YPHS | Luxury or Not? The Ultimate Guide to Identifying Luxury Condo Developments in Toronto

L u x u r y o r N o t ?

T h e U l t i m a t e G u i d e t

L u x u r y o r N o t ?

The Ultimate Guide to Identifying Toronto Luxury Condo Developments

In recent years, many Toronto condo developers have used the word “luxury” in their marketing campaigns. While the term grabs attention, it’s often misused, leaving buyers and investors disappointed when a project falls short of true luxury standards.

For buyers, especially those purchasing pre-construction, understanding what qualifies as a luxury condo is critical Many buyers focus on price per square foot, which can lead to overlooking essential details that distinguish premium developments from truly luxurious ones. Think of it like comparing a basement rental to a private two-bedroom condo price alone isn’t the full picture.

C a t e g o r i e s o f T o r o n t o C o n d o s

To simplify the landscape, I categorize Toronto condos into three tiers

finishes

The Team: Architects and Designers

A

ARCHITECTURE & INTERIOR DESIGN

Let me put Jeanne Gang into context for those who may not be familiar with her. If you’re already immersed in the wo design and architecture, you undoubtedly know her nam for those who don’t, let me say it plainly: Jeanne Gang is the greatest architects of our time—and arguably, of all tim

To illustrate just how remarkable she is, let me sh personal anecdote. I often take my niece and nephew library, where I like to browse books that spark my curios course!) One day, I stumbled upon a children's book title Things to Know About Architecture” by Louise O'Brie Leanne Daphne. The book covers everything from buildings to architectural history and styles It also inclu very short list of the world’s most influential architects ju or six names Among these giants, alongside Frank Gehry and Dame Zaha Hadid, was Jeanne Gang.

JEANNEGANG FounderandPartnerofStudioGang

Think about the weight of that choice: out of countless architects who have shaped the world, the authors included Jeanne Gang in this exclusive group. This simple discovery floored me not because I needed convincing of her greatness, but because it’s an acknowledgment that even children are now learning her name as part of architectural history. She’s already cemented her place as a legend. So, what does that mean for One Delisle, a building designed by Jeanne Gang? It transforms it into more than just real estate It becomes a collector’s item Just as some buyers collect fine art, others collect fine architecture and One Delisle is exactly that. It’s not just a development; it's an exclusive collection of Real Estate and it's here in Toronto!

Building Exterior 2

The exterior design of a luxury building is far more than a simple glass-and-concrete façade It incorporates distinct architectural details, innovative materials, and features like setbacks for terraces, outdoor spaces, or purely aesthetic appeal. Luxury buildings often defy the standard boxy tower format, using geometric or timeless design influences to create a landmark residence with a signature look.

Interior Suite Floor Plans 3

Luxury condos prioritize variety and flexibility in floor plans Unlike typical condos where floor plans repeat on every level, luxury developments offer multiple layouts for each suite type, such as one-bedroom, twobedroom, or three-bedroom units There may even be specialized collections like garden, terrace, or penthouse suites. Some developments allow buyers to combine units or make custom modifications for a truly personalized home

C–1M / 1A

2 Bedrooms

2 Bathrooms

Study | Balcony

Interior 1,221 sq. ft.

Exterior 81 sq. ft.

Total 1,302 sq. ft.

Features

North West Expo

Built-in Island w

Dining Extension

Spacious Study

Walk-in Closet

SUITE PRICE

$3,184,900

$4,578,900

SUITE PRICE

$4,578,900

Features xposure egrated fast Bar ith BBQ Hot Tub Ensuite n Closet perature Storage

Features and Finishes

Standard doesn’t exist in a luxury condo what’s standard is already exceptional Finishes include high-end materials like quartz, marble, granite, premium engineered flooring, and oversized porcelain tiles. Kitchens feature designer cabinetry, seamless backsplashes, waterfall counters, and name-brand appliances like Miele or Gaggenau. Buyers also get the opportunity to personalize their homes through exclusive upgrade packages. This attention to detail ensures that every residence feels like a professionally designed home without the need for additional renovations

&FINISHES CTION

d ceilings throughout e areas, excluding required g drops ws throughout errace doors, as per plan doors, as per plan door or doors options correspond to design

ed oak hardwood floors (plank or

d painted baseboards and trim

r plan hall closets include built-in

ryer, with porcelain or natural oughout ms, as per plan

BATHROOM

Bathtub and/or tiled shower with curb, as per plan

Showers and baths include thermostatic valve with rotating diverter

Showers include rain and adjustable handheld showerheads, frameless glass enclosures, as per plan

Custom, Studio Gang-designed bathroom vanities with soft close drawers

Lacquer or wood veneer finish cabinetry, per design palette

Natural stone vanity top with built up edge and undermount sink(s), as per plan

LED pot lights at bath and/or shower

Full height tiled feature wall (wet wall) in master ensuite bathrooms, as per plan

Full height tiled feature wall (wet wall) in main bathroom Wall mount faucet

KITCHEN

ang-designed kitchens, with lacquer finish uppers, or wood veneer finish with lacquer island, as per plan and per design palette

udio Gang-designed kitchen island, as per ning extension or breakfast bar, as per plan g precision drawers and doors throughout ntemporary built-in under-cabinet lighting stone kitchen countertop and backsplash appliances (induction cooktop, convection lt-in microwave or speed oven, as per plan

© Miele panelized fridge and dishwasher

Stainless steel undermount sink

Pantry, as per plan

Higher Price Per Square Foot

Luxury developments typically start at $1,800/sq.ft and can exceed $2,000/sq.ft. However, true luxury developers focus less on price and more on creating an unparalleled lifestyle Presentation centers showcase intricate details, fully modeled suites, and design samples that immerse buyers in the experience. Remember: you’re not just paying for space—you’re investing in a sophisticated living experience.

SKY COLLECTION

Pricing as of November 2024

$1,666,900-$4,578,900

Interior Suite Size

593 - 1,806 sq.ft

Average Price per Square Foot

$2,496.84 (PSF)

CITY COLLECTION

Pricing as of November 2024

$1,150,900-$3,184,900

Interior Suite Size

2,074 - 3,171 sq.ft

Average Price per Square Foot

$2,563.25 (PSF)

PENTHOUSE COLLECTION

Pricing as of November 2024

$7,094,900-$11,659,900

Interior Suite Size

2,074 - 3,171 sq.ft

Average Price per Square Foot

$3,630.27 (PSF)

All penthouses include double-car garages with storage

Amenities 6

Luxury condos go above and beyond with amenities Beyond the basics like gyms, lounges, and concierge services, you’ll find exclusive offerings such as valet parking, private dining rooms, spa services, and even dedicated apps for managing bookings, services, and deliveries. Maintenance fees reflect this elevated level of service, often starting at $1.00/sq.ft.

Amenities

24-Hour Concierge

Lobby Lounge – seating areas and fireplace

Ante Room

Porte Cochère

Ravine Terrace – including pool lounge area, BBQ, and dining area

Pool (Interior)

Fitness Centre – tailored to any health and workout regime

The Wellness Spa – including a Himalayan Salt Room, Eucalyptus Steam Room, Infrared Sauna, and Private Japanese Terraces join the Spa

Chef’s Kitchen and Private Dining Room

Wine and Cocktail Lounge

Kids’ Playroom

Lounge areas and co-working spaces

Pet Spa

Delisle Park

Fewer Suites per Building 7

Luxury developm often featuring few For example, inste story building, luxu larger suites with f sense of privacy an

BUILDING

47-Storey

Retail at ground floor

FEATURING

1 Bedroom, 1 Bedroom + Dens,

2 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom + Dens,

3 Bedroom and Penthouse suites

Three Collections of Residences

City Collection | Floors 5 to 29

Sky Collection | Floors 30 to 43

Penthouse Collection | Floors 45 to 47

Cutting-Edge Technology

odern luxury condos integrate advanced technology, cluding keyless entry, smart home systems for lighting and mate control, and app-based tools for managing service quests and deliveries. These features ensure convenience d elevate the living experience

SMART HOME

Mail room and automated parcel storage

Smart home building system – including a mobile resident app available to all residents

Application will control in-suite thermostats, enable amenity booking, and include features for community, security, and privacy

Keyless suite entry locks

Utility submetering for electricity, water, and thermal Wi-Fi – provided in principle building common areas

Cell phone repeaters – to increase signal coverage throughout the building and parking garages

If you're being sold a condo as "the best deal," take a moment to ask yourself why? If the pitch is all about "the cheapest price per square foot," dig deeper. What corners might have been cut to make it "the best deal"? Here's some advice: when it’s time to sell in 4-5 years, remember that what drew you in as a buyer a low price will attract resale buyers for the same reason. And that means you become the deal, not the profit!