Every year, countless relocators make Toronto home. It’s no surprise, given how quickly this vibrant, economic powerhouse of a city is projected to grow. If you’re planning to move here—whether it’s for professional or personal reasons—you’ll have no shortage of exceptional neighbourhoods and stunning properties to consider. Knowing where to look, what to expect, and how to set yourself up for success is the first step.

Learn what you need to know about relocating to Toronto here in our guide…

Doing your homework

Finding the ideal community for your lifestyle is a top priority—but it can be challenging if you need to start your home hunt remotely. Helpful steps include online research, in-person visits (if possible), and mining your networks to find people who know the city. Having said that, a local professional is in the best position to help you find an area that checks your boxes.

Whether you’re looking for a spacious, period home and scenic streets (in areas like Rosedale) or sleek condos and designer boutiques (which you’ll find in lively Yorkville), Toronto is full of neighbourhoods that appeal to even the most discerning buyers. The right agent can help you find the perfect place.

To ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible, take stock of what you need most—whether that means the quality of local schools or architecture in the area.

Taxes, financing, and other things to know

There are financial implications to moving to a new country, and they go beyond cost of living. When it comes to taxes, home buyers who are neither Canadian citizens nor permanent residents can expect to pay a 15 per cent speculation tax in Toronto. This amount is due at closing.

To ensure a smooth purchase, make sure you’re familiar with all the costs involved in buying a home in the city. Among the most significant are provincial and municipal land transfer taxes, both of which equal 2.5 per cent of your sale (for homes that are $2 million or more).

Lastly, international buyers should be aware that they’ll likely have to pay a significantly higher down payment than citizens (typically around 35 per cent).

Cover the moving logistics

Once you’ve found and purchased the right home, it’s time to start thinking logistics. The distance between your current home and Toronto may help you decide on the quantity of belongings that make the trip with you.

If you’ll be hiring movers, opt for a full-service company that you can trust with your possessions. Transporting high-value items requires special care and consideration, so be sure to ask anyone you contact about the precautions they take. You should also factor in insurance coverage options for your valuables.

Don’t forget to start tackling potential future loose ends as early as possible. From transferring your utilities to setting up a forward address, give yourself plenty of time to get it all done.

Finding the right agent

Finding, securing, and moving into a new home can be complicated, no matter the circumstances. Add relocation to the mix, and things can quickly become overwhelming. The key to ensuring a streamlined experience is working with a professional who offers an exceptional level of service.

When you’re choosing a real estate agent, look for someone with relocation expertise and an impressive track record of helping buyers. Whether we’re educating you about the city, introducing you to refined properties that meet your criteria, or connecting you to service providers who can help you move with ease, we’re here to make relocating a pleasure.

Backed by Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, we also have access to the local connections, global networks, and extended resources you need to make your move. Are you ready to get started?

When you’re ready to relocate to Toronto, we’re here to help. Reach out to benefit from our local expertise!

It’s an old story. A beautiful building was viewed as outdated. In the 1950s, it was slated to be torn down. Fortunately for Toronto, there was a public outcry—which is why today, you’ll still find an awe-inspiring piece of Romanesque Revival architecture at the corner of Queen and Bay.

In this post, we’ll look at the unique features—and storied past—of Old City Hall…

The Basics

It goes without saying that the building now known as Old City Hall was once new. From the very beginning, it was meant to be far grander than its predecessor—an overcrowded building at Jarvis and Front. The idea was to make a statement, and Edward James Lennox (known as “the Builder of Toronto”), was just the architect for the job.

Construction came with delays and cost overages, and the rocky relationship between Lennox and city councillors was well-known. Fortunately, though it took a decade, city hall was finally completed in 1889—and it was a sight to behold. At 300 feet high (340 if you count the distinctive clock tower), it was the tallest building in Canada at the time.

Old City Hall was set to be demolished in the 50s, though a decision was eventually made to preserve its clock tower. Later still, the building was saved when the public objected to plans to tear it down. Today, it’s a National Historic Site.

Architectural Details

Old City Hall is one of Toronto’s true architectural treasures. While there have been a few changes to the building over the years, its original character persists. Here are a few features to look out for:

• The grand clock tower, which can be readily viewed from Bay Street

• An expansive stained-glass window in the lobby depicting a lively scene

• Stone carvings of faces (said to reflect city councillors) above the Queen Street entrance

• Bronze gargoyles, which are replacements for the worn-out originals

• Sweeping Romanesque Revival arches above the main entrance

Romanesque Revival Architecture

Many Torontonians know E J Lennox for his use of the Gothic Revival style (think Casa Loma). That said, far fewer are familiar with Romanesque Revival architecture—though they may know the building at Jarvis and Front that embodies it so well.

Inspired by ancient Rome, this bold style was forged by Henry Hobson Richardson. The American architect, who studied at École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, combined French, Italian, and Spanish Romanesque elements to create a look that was very popular in the late 1880s.

The style is characterized by features such as square towers, round arches, complex roofing systems, and Medieval features (like elaborate stained glass).

Standing the Test of Time

Toronto came close to losing the building we now know as Old City Hall, but residents should be glad that didn’t happen. This functional courthouse is a piece of living history—and its many unique details continue to fascinate well over a century after its completion.

If you find yourself near the corner of Queen and Bay, be sure to take in this local architectural marvel. Trust us: you’ll be glad you did!

Looking for an architecturally-significant home?  Learn how we can help you buy a truly spectacular property by getting in touch today.

Since its inception, the partnership between Robert Nelson and Nigel Denham has focused on providing unparalleled real estate service and expertise. Now, we’re proud to announce that we’re joining forces with esteemed local professional Penny Brown. Here’s what you need to know about the newly-formed Nelson Denham Brown & Associates!

What Penny Brown Brings to Our Partnership

When it comes to the professionals we work with, we don’t put our trust in just anyone. Fortunately, Penny’s local knowledge, industry experience, and proven approach to working with buyers and sellers have made partnering with her an easy decision.

Penny Brown is a well-respected broker and sales representative who has earned the trust of her loyal clients, many of whom she’s had relationships with for decades. From the Annex to Rosedale to Moore Park, she’s worked with some of the city’s most notable residents—and bought and sold landmark residences across Toronto.

Nelson Denham Brown & Associates: a Natural Fit

Merging made sense for us all, and not just because of our individual track records. We’re aligned in our commitment to service, ethical conduct, and putting in the hard work required to get the best possible results for our clients. In addition, we’re all equally dedicated to helping our investors grow their portfolios.

Notably, our combined contacts will create a strong real estate network, allowing us to create impressive off-market opportunities for our buyers and sellers. Coupled with the brand reputation, superior resources, and advanced marketing strategies afforded by Sotheby’s, these connections will help us serve you better.

Put simply, we’re confident that the experience you’ll enjoy at Nelson Denham Brown & Associates can’t be matched by any other real estate team.

Are You Ready to Make Your Next Move?

When you’re ready to buy, sell, or invest in local real estate, it would be our pleasure to provide a seamless experience and fantastic outcome.

Please contact us at any time to discuss your real estate portfolio—and how we can be of service in Toronto, cottage country, elsewhere in Canada, or across the globe. We promise that anything we talk about will be kept in the strictest confidence.

Interested in learning more about Nelson Denham Brown & Associates? Get in touch to learn more about what we do—and how we can make your purchase or sale a success!

Staging requires a great deal of talent and skill—especially when the home in question is high end. Whether your property is a historic mansion or a marvel of modern architecture, working with a stager who has the right expertise could be the key to a very successful (and lucrative) sale.

If you’re preparing to put your high-end home on the market, here are five things you should know about staging…

1) It’s not about your personal style

When a stager wants to change your home’s interior, it can be hard not to take it personally. It’s important to remember that it’s not about your design preferences—or the property you’ve decorated with care.

A professional stager’s recommendations are always based on expertise. They’re designed to help you attract buyers, facilitate beautiful listing photos, and secure the best outcome possible!

2) There’s more to it than you think

Many sellers believe that the staging process is about organizing a home and giving it a few finishing touches. Others imagine it to be a complete and total style overhaul. In fact, it’s usually something in between.

The ideal shade of paint, a few carefully-curated pieces of furniture, and the highest caliber of decor can make all the difference in how a home is perceived. Some properties may require more of these additions than others. Fortunately, a professional who understands your most likely buyers can implement the right level of staging.

3) It’s about focusing on the (nearly) universal

With most properties, the goal of staging is to generate attention from as many potential purchasers as possible. While your home is bound to attract a smaller buyer pool if it’s at a higher price point, boosting its universal appeal is still key. That means making it feel big, bright, and airy—qualities that almost everyone loves.

When it comes to design, there are also a few conventions to consider. There’s a reason why neutral hues and classic silhouettes are so popular—they can help any buyer imagine a home as their own. While your stager may not suggest going this route, their recommendations should be refined enough to appeal to as many of your target buyers as possible.

4) Staging should complement your home

While highlighting the most universally-appealing aspects of your home is important, you don’t want to detract from its uniqueness. That’s why a true staging expert won’t use a one-size-fits-all approach.

Heritage properties are typically filled with sought-after details, like period moulding and stained glass. Likewise, newer homes of architectural significance often contain impressive features (like, say, beautiful skylights). Your stager’s efforts should call attention to what sets your property apart—and use it to create a consistent, overarching aesthetic that will complement it perfectly.

5) The impact of staging is real

Staging is truly an art. When it’s done right, it can lead to a quicker sale and a higher return. Consider a study from RESA, which found that staged properties sold in one-third the time it took to sell their unstaged counterparts. As many agents will tell you, they also routinely command 5 to 10 per cent more money!

While staging a home can take a bit of extra effort, it’s worthwhile when you work with a true professional. An expert who understands historic and architecturally-significant properties can help you make an informed decision—and guide you smoothly through the home-preparation process.

It’s been called Canada’s Camelot. Casa Loma, the Gothic Revival mansion that draws 350,000 visitors every year, is truly a sight to behold.

This stunning attraction—just a short drive from Forest Hill—remains one of the city’s architectural highlights. From both an aesthetic and historical perspective, it’s well worth exploring.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at Casa Loma and its architecture…

The Basics

The original visionary behind Casa Loma, wealthy financier Sir Henry Pellatt, drew up plans for his “House on the Hill” in 1911. The Kingston-born millionaire had a fondness for castles, and the one he envisioned would become one of the most majestic homes on the continent.

Pellatt commissioned renowned Canadian architect E.J. Lennox to make his dream a reality. Lennox was responsible for designing Old City Hall, among other notable buildings in Toronto.

After $3.5 million dollars were put into it (that’s estimated to be somewhere around $75 million in today’s currency), Casa Loma was complete. It was filled with works of art and opulent furnishings—and served as the perfect place for many lively social events.

Architectural Details

Casa Loma has undergone restoration efforts over the years, and they’ve paid off. If you explore this 98-room marvel—along with its grand exterior and glorious garden—here’s what you should look out for:

• Spanish marble and mahogany horse stables (currently home to a collection of period cars)

• An intricate sandstone and brick facade, featuring towering decorative turrets

• A massive library with a ceiling that bears the Pellatt coat of arms

• The conservatory, which features bronze and glass doors and a stained glass roof

• Secret passageways and an 800-foot underground tunnel (which now serves as a photo exhibit)

Gothic Revival Style

The extravagant Casa Loma is a prime example of Gothic Revival architecture. This ornate style was extremely popular in Canada during the second half of the 19th century. It’s typified in many of our country’s most historically-significant churches, universities, museums, and other public buildings.

As the name suggests, Gothic Revival architecture harkens back to the Medieval period. Common details include steep gabled roofs, pointed arches, and elaborate stonework. It took three years, but many of the features that made this style so unique came to life during the construction of Casa Loma.

The Legacy

Not long after the passing of his wife, Henry Pellatt had to give up his dream home due to debt. In the ensuing years, it was reinvented as a luxury hotel, then a nighttime hotspot. Finally, the City of Toronto took ownership.

The extravagant structure near the corner of Spadina and Davenport has left an indelible mark. In fact, it remains as lively now as it was in the early 20th century. In recent years, it’s hosted countless tours—along with events ranging from Halloween haunted houses to symphony performances. It’s also home to BlueBlood Steakhouse, which offers fine-dining experiences in an environment that both honours and reimagines the building’s heritage with modern decor.

There’s no doubt that Casa Loma is a true architectural and historical gem. Whether you live in Forest Hill, Yorkville, the Annex, or beyond, this is one Toronto attraction you’ll want to explore.

Looking for an architecturally-significant home? Get in touch to learn how we can help you buy a truly spectacular property.

If you’re preparing to sell a historic home, you’re in a good position. From solid construction to beautiful stained glass and crown moulding, the features associated with heritage properties are in high demand. For you, that could mean a very impressive return—if you make the most of your home’s historic charm.

Here are five tips for successfully selling your historically-significant property…

Preserve its character

Chances are, at least part of what will draw potential buyers to your home is its original character. That’s why it’s so important to preserve our property’s historic architecture and period details. Whether you’ll be ready to sell soon or you’re planning for the future, you should try to renovate sparingly (and strategically).

Your best bet is to find a contractor who understands preservation. With their help, you can make changes that may increase your property’s value—without compromising its integrity. Think key upgrades, like replacing outdated kitchen appliances.

Make the history a selling point

It’s no secret that older houses sometimes come with significant issues, such as outdated wiring or faulty plumbing. Fortunately for buyers, knowing about a home’s history—including the renovations and additions it’s undergone—can lead to a more informed purchase decision. Of course, that’s not the only reason prospective purchasers ask.

From the year it was built to its previous owners, your home’s storied past is a big part of what makes it special. Public records can help you unearth interesting information to impress potential buyers. The right agent can also help you incorporate your property’s history into your marketing.

Stage strategically

Antique furniture and decor has an undeniable appeal, but too much of it can be a turnoff. A good rule of thumb? If your home looks outdated as opposed to vintage-chic, most buyers will have trouble envisioning it as their own.

Working with a stager who knows how to highlight the finer points of a historic property is key. That may mean combining vintage pieces with modern ones to create a sophisticated look—something the right professional will be well-positioned to do.

Be aware of restrictions

If your home is a designated heritage property, you’re probably aware that there are potential restrictions on the renovations you can perform. Making changes to protected architectural features may take longer (since local government approvals are often required), and they can be costlier.

Buyers should know about these potential issues, so be prepared to provide your agent with details that can help expedite the process. Be aware that your property’s designation will be a plus for some buyers, while others may see it as a possible annoyance.

Seek out expertise

Assistance from a real estate professional with the right expertise can contribute greatly to your selling success. This is as true when it comes to historic homes as it is for any other type of property.

When you’re looking for an agent, opt for a professional with a proven track record of helping clients sell historically-significant properties. From pricing to marketing to disclosing relevant information, their expertise will come in handy at every step!

When you’re ready to sell your historic home, we’re here to help. Reach out to benefit from our local expertise!