December 21st, 2023 | Leaside

Leaside’s Top Options for Downsizers

Across Toronto’s wide selection of immaculate enclaves, Leaside emerges as a harmonious blend of luxury, community, and upscale convenience.

As a neighbourhood that has long catered to families and boasts a wide range of larger, opulent properties many homeowners in Leaside have faced a conundrum while approaching the topic of downsizing later in life. Further, beyond local residents, the neighbourhood’s refined legacy, upscale amenities, and serene ambiance make it a first-rate destination for downsizers looking to settle in the neighbourhood from elsewhere in the city. 

Although previous limitations within Leaside’s real estate landscape reduced downsizers’ ability to remain or settle in the neighbourhood, an emergence of greater compact housing options in recent years has eliminated this restriction. Today, Leaside boasts a myriad of housing options for downsizers. 

Curious about life in one of midtown Toronto’s most sought-after neighbourhoods? Read our in-depth Leaside community guide here

Downsizing at a Glance

Far beyond merely a change in scenery, downsizing in Toronto presents an opportunity to curate a life rich in experiences, connections, and purpose. Regardless of the neighbourhood, the benefits of downsizing are multifold. As a homeowner, transitioning to a smaller property from a long-held family home presents innumerable new freedoms.

One of the most substantive of these advantages is the reduced maintenance and upkeep required by a smaller property. With less square footage and outdoor property space, you will have far more time to spend on what is most important to you. 

In tandem with the lifestyle benefits, smaller properties often carry comparatively reduced upfront and ongoing costs. With that in mind, the process of downsizing is traditionally part and parcel with the strategic unlocking of equity from the current home. As a downsizer, this equity can then be utilized as a part of your short or long-term financial plan. 

Eco-Conscious Downsizing  

As the world shifts towards sustainable living, downsizing provides an opportunity to embrace eco-conscious practices both within and beyond the home. The incorporation of future-forward technologies, thoughtfully sourced materials, and local craft not only serves to reduce the footprint of your next home but to also tailor the space to your tastes and lifestyle. As a community, Leaside’s commitment to green spaces and environmental consciousness aligns perfectly with this ethos. 

Remaining Close to Home

As a community, Leaside has always valued longevity. Long admired and sought-after among Toronto’s most sophisticated, even those who do not live in the area can understand why Leaside’s residential turnover is remarkably low. The neighbourhood’s remarkable properties, serene green spaces, and lively amenities have not only made it one of Toronto’s most revered enclaves, but also a once-in-a-lifetime gem for those who live there. 

For a number of life-long residents in the area, the prospect of living someplace else is unfathomable. In the past, limited diversity within the local housing stock placed limitations on how Leaside residents could downsize in their community.   

Beneficially, recent growth and evolution of Leaside’s real estate profile have created greater opportunities for local downsizers to remain in the neighbourhood while transitioning to a smaller living space. 

Beyond the area’s illustrious charm, further development in Leaside is set to elevate convenience for residents. One significant example is the long-awaited Eglinton Crosstown LRT – which will serve Leaside directly. Downsizers who are pursuing a vehicle-free lifestyle or those who simply appreciate greater transportation options will have access to virtually every corner of the city, either through direct service or local transit connections


Seeking informative resources for downsizers? Consider these other posts from our blog. 


Leaside’s Top Options for Downsizers

Leaside’s continuously diversifying housing stock offers myriad prospects for downsizers. While all types of properties have their own degree of perks and suitably, a majority of the neighbourhood’s most popular options are contemporary condominiums. Below are a selection of stand-out developments that downsizers in Leaside should be aware of. 

The Leaside

Located adjacent to the intersection of Eglinton Avenue and Laird Drive, The Leaside is a picture of balanced cosmopolitan living in an upscale environment. Offering seamless, direct access to Leaside’s best lush ravine land and green spaces, boutique shops, and gastronomy, this under-development property is well-suited to downsizers seeking convenience. Developed by one of Toronto’s most active firms, EMBLEM, The Leaside’s transformative amenities, stunning suites, and emphasis on sustainability exemplify the art of luxurious living.

Leaside Common

Amenity-rich and design-led, Leaside Common is a luxury condominium currently in development at the corner of Bayview and Eglinton Avenues. Immaculately designed by BDP Quadrangle, Leaside Common is set to stand 9 storeys tall and hold just shy of 200 suites. Floor plans range from space-efficient studios to stunning and spacious penthouse units. 

1414 Bayview

Similar to Leaside Common, 1414 Bayview is a carefully designed, 44-residence luxury property inspired by Leaside’s distinguished reputation. Developed by Gairloch, 1414 Bayview introduces modern elegance to the historic neighbourhood. The European-inspired suites range in size and design and start at $1,298,000. 

Townhomes in Leaside

In addition to modern condominiums, Leaside also features a selection of charming townhomes. For downsizers seeking a space that feels closer to a detached home, townhomes offer a balanced middle ground that shares a number of the same characteristics and advantages brought by condominiums. While townhome developments are fewer compared to condominiums, resale properties can be found across the neighbourhood on streets such as McRae Drive, Kilgour Road, Millwood Road, and Vanderhoof Avenue – among others. 

Given the rarity of these properties, downsizers who are specifically seeking this unique style of home should partner with a dedicated Leaside real estate agent to optimize their chances of finding one. 

Armin Yousefi is honoured to be named Scott McGillivray’s Trusted Agent in Leaside, Toronto. Click here to learn more about this distinguished partnership.


Seeking more insights about Leaside’s dynamic real estate landscape? Consider these other resources from our blog.


Arming Group’s Leaside Edge

Downsizing is an often monumental occasion in one’s life. Moving on from the typically long-held family home to a smaller, more compact living space welcomes a wide range of advantages. As new freedoms, both personal and financial, are hallmark products of the downsizing process, it is well worth the undertaking.

While a substantive task, downsizing does not need to be daunting. Homeowners who are looking to transition to a smaller living space with minimal stress or hassle may unlock an anxiety-free downsize by partnering with Armin Group Real Estate. 

Beyond our refined, full-service support for downsizers, Armin Group’s distinctive Leaside expertise further amplifies your ability to exceed your ambitions. 


Finding your next home is an essential step in the downsizing process. Explore these informative resources to empower your purchase. 


Selling in Leaside

In our years of experience selling stunning homes in Leaside, we have developed unmatched market familiarity, strategic local relationships, and a remarkable track record of high-result sales. As veterans of Leaside’s vibrant micro-market, we provide elevated, unparalleled services for downsizers seeking a thoughtfully crafted and seamlessly executed sale. 

Buying in Leaside

For downsizers seeking a tranquil upscale neighbourhood, Leaside is an extraordinary choice. Whether you are a life-long resident of the area, or looking to settle in the area, finding and purchasing the perfect home in Leaside demands guidance from a real estate professional with micro-market expertise. 

Deeply knowledgeable of Leaside’s sophisticated real estate landscape, Armin Group offers discerning downsizers a strategic and unparalleled market entry. 

With our extensive professional network, specialized expertise, and exclusive insights into Leaside’s exceptional pre-construction properties, we can help streamline your home search and unveil the perfect home for your next chapter.

Seeking a seamless, personalized home purchase or property sale in Leaside or beyond? As distinguished leaders in luxury real estate, we can help. Send us an email, or call our team at 416.347.4061 to begin your journey. 

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