Toronto’s urban and suburban sprawl is profuse with charming heritage homes. These properties, some of which approach one and a half centuries of history, hold an elevated degree of distinction; offering both a remarkable living space for those who call them home and an emblem of the city’s fascinating past.
While the city’s older homes are unrivalled in their appeal and elegance, some buyers hold concerns over their condition and believe that a heritage home may hide problematic wear or decay as a result of its age. These assumptions, however, are often misguided. Continue reading for further insights.
Eager to discover your dream property? Our expertise can guide you through a smooth purchase. Call 416.441.2888 or email us at evan@christensengroup.ca.
Time-Tested Elegance
Home buyers in West Toronto and Etobicoke are presented with a myriad of options concerning property age. These regions are home to some of Toronto’s earliest-developed residential neighbourhoods (although they may not have been formally included in the city at the time) alongside a selection of more recently developed communities. This scope, paired with ongoing gentrification, which has inspired the arrival of brand-new modern homes, townhomes, and condominiums, ensures that buyers have access to a truly diverse range of inventory.
As homes age, a certain degree of wear is expected. This applies to any property on the market, regardless of when it was constructed. That said, it doesn’t necessarily mean that heritage homes (particularly those from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries) are of comparatively poor quality simply because they are older.
In reality, Toronto’s thoughtfully built heritage homes are of extraordinarily high build quality and have proven to last throughout their history – especially when well-kept by equity-conscious homeowners.
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Holding Value
Beyond retaining the integrity of their physical qualities, Toronto’s heritage homes also hold their value remarkably well. Over the past several decades older homes have proven to be reliably sought-after among discerning home buyers. Their charm, construction quality and distinguished nature continuously attract a healthy pool of interested buyers when they are on the market. To that end, buyers who elect to purchase a heritage home are typically making a strategic and sound investment.
Upgrading a Historic Home
Many buyers who purchase older homes choose to make careful refurbishments and upgrades to help the property feel more modern. However, this freedom comes with one minor nuance.
A selection of older homes in the city are listed on the Toronto Heritage Register (THR). As a result, they are subject to a range of restrictions and guidelines regarding how they may be renovated or demolished. These limitations are not usually extreme, however, and may only cause major headaches if the home has full designation under the THR. That said, they may spark minor delays or setbacks depending on the scope of the project.
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Buying With Christensen Group
If you’re looking to make a sound real estate investment in the complex Toronto market, you won’t want to go in alone. With over four decades of experience, Christensen Real Estate Group makes finding your next home seamless. Our team includes Accredited Buyer Representatives, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialists, International Real Estate Specialists, and Certified Negotiation Experts—all working to get you the best possible price, terms, conditions, and value for your home.
Beyond simply helping you find a great home, our connections to local lenders can help you secure financing and optimize your purchase whatever your financial status may be.
Eager to discover your dream property? Our expertise can guide you through a smooth purchase. Call 416.441.2888 or email us at evan@christensengroup.ca.
