Toronto Hard Loft Condominiums In Great Demand

Toronto has thousands of condominium buildings scattered across the city. However, very few of these buildings include loft-style units and even fewer still would classify as a “hard loft”. What is a hard loft you might ask? Essentially a hard loft building is one that has been converted from a previous commercial use which typically included manufacturing. This is why hard lofts have memorable names like “Candy Factory”, “Toy Factory”, “Chocolate Factory” and the “Tip Top” lofts.
The idea of converting a former industrial building into a residential loft originated in New York in the 1970s and 80s when that cities neglected downtown buildings were rediscovered by Bohemian trendsetters that made loft living the new in-style abode for urban dwellers. Toronto developers sensing the demand for hard lofts have been looking for buildings to convert since the 1980s. Still despite the demand for authentic hard lofts, their numbers in Toronto are relatively small, as these buildings are in short supply.
Hard lofts with their natural earthy finishes and aged patina pull at the heartstrings of those looking for a sense of place and an escape from the same old, same old, offerings that buyers are used to seeing in new condominium buildings with their trademark pre-engineered flooring and boxed-in drywall. In a hard loft you may encounter wide open spaces with wood and post beam ceilings criss-crossed with exposed metal piping, exposed brick walls, extraordinary high ceilings and immense metal-framed windows.
The scarcity of hard loft buildings in Toronto has led to the building of soft loft condominium buildings. Soft lofts are essentially new construction that incorporate some of the design features and finishes that one might find in a hard loft including: open spaces, tall windows, and exposed concrete floors and ceilings. The advantage to soft lofts is that when brand new they are covered under a Tarion new home warranty. Soft loft condominium buildings may also have more amenities available to residents than a hard loft building.
If you are determined to buy a hard loft condominium unit in Toronto you will find the vast majority of these located in the Old Toronto downtown, east-end, and west-end corridors. Some of the downtown neighbourhoods that have hard loft condominiums include: Trinity Bellwoods, King West Village, Liberty Village, Little Italy, St. Lawrence, Kensington, Niagara, Corktown, Beaconsfield Village and Grange Park. In the east-end Riverdale and Leslieville are the places to look for hard lofts. In the west-end Brockton Village, Dufferin Grove, High Park and Roncessvales Village are popular destinations for loft buyers.
Be prepared to be patient if you are looking for a hard loft in Toronto as there are never an abundance of these on the market at any given time due to the short supply and the generally lower turnover rate as compared to condos. Also, when these do hit the market if they are priced right they sell very quickly. So far in 2011 the majority of hard lofts in Toronto are selling for an average of $450-$550 per square foot making these still an affordable option for homebuyers. If your lucky you may even get parking, locker and a small outdoor space included in your purchase.