Condo Pro: Families Flocking To Condominiums

By Barbara Lawlor

There’s a real movement in condominiums across the Greater Toronto Area to include more three-bedroom suites in the designs. The City of Toronto now requires developers to include a certain percentage, and this is a refreshing step forward. Apartment-style living is standard practice in the rest of the world, and with condominium sales skyrocketing, Toronto is certainly taking its place as a cosmopolitan city in this way. 

Condominiums are an ideal choice for young urban families, as well as couples with older children. Years ago, larger suites were usually purchased by empty-nesters moving from big homes and wanting the same level of luxury they were used to. Now, many of these spacious suites are within the financial reach of average buyers, even layouts with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a powder room and family room. With the prices of low-rise homes having risen so much over the past decade, condominiums are an affordable alternative for families who want to own a home and build equity.

And where better than in Toronto? There are many couples who live and work downtown who would love to continue to do so, even after they have children. In fact, we’re even seeing young families from the suburbs opting for condo life in the city, because it eliminates long commutes and allows for more time to be spent with their young ones.

Toronto is a wonderful city for youth. We have excellent schools, beautiful parks, museums, art galleries, sports and entertainment venues, and a raft of other amenities. As children grow, they can eventually walk, hop on a bus or the subway for outings on their own, without their parents having to drive them everywhere. This means they can enjoy more freedom than they might in the suburbs.

Then consider the condominium lifestyle, which includes the peace-of-mind of built-in security measures. Concierge service alone is a great comfort, providing “eyes on the street” that help to protect you and your children. And let’s not forget condo amenities, which today often include facilities that are perfect for families and youth. Imagine being able to book the party room right in your building to hold a birthday celebration, or having a swimming pool and games room just an elevator ride away.

We are seeing an influx of new and innovative amenities at many buildings as well. At The Daniels Corporation’s Cinema Tower just steps from King and John, for example, residents will have the use of a double-height multi-sport gymnasium with a basketball court, a special movie screening room, and an outdoor terrace with barbecue areas. There will even be an amenities coordinator to program these recreational spaces! And at Mississauga City Centre, Daniels’ Limelight Condominiums features a multi-purpose full-court gym that can be used for basketball and volleyball games, karate lessons and more. Kids will never be bored in these environments.

There are so many examples of this kind of lateral thinking on the part of developers. In Leslieville, The Carlaw by Streetcar Developments has a landscaped courtyard and sun deck with barbecue and dining areas – ideal for families. And where Yorkville meets The Annex, Menkes’ Pears on the Avenue includes a spa-inspired indoor pool and whirlpool, fully-equipped gym, multi-purpose party room, screening room and a landscaped terrace. And speaking of outdoor areas, Toronto is home to an amazing number of beautiful parks where families can picnic, walk their dogs and enjoy the outdoors together.

Three-bedroom designs are becoming more available, and you can also find the occasional two-bedroom suite with the option of combining it with a studio for a larger layout. They say it takes a community to raise a child, and as more people realize that condominiums are essentially vertical communities, it is understandable why so many families are opting for this lifestyle across the GTA.

Barbara Lawlor is president of Baker Real Estate Incorporated and an in-demand columnist and speaker. A member of the Baker team since 1993, she oversees the marketing and sales of condominium developments in the GTA and overseas. Keep current with The Baker Blog at blog.bakerrealestate.com