Description
Annex homes for sale are typically large detached and semi-detached Victorian houses on tree-lined one-way streets. Most are single-family dwellings although there are houses that have been divided for student rentals as well as fraternities.
Toronto homes for sale in The Annex tend to be large, stone houses; even the semi-detached properties feel like detached homes because of their scale. These are solidly built homes, largely constructed between the 1870’s and early 1900’s. They share a unique look that's eponymous with The Annex thanks to nineteenth century architect E.J. Lennox’s designs which blend various historical styles. Annex houses often feature rounded front archways, decorative turrets and red brick construction.
Many houses have been previously renovated although there are original condition homes remaining. Some of the best buys are the multi-unit student rentals, which can be purchased as investment properties or converted back into single-family homes.
Needless to say, property prices in this elite neighbourhood are not for the faint of heart or wallet. And that’s often for an original condition home that needs a lot of work. However if budget permits, this is one of the best all around neighbourhoods in Toronto for couples and families looking for a showstopper home in a safe neighbourhood close to amenities, without straying too far from Bloor. The South Annex can be slightly easier to break into than the North Annex north of Bloor that has most Torontonians priced out.
Best For
Buyers with high budgets looking for houses for sale in Toronto in a mature neighbourhood that’s close to downtown.
Why We Love The Annex
Because Mature Doesn’t Have to Mean You’re Past it
We love that the youthful spirit of the neighbouring University of Toronto campus and student residences spills over into the residential streets of The Annex.
This is a great neighbourhood choice for buyers who want a safe, high-end neighbourhood but don’t want to live inside a bubble. The heterogeneity of residents, everyone from successful entrepreneurs and artists to students and faculty, coupled with the vibrancy of Bloor Street ensure that you and your family stay connected to the diversity and energy of city living.
Your Child’s Education Matters
The Annex has strong school options for children of all ages but particularly teens with university and college preparation in mind. If you’re able to invest in private education (and if you own an Annex house, you likely are) the Annex has two of the city’s top private high schools. Plus, there are tons of great holiday camps and Saturday morning courses to suit budding archaeologists, astronomers and artists at the nearby Royal Ontario Museum.
It’s also conveniently located to U of T and George Brown campuses for those high school grads who just can’t seem to leave home. And if you’re lucky enough to grow up in the Annex, who can blame them.
The Homes are Breathtaking
Annex homes are some of the most beautiful in the city. Show most Torontonians a picture of the eponymous red brick and archway facades and they’ll guess it’s an Annex gem. If a large home with historic character is your thing, the Annex may be for you.
Because the Older we Get, the More we Appreciate Learning
There’s something uplifting about living close to a university. If you live in this area, you’ll no doubt cut through the lively campus en route to work or play, admire the stunning University of Toronto architecture, and remember what it was like to be a student. Sure, there were exams and expectations but there was also a heck of a lot of promise and fun. Just being in close proximity to that academic energy sparks our curiousity.
Plus, you don’t have to be a student to make use of the University’s popular Hart House Fitness Centre; memberships are open to anyone. There’s also a fantastic Continuing Studies program for adult-learners.
- 12thMost expensive out of 79 neighbourhoods in Downtown$1.29millionAverage home value in The Annex-19.01%Year over year change in valuesHistorical Average Home Prices in The Annex