The winter is a notoriously slow time for Toronto’s housing market, but there are still a few gems out there. These four houses all offer outdoor space and are move-in ready.
Beach 79 Rhodes Ave. (pictured above) #BCH
The price: $429,000
The draw: This character-filled two-bedroom is close to the lake and the Queen East strip (The Burger’s Priest is around the corner). Sitting on a 110-foot-long lot, this property boasts a gorgeous backyard, recent renovations to the kitchen and living room, and a separate side entrance to the basement, which has a four-piece bathroom.
The catch: The bright-yellow paint job and aluminum siding make this an eye-catching home, though not necessarily in a good way. The two upstairs bedrooms are on the small side—one is 64 square feet—and the only parking available is by permit on the street.

Danforth/Woodbine 55 Morton Rd. #DAN
The price: $459,000 sold for $489,700
The draw: Despite its tired exterior, this two-bedroom house has been thoroughly renovated, with hardwood floors throughout, bright rooms and a finished basement rec room. There’s also a detached laneway garage.
The catch: New owners will need cash and elbow grease to boost the curb appeal, and there isn’t much of a backyard to speak of. The narrow property is awkwardly smooshed between a laneway and the neighbour’s unsightly driveway.

Junction Triangle 124 Campbell Ave. #JNT
The price: $469,000 sold for $540,000
The draw: A 10-minute walk from Lansdowne station, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom semi-detached home (with hardwood throughout) is on a quiet, leafy street. Its facade has recently been given a facelift, and the tidy backyard is great for entertaining.
The catch: There have been some updates to the kitchen, but the appliances and bland cabinetry are far from a chef’s dream. Though the basement has a separate entrance, turning it into a rental unit would require some renovations. There’s no parking, but street permits are available.

Annex 232 St. George St., Unit 4 #ANX
The price: $434,900 sold for $495,000
The draw: This 1,200-square-foot condo townhouse is walking distance from bars, shops and restaurants. Located in a newish development, the three-floor unit is outfitted with hardwood floors, a neutral interior, gas fireplace, two terraces and an open-concept living and dining room.
The catch: Though the small kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, its cabinetry is a bit dated and the adjacent dining room is only big enough to seat four people. There are only two bedrooms, but one includes a loft space perfect for a home office.