With condo prices slowly declining, finding a dreamy unit for under 400-grand should be a snap. Here are some options for buyers who want to stay south of Bloor, or at least on the Bloor line.
DOWNTOWN: 438 Richmond St., Unit 602. (pictured above)
The price: $354,900, maintenance fees $425
The draw: Extra-large windows bring plenty of light into this 680-square-foot one bedroom. There are nine-foot ceilings, a deep Carrera-marble bathtub, plus a small private balcony and a shared rooftop terrace with barbecues.
The catch: The kitchen is narrow and a bit dated. You could knock down the wall separating it from the living room, but that would worsen the unit’s storage problem. Thankfully, a locker is included.
DOWNTOWN: 80 John St., Unit 2502 .
The price: $359,900, maintenance fees $324
The draw: This very modern Festival Tower unit is 630 square feet, including a balcony. Dark wood floors are accented by white cabinetry, appliances are Miele, and window coverings are Hunter Douglas. A storage locker is included.
The catch: Be certain you’re going to use those fancy amenities—otherwise, perks like a pool and a private screening room won’t seem so fab when maintenance fees rise. Also, make sure you like the crowds that will descend during every TIFF, forever.
HIGH PARK: 20 Gothic Ave., Unit 603.
The price: $359,000, maintenance fees $423
The draw: An absolutely stellar location, just seconds from the subway and High Park. Fixtures in the 655-square-foot unit are well maintained, if standard (you know, blond hardwood, dark cabinets, etc.). Locker included.
The catch: This unit squeezes one bedroom and a small den into a tiny space—the master is under 100 square feet, while the den is under 60. Thankfully, there’s a balcony, as well as both a shared party space and a billiards room.
HUMBER BAY: 103 The Queensway, Unit 1215.
The price: $359,900, maintenance fees $398
The draw: Bored by standard condo design? The previous owner apparently spent $30,000 on moody bachelor-pad upgrades, like a fireplace and a stone wall. The space is 700 square feet plus a balcony, and the building has two pools.
The catch: Any trip to the neighbourhood’s best features (the Humber, High Park, and the lake)requires crossing busy thoroughfares (the Queensway and Kingsway, the Gardiner, and Lake Shore).
