As Canada’s cultural and financial hub, Toronto continues to attract long-term buyers seeking value retention, quality of life, and close proximity to a safe and diverse city. While the country’s foreign buyer ban has brought hesitation throughout the international real estate market, domestic demand remains high within popular neighborhoods known for great amenities and vibrant community energy. To find out more, we spoke with The Agency Toronto’s Peter Torkan, who gave us an inside take on the city’s hottest spots right now.
How do you see Canada’s Foreign Buyer Ban influencing Toronto’s feeder markets?
The foreign buyer ban has definitely had an impact across the industry, but it has affected different segments in different ways. We have seen a more noticeable cooling in the condominium market, where investor activity, including foreign capital, historically played a larger role.
In the luxury space, the fundamentals have not changed, but the pace has slowed slightly, particularly with properties above the 10 million dollar range. Even though foreign buyers were never the primary driver of Toronto’s high-end market, the introduction of the ban created a broader sense of hesitation. Whenever there is significant government intervention, buyers, both domestic and international, naturally pause and become more cautious with large purchases.
What we are seeing now is longer decision timelines and more measured negotiations at the top end. The demand is still there, but it is more deliberate. Toronto’s luxury market continues to be supported primarily by domestic high-net-worth buyers and end-users, which is why the long-term fundamentals remain strong.
What Canadian regions do you see buyers coming from lately, and what draws them to Toronto?
We are seeing consistent interest from across Ontario, as well as from major markets like Vancouver, Montreal, and parts of Alberta. Toronto continues to function as Canada’s financial and cultural centre, so professionals relocating for leadership roles, finance, technology, or entrepreneurship naturally gravitate here.
For many buyers, owning in Toronto is both a lifestyle decision and a strategic one. Even those who maintain homes in other provinces often want a presence here because of the city’s economic stability, global relevance, and depth of opportunity. Toronto still represents one of the safest long-term real estate plays in the country.
From your perspective, which neighborhoods in Toronto are seeing the most interest from buyers right now? And what’s driving that demand?
We are seeing strong and consistent interest in Yorkville, Rosedale, Forest Hill, Leslieville, and The Beaches, driven primarily by quality of life and a community that aligns with how people want to live day to day. Each of these neighborhoods offers a different version of luxury, but they all share strong identity, limited inventory, and long-term value retention.
Yorkville
Yorkville attracts affluent professionals, executives, international business owners, and downsizers. They are typically looking for turnkey luxury condominiums with concierge services, security, and walkability to dining and culture. Café Boulud remains one of the city’s most refined dining experiences, and the luxury retail along Bloor Street sets the tone for Toronto’s high-end shopping.
Rosedale
Rosedale draws established families and high-net-worth individuals who value privacy, prestige, and legacy properties. These buyers are usually focused on long-term ownership and larger, character homes. Ramsden Park offers exceptional green space in the core, and Summerhill Market reflects the neighborhood’s elevated everyday lifestyle.
Forest Hill
Forest Hill is very family-oriented, attracting executives and international families relocating for education and business. The main priorities here are top schools, larger homes, and generational stability. Sir Winston Churchill Park offers a great balance of nature and city living, and the boutiques along Forest Hill Village add to the area’s charm.
Leslieville
Leslieville attracts young professionals, entrepreneurs, and growing families who want more space without leaving the city. They are typically looking for renovated semis, townhomes, or boutique developments with strong community character. Bonjour Brioche is a local favorite, and the Queen Street East strip captures the neighborhood’s creative, community-driven energy.
The Beaches
The Beaches draws families and lifestyle-driven buyers who prioritize outdoor living, schools, and neighborhood feel. Many are moving from denser parts of the city but want to remain within Toronto. The Woodbine Beach boardwalk and Kew Gardens Park define the outdoor lifestyle that draws so many buyers to the area.
How have buyers’ lifestyle preferences or priorities shifted in the Toronto market over the past year, and how is that reflected in neighborhood popularity?
Buyers have become significantly more intentional and lifestyle-focused. Over the past year, we have seen increased emphasis on space, privacy, wellness, and flexibility, but also a renewed appreciation for walkability and access to amenities.
At the same time, there is more caution in decision-making, especially with larger purchases. Buyers are taking longer to evaluate properties and focusing more on long-term usability rather than short-term movement. Neighborhoods that offer both quality of life and strong fundamentals continue to perform well.
Are there any emerging or lesser-known neighborhoods you believe are on the rise? Why should buyers keep an eye on them?
Riverside and parts of South Riverdale are gaining attention due to infrastructure and transit investment, which typically precedes long-term appreciation. These areas already have strong character and are becoming more attractive to both end-users and investors.
Oakwood Village is another neighborhood to watch as transit expansion improves accessibility. Buyers who recognize these shifts early often position themselves well for future growth while still benefiting from relative value today.
What’s the best advice you would give someone considering a property purchase in Toronto today?
The most important thing is to be clear about your priorities before entering the market, because Toronto operates as a collection of micro-markets rather than one single market.
From a practical standpoint, structure your financing early and work with someone from our team who understands the nuances of each neighborhood. Toronto has consistently rewarded long-term ownership, so if you focus on securing a quality property in a strong location, short-term fluctuations become far less significant.
Thinking of making a move to Toronto?
Get in touch with Peter Torkan and our local team to learn more about the market and see available properties.
