u/Unpredictable_91

I’m in the cooling-off period for a new-build builder inventory unit in the east end of downtown (Distillery/Lawrence area) and my cooling period expires in 2 days. I’m starting to get serious buyers remorse and would love some perspective.
The unit is ~1,000 sqft, 2+den (parking and locker included) high floor, with a large terrace, and the price works out to roughly $900/sqft (about $950K net). Is that a reasonable price for a new-build in this area, or am I overpaying? Maintenance is at 0.8 per sqft
I genuinely like the unit and the neighbourhood. I commute to downtown 5 days a week and really don’t want to move outside downtown. The terrace is a big selling point and the unit isn’t a typical small/shoebox condo.
My main compromises are the very small European-sized appliances (~22”) and the kitchen layout, which I’m still trying to figure out. Spending almost $950K also makes me nervous, especially given the current condo market.
I know nobody can time the market, but if you were in my position, would you go ahead at ~$900/sqft or walk away and wait?
Would especially appreciate recent $/sqft comps for new-build 2+den/3-bed units in the east end of downtown / Distillery / Lawrence area.

Looking for some advice from people who have renovated/lived in DT Toronto condos.

I’ve shortlisted a brand-new builder inventory unit in the Distillery District. It’s marketed as a 3-bed (really 2 bed + den), 2 bath, about 1,050 sq ft, with a huge wraparound terrace and northeast-facing views. Price is around $1.10M before the HST rebate, with ~$900/month maintenance, and heat/water etc. are extra. Location is great for me because I genuinely like city life.

In terms of price, it feels fairly in line with similar newer builds in the area for the size + terrace combo. Not a “steal” by any means, but also not wildly overpriced given Distillery/St Lawrence premiums. Of course, hard to say what the market does in the next 3–4 years, but I do plan to stay for at least 5–6 years, so I’m thinking more long-term use than short-term appreciation.

I absolutely loved the unit, but the one thing I’m struggling with is the kitchen. It’s the typical downtown condo setup: small 22” appliances, compact fridge, small cooktop, etc. I cook a lot and also like having friends over, so I’m worried I’ll eventually regret the kitchen.

I know I can potentially add a second fridge/freezer, but the fridge is honestly a joke 😂. I’m wondering how realistic it is to get condo permission to remove/modify part of the cabinetry and install a proper-sized fridge or a larger cooktop. Has anyone actually done this in a new condo? Is it a huge headache/cost, or are there practical workarounds without touching the cabinets?

I also know I’m not going to get a 10/10 condo on every front, and the terrace/location/layout are otherwise exactly what I want. So I’m trying to figure out whether the kitchen is a genuine dealbreaker or something I’m overthinking.
Would love to hear from anyone who has dealt with a tiny condo kitchen/appliances and made it work. What did you do?

PS: for context, family of 3!

Looking for some objective opinions because I’m having a bit of buyer’s remorse after signing an APS.
My husband and I are buying a brand-new condo in the Old Toronto/St. Lawrence Market area. I work downtown 5 days a week and my husband has hybrid and has to travel to Mississauga! and we both genuinely enjoy downtown living. We plan to stay for at least 7–8 years and are hoping to start a family in the next year or two (likely one child).
Here are the details:
~$1.05M purchase price
Approx. 1,040 sq ft interior
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Corner unit
Top floor
Includes 1 parking and 1 locker
Large private wraparound terrace (the biggest differentiating feature)
New build closing later this year
Maintenance is around $0.90/sq ft (utilities extra)
The reason we stretched for this unit is that we found most resale condos under $900k are:
under 900–1,000 sq ft,
usually 2+1 instead of a true 3-bedroom,
or have similar/high maintenance fees despite being older buildings.
On the other hand, renting has been very comfortable for us, so I’m questioning whether paying over $1M is the right decision in the current condo market.
For those who know the downtown Toronto market:
Does this seem like a reasonable purchase given the location and size?
Do large private terraces actually hold their value, or are they more of a lifestyle feature than a resale advantage?
If you were planning to stay 7–8 years and have one child, would you buy something like this or continue renting and wait?
I’m genuinely looking for objective opinions, whether positive or negative. Thanks!

Hey, I am considering buying a unit at **The Goode Condos (35 Parliament St.)** and would love to hear from current residents.
How has your experience been with:
Build quality and property management?
Amenities (gym, pool, co-working, etc.)?
Noise, elevators or any recurring issues?
Appliances—any problems or brands to be aware of?
Maintenance fees—have they been reasonable?
Approximate monthly hydro, water, heating/cooling bills (everything is separately metered)?
Anything you wish you knew before buying?

Thanks!

We are first-time home buyers looking at move-in ready pre-con condos in the Waterfront, Distillery District, St. Lawrence Market and Front Street East. We’ll be living there for at least 5–7 years. With the new HST rebate, would you choose a move-in ready pre-con over a resale condo?

Do you think these neighbourhoods still have strong long-term appreciation potential, and are there any developers or projects you’d recommend or avoid? We’d love to hear from anyone who’s recently bought or researched this market. Also, is it mandatory to sign a representation agreement or go through the realtors. As I understand that only some Realtors have access to these properties( sorry, this is what I was told by one of the realtor, that he is a platinum member with these builders or something like for precon builders)

Any insights will be helpful.

Hey, I am considering buying a unit at The Goode Condos (35 Parliament St.) and would love to hear from current residents.
How has your experience been with:
Build quality and property management?
Amenities (gym, pool, co-working, etc.)?
Noise, elevators or any recurring issues?
Appliances—any problems or brands to be aware of?
Maintenance fees—have they been reasonable?
Approximate monthly hydro, water, heating/cooling bills (everything is separately metered)?
Anything you wish you knew before buying?

Thanks!