February | 26
FALLING IN LOVE WITH WHERE YOU LIVE: WHY “HOME” HITS DIFFERENT IN TORONTO
Home isn’t just a place - it’s a feeling. It’s the morning light through your kitchen windows, the familiar walk to your favourite coffee shop, the neighbours who wave hello. In a city as vibrant and diverse as Toronto, loving your home often means loving your neighbourhood just as much. A recent Royal LePage survey found that 84% of young Canadians believe homeownership is a worthwhile investment - not just financially, but emotionally. In a dynamic market like Toronto’s, owning a home represents stability, community, and long-term security in an ever-changing city.
And despite market fluctuations, data from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) continues to show that demand in the GTA remains resilient, particularly for well-located homes that offer lifestyle convenience and long-term value. Love and real estate have something in common: both require intention, commitment, and sometimes a little strategy.
WHAT MAKES A TORONTO HOME “THE ONE”?
Just like relationships, no two buyers are the same. Some fall for historic charm in The Junction. Others swoon over skyline views from a Liberty Village condo. For families, proximity to top-rated schools in the west end can seal the deal. For professionals, walkability and transit access might be the ultimate love language. Here’s what we’re seeing buyers prioritize in early 2026:
Walkable neighbourhoods with strong local business communities
Functional layouts that support hybrid work
Income potential (basement suites and laneway homes)
Move-in-ready homes that minimize upfront renovation costs
Outdoor space, even if it’s a balcony or terrace
The City of Toronto’s laneway and garden suite initiatives have also opened new opportunities for homeowners to add value and income potential - making flexibility one of today’s most attractive features.
WHEN IT’S TIME TO BREAK UP WITH YOUR CURRENT SPACE
Sometimes, loving real estate means knowing when it’s time to move on. Has your condo started to feel cramped? Is your commute longer than your patience? Are you maintaining more house than you actually need? Life changes - and your home should evolve with you. February is often an underrated opportunity in Toronto. While spring gets the spotlight, serious buyers are already preparing - and low inventory can work in a seller’s favour before competition intensifies. If you’ve been quietly wondering whether it’s time to make a move, it may be worth exploring your options now.
SMALL WAYS TO FALL BACK IN LOVE WITH YOUR HOME
Not ready to move? That’s okay. Here are a few simple, high-impact ways to rekindle that spark:
Refresh your space with a fresh coat of paint
Update lighting fixtures for a modern feel
Rearrange furniture to improve flow
Declutter and thoughtfully stage living areas
Add warmth with layered textures during winter months
Even small upgrades can dramatically shift how your space feels - and how it functions.
DATE NIGHT, TORONTO STYLE
Looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day locally? The west end offers plenty of romantic options:
A cozy dinner along Roncesvalles
Winter walks through High Park
A wine bar in The Junction
Theatre or live music downtown
Supporting an independent café in Bloor West Village
One of the best parts of owning in Toronto is being surrounded by culture, cuisine, and community - all within reach.
LET’S FIND THE HOME YOU LOVE
Whether you’re searching for your first condo, upsizing for a growing family, or downsizing into something simpler, the right home is out there - and it should feel like a perfect match. Real estate is more than numbers and negotiations. It’s about finding the place where your life unfolds. If 2026 is the year you plan to fall in love with a new space, we’d love to help you make that connection. Reach out for a complimentary consultation - and let’s start the search for a home that truly feels like yours.
The above references market trends and survey data for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult appropriate professionals regarding your individual situation.
SOURCES:
Royal LePage – Gen Z and Young Millennials Survey - https://blog.royallepage.ca/gen-zs-and-young-millennials-still-believe-in-home-ownership-and-theyre-willing-to-make-sacrifices-to-achieve-it/
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) – Market Statistics - https://trreb.ca/index.php/market-stats
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) – Housing Market Information - https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/professionals/housing-markets-data-and-research
City of Toronto – Laneway & Garden Suites - https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/planning-studies-initiatives/laneway-suites/
Statistics Canada – Housing and Household Data - https://www.statcan.gc.ca/en/subjects-start/housing