505,000

In may of 2024, Akshay saw this home across from the St. Lawrence Market. It was a one-bedroom-plus-den with a decent-size kitchen. But it had drab wall-to-wall carpeting, plus it faced an interior courtyard, which meant no view and little natural light. The complex was older—built around the year 2000—and Akshay figured his unit would require updating in the near future. He was also concerned that its value would depreciate over the long term. He decided not to put in an offer and moved on.

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Option 2: Ordnance Street near Wellington and Strachan

Listed at: $544,000 Sold for: $530,000

Akshay then checked out this larger, glass-tower complex in Liberty Village. It had a balcony and a view, but the kitchen had a tiny sink and very little counter space. “Indian cooking takes up a lot of space,” he says. “This kitchen wasn’t made for people who cook often. The sink wouldn’t fit more than four dishes.” The neighbourhood was also loud—construction, bars, house parties—and all of it made Akshay anxious about committing, especially given his desire for peace and quiet. He didn’t make an offer.

The Buy: Trolley Crescent near King and River

Listed at: $520,000 Sold for: $506,000

Turning his attention back to Corktown, Akshay found this condo. The downsides: it had no balcony, and the bedroom was separated from the living space by a sliding door. But the place had loads of natural light, a huge kitchen and a great southwest view. And despite amenities like a pool and a sauna, maintenance fees were only $400 per month. Akshay offered $500,300, the seller countered with $515,000 and they settled at $506,000. He’s been cooking ever since. “I was lucky to stay in the neighbourhood,” he says. “The people here are so nice.”