This week, David Fleming takes a deep dive into the difference between hard lofts and soft lofts in Toronto — and what first-time buyers can find under $600K. From authentic conversions with exposed brick and beam to newer builds designed to mimic that industrial style, these five properties show the trade-offs between price per square foot, maintenance fees, location, and lifestyle.

This week’s picks:

• 01:54 – 155 Dalhousie St: The Merchandise Lofts, an authentic hard loft, 694 sq. ft. with 12-ft ceilings but no outdoor space or parking
• 06:20 – 50 Camden St: The Sylvia, a soft loft in King West, 573 sq. ft. in a quiet boutique building with a Juliet balcony and all utilities included
• 09:26 – 533 Richmond St W: A soft loft, 548 sq. ft., $519,500, great outdoor terrace, stacked parking, small 51-unit building near King & Portland
• 15:12 – 955 Queen St W: The Chocolate Lofts, 500 sq. ft. studio with timber beams, yellow brick, but sold conditionally
• 18:46 – 160 Baldwin St: The Kensington Market Lofts, in a converted schoolhouse and 966 sq. ft. with a spacious 2-story layout

Whether you’re drawn to the history of an iconic building like the Chocolate Factory or the convenience of a King West soft loft, David breaks down what you’re really getting for your money in today’s market.