Welcome back to Pick Five!

This week, we’re shifting the spotlight from condos and Victorians to a different kind of downtown living: Toronto’s urban townhouses. For buyers who want the comfort of a house without the endless maintenance—or the sky-high costs of a detached home—townhouses are offering a smarter middle ground in 2025.

Yes, the market is tricky. Some downtown condos are struggling to sell while freehold homes still command steep prices. But townhouses? They’re quietly becoming the go-to option for buyers who want space, lifestyle, and location—without the compromises of either extreme.

Why Townhouses Make Sense for 2025 Buyers

• The house feel, without the house headaches. Freehold-style layouts, multiple levels, and real outdoor space—but no 100-year-old plumbing to fix.
• Flexible ownership models. From fully freehold to condo towns with minimal fees, buyers can choose what level of maintenance and community amenities they want.
• Outdoor living is back. Rooftop terraces, private patios, and built-in garages are making these homes feel like detached properties in all but name.
• Downtown without the downsides. Walkable locations, proximity to parks, and access to shops—all without the noise and density of condo towers.

With that in mind, let’s tour five standout townhouses redefining what it means to live downtown in 2025.

Five Downtown Townhouses That Break the Mold

• 42A Shank St – $949,900 | The Entry-Level Gem in King West: Two bedrooms, three baths, and a rare wood-burning fireplace—plus a layout that makes the most of every inch. A true entry point for buyers priced out of freeholds.
• 208 Niagara St #82 – $999,900 | Rooftop Living in King West: Three bedrooms, two baths, and a 450 sq ft private rooftop terrace. Corner unit layout with functional flow and potential for a competitive offer date.
• 443D Queen St E – $1.099 M | Space and Value in Queen East: Three-bedroom, three-bath freehold-style unit with a large footprint and private garage. Some dated finishes but unbeatable value for location and size.
• 119 Florence St – $1.299 M | The Polished Little Portugal Option: Three bedrooms, three baths, suburban-style flow, private garage, and a tight-knit block that offers the feel of a true home without the high-maintenance exterior.
• 2B Percy St – $1.399 M | The Downtown Brownstone Alternative: Three bedrooms, three baths, built-in garage, rooftop terrace, and stunning curb appeal. These homes combine Manhattan brownstone vibes with Toronto practicality.

The Verdict: Are Townhouses the Smart Move in 2025?

If this week’s Pick Five shows anything, it’s that downtown townhouses are quietly outperforming both condos and older freehold homes for a growing segment of buyers.

Keep in mind:

• Ownership models matter. Know the difference between condo towns, freeholds, and parcels of tied land.
• Layout is king. Bedrooms, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces need to suit both current and future needs.
• Stairs are inevitable—but manageable. Don’t overlook the impact of multi-level living, especially if long-term aging-in-place is a factor.
• Offer strategies are shifting. Some properties still attract bidding wars, while others may offer room for negotiation.

Which Downtown Townhouse Would You Pick?

Do you want entry-level ease at Shank, rooftop luxury at Niagara, or brownstone charm at Percy? Let us know which property fits your vision of downtown living in the comments.

Want more real estate insights only David Fleming can deliver? Subscribe to Pick Five for weekly episodes—and watch the full townhouse tour now on our YouTube channel.