GTA condo dwellers demanding better quality and design from developers

New research shows that many Toronto condos are starved of quality, architecture, livability and design showing demand for improvement across the city.

In a recent survey conducted by Devron in collaboration with members of the Angus Reid forum, 71% of current condo dwellers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) expressed confidence in long-term condo living. Despite the growing optimism, a staggering 93% of respondents feel that Toronto needs better-quality condominiums. Furthermore, 79% believe that most Toronto condo units are constructed with subpar materials, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the current condo landscape.

“The perception of condo living in Toronto is not ideal, and sadly, people have become used to low standards,” said Pouyan Safapour, President of Devron. “We want to show Torontonians that condos can be beautiful, functional and livable long-term homes that they can take pride in. With each development, including our latest project, 101 Spadina, we strive to challenge this status and change the narrative on condo living in Toronto.”

The survey reveals that 59% of GTA residents perceive current condo offerings in Toronto as lacking compared to those in other major Canadian cities in terms of innovative and exciting designs. Additionally, a significant majority (86%) believe that Toronto's skyline lacks compelling architecture.

Moreover, only 8% strongly agree that Toronto's condo buildings exhibit unique designs and personalities, indicating a growing interest in condo developments that prioritize architectural appeal alongside distinctive designs. Notably, nearly all GTA residents surveyed (96%) assert that developers bear a responsibility to construct quality homes that enhance Toronto's livability and infrastructure.

Devron has embraced this commitment in the design of their upcoming project 101 Spadina — a 39-storey residential tower located at Spadina and Adelaide in Downtown Toronto. Designed in partnership with Audax Architects, 101 Spadina aims to change the narrative of being ‘just another glass box’. Described as a contemporary art deco building, the tower is designed to exist harmony with the 100 year-old architectural buildings on Spadina Avenue, while having its own modern character.

“Toronto needs more buildings that will contribute to the city’s livability and make people want to stay and lay roots in the city. We aim to do just that with 101 Spadina,” said Safapour. “The quality must go beyond just nice appliances and finishes - it’s often what is behind the walls that affects our life and comfort the most. Suites should be designed with people’s comfort and experience in mind, including features such as noise insulation between suites, quality windows for noise and thermal protection, high performance elevators and pressure sealed doors, leak detection, pot lights for even lighting, large windows and many more details that matter. We take a comprehensive approach to lead the charge towards a future where high living standards are the new norm in condos, and condos can become synonymous with the word ‘home’.”

About the survey

These are the findings of a survey conducted by Devron from March 5 to March 12, 2024 among a sample of 510 GTA residents (ages 18+ yrs.) who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/-4.3 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.