Every loft listing in Toronto falls into one of two camps. Knowing which one you are looking at tells you a lot about what living there will be like.
Hard lofts: the originals
A hard loft is a building that started life as something else, usually a factory, warehouse, school or church, and was later converted into homes. The appeal is authenticity. You get the original brick, timber posts or concrete columns, large industrial windows and ceilings that commonly sit somewhere between 10 and 14 feet.
The trade-offs come from the same place. These buildings were not designed as housing, so layouts can be unusual, sound can travel between suites, and older windows and tall ceilings can mean higher heating and cooling costs. Amenities are often minimal, and not every suite comes with parking.
Supply is the other defining feature. There are only so many old factories, and no one is building more. Many hard loft buildings have fewer than a hundred suites, so listings are infrequent.
Soft lofts: the look, built new
A soft loft is a purpose-built condo designed around loft features: exposed concrete ceilings, open plans, floor-to-ceiling glass and sometimes two-storey layouts. Because it is new construction, you generally get modern mechanical systems, better sound separation, and amenities such as a gym, concierge or rooftop terrace. Parking and lockers are more common.
What you give up is the history. Ceilings are typically lower than in a true conversion, and the finishes are consistent from suite to suite.
Which is right for you?
- Choose a hard loft if character is the point and you are comfortable with quirks and a smaller pool of listings.
- Choose a soft loft if you want the open, industrial feel with fewer surprises and more conveniences.
Some buildings are both: an original factory with a newer addition beside or on top of it. In those, it is worth checking which part of the building a suite is in before you fall for the photos.
Browse hard loft buildings and soft loft buildings to compare.