# The 3 Types of Toronto Condos: Don’t Pick the Wrong One 📉 Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdOsZgSIgQY Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/QdOsZgSIgQY Generated: 2026-08-11T02:26:00.982+00:00 --- ## The Gist Toronto condos fall into three distinct building categories based on construction era, with units built between 1996 and 2015 offering the best balance of floor plans, maintenance fees, and parking availability. Avoid investor-grade buildings from the last decade, which feature tiny floor plans and lack basic amenities like parking. ## Quick Overview Toronto features over 2,800 condo corporations spanning 5,000 active listings, and buying in the wrong building category destroys long-term investment value. Host Tom Storey divides the city's housing stock into three distinct eras: investor buildings, in-betweeners, and older condos. Using the STAMP formula (Size, Tenancy, Asking Price, Maintenance Fees, Parking), buyers can evaluate any unit to ensure future resale strength and avoid crippling maintenance fee surprises. **Key Points:** - Toronto contains over 2800 condo corporations offering more than 5000 active units for buyers to choose from. - Investor buildings constructed between 2015 and today feature small floor plans, mostly one-bedroom layouts, and frequently lack parking spots. - In-between condos built from 1996 to 2015 represent the market sweet spot with balanced owner-occupancy, reasonable maintenance fees, and functional layouts. - Older buildings constructed before 1995 provide the largest square footage and stable reserve funds, making them ideal for downsizers. - The STAMP formula evaluates properties across five distinct metrics including Size, Tenancy, Asking Price, Maintenance Fees, and Parking. - Most one-bedroom plus den units should exceed 600 square feet to maintain comfortable living standards and future resale viability. - Maintenance fees in well-managed buildings should remain under one dollar per square foot to prevent unexpected financial burdens. ![Screenshot at 01:23: Tom Storey breaks down Toronto condo inventory into three distinct categories based on construction era.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/QdOsZgSIgQY/00-01-23.jpg) **Context:** Tom Storey, head of the top condo team in Toronto, breaks down the local real estate market to help buyers navigate over 5000 active listings. Because not all condominiums are created equal, understanding the structural differences between building eras is essential for making a sound purchase. ## Detailed Analysis Toronto's massive condo inventory requires a strict evaluation framework to avoid depreciating assets and poor floor plans. Investor-centric buildings constructed over the last ten years suffer from shrinking square footage, missing balcony trends, and high tenant turnover managed by absentee owners. Conversely, buildings constructed between 1996 and 2015 strike an optimal balance, featuring predictable maintenance fees, better layouts, and reliable parking allocations. Meanwhile, older structures built before 1995 offer massive living spaces and millions in healthy reserve funds, making them perfect targets for cash buyers and downsizers. Applying the STAMP formula ensures buyers protect their capital by verifying size, tenant ratios, pricing, maintenance costs, and parking before making an offer. ### #1 Investor Buildings Constructed primarily between 2015 and the present day, these shiny high-rises target outside capital and feature heavily rented units. - These buildings are heavily owned by investors rather than end users, leading to high tenant turnover and disconnected condo boards. - One-bedroom floor plans are exceptionally small and rarely include parking spots because older parking mandates were reduced. - Maintenance fees can escalate rapidly due to the lack of historical operating data and unknown long-term repair costs. - Many newer glass towers eliminate balconies entirely, which harms future resale value and tenant satisfaction. ![Screenshot at 02:08: Typical investor-grade one-bedroom condo featuring compact living spaces and views of neighboring towers.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/QdOsZgSIgQY/00-02-08.jpg) ### #2 In-Betweeners Built between 1996 and 2015, these properties represent the ultimate market sweet spot for everyday buyers and long-term investors alike. - This category offers a healthy mix of owner occupants and investors, ensuring stable building management and engaged communities. - Floor plans are significantly more functional, offering standard one-plus-den layouts over 600 square feet and proper two-bedroom configurations. - Maintenance fees remain predictable and generally sit under one dollar per square foot without looming special assessments. - Most units in this age bracket include deeded parking spots and avoid the extreme space compression seen in newer constructions. ![Screenshot at 04:55: An in-betweener living room showcasing practical layout sizing and abundant natural light.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/QdOsZgSIgQY/00-04-55.jpg) ### #3 Old Condos Buildings constructed before 1995 offer exceptional interior space and unbeatable central locations for buyers prioritizing square footage. - These mature properties feature massive floor plans that provide a true house-like feel for downsizers and cash buyers. - Reserve funds are exceptionally healthy, often sitting in the millions due to decades of established financial management. - Maintenance fees comprehensively cover utilities like hydro and water, simplifying monthly budgeting for owners. - While upfront renovation costs may be required, the price per square foot remains far lower than newer developments. ![Screenshot at 07:22: An older condo interior displaying expansive rooms and wide floor plans built before modern down-sizing trends.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/QdOsZgSIgQY/00-07-22.jpg)