Historic mansion in Toronto is surprisingly under $3 million
When it comes to affordable housing in Toronto, it's slim pickings.
With rental prices having climbed a whopping 20 per cent in the last few years and dire living situations (such as a bed on top of the stairs for $500 a month) becoming more common than ever before, you might be under the impression that there are no good landlords left out there.
However, if you want to change that narrative and become a benevolent landlord who keeps affordable housing alive in this city, may we tempt you with this once-in-a-generation opportunity?
The hallway of the newly-listed building.
This historic mansion in High Park is up for grabs, for a very reasonable $2,995,000.
The coach house and the four parking spots on the property.
This iconic property boasts 11 units in the main house and two units in the coach house, making it a truly unique home with tons of income potential.
A view of unit 2 and the original hardwood floors.
"The house used to be a rooming house back in the day," listing agent Chandar Chaddah told theGentries.
The home still has plenty of charm and character, including the ceiling moulding.
32 High Park Boulevard then became a multiplex, and the same family has owned the building for the last 25 years.
One of the vacant bachelor units.
They have lovingly looked after the house — with updates to wiring, windows, heating etc. — and its tenants.
A one-bedroom unit with original stained glass windows.
Of the 13 units, there are six bachelor apartments — with one having a bathroom outside of the apartment — along with seven one-bedroom units.
A patio for tenants.
And while some might be tempted to transform this mansion back into a single-family home or renovate it and jack up the rents, this is not the place for that.
Another vacant unit in the home.
For one thing, there are some pretty strict laws against doing that. And secondly, as Chaddah puts it, "the buyer needs to understand they're buying it with all the tenants."
One of the bachelor units that currently has a renter.
The property is being sold as is, where is, with all present tenants to be assumed.
Another bachelor unit.
So, this is not necessarily a quick investment that will provide huge returns any time soon.
Appliances have been updated throughout the building.
"It's affordable housing," said Chaddah simply. "All the rents are below market. The most expensive unit is a one-bedroom for $1,500 a month."
One of the bedrooms.
However, 32 High Park Blvd. is a long game investement, as the land alone is worth way more than it's listed for.
"If it's just land value, it's undervalued. It would be $3.5 to $4 million just to tear the house down," said Chaddah.
One of the bathrooms.
And given the location — just steps away from the heart of Roncesvalles, High Park, the lake, the Bloor-Danforth subway line, the GO train, and UP Express – the land value is only going to go up.
On of the apartments with a bay window.
Furthermore, while most of the units are occupied with long-term tenants, units do become available.
A different view of one of the vacant units.
Right now, there are two bachelor units that are already vacant and could probably get market rate for rent, as this is Toronto, after all.
The shared laundry facilities in the complex.
But, as Chaddah states, the city needs stable housing for people, and 32 High Park Blvd. provides just that.
The back of the house.
So all we can say is please, dear future landlord of 32 High Park Blvd., be nice. The city of Toronto needs a Robin Hood-like landlord figure now more than ever.
Jamie Levack
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