Following in the footsteps of famed reality TV real estate shows, like Million Dollar Listing, Selling Sunset and Buying Beverly Hills, Toronto has entered the genre with Luxe Listings Toronto (now on Prime Video). The show, starring Peter Torkan, Paige Torkan and Brett Starke, takes us inside luxury homes, ranging from condos in downtown Toronto, to houses in the city’s Bridal Path neighbourhood and in Oakville, Ont.
“We did not want to become famous, our intention was to showcase Toronto to the world, the real estate, how beautiful this city is,” Peter told Yahoo Canada. “How can we serve other people in our team? How can we elevate them? How can we help them to take their business to the next level? So it wasn’t about us whatsoever.”
Amazon MGM Studios
Watch Luxe Listings Toronto on Prime Video with a 30-day free trail, then $9.99/month
“We wanted to give back by being role models, if possible, because we started from zero,” Paige added. “We wanted to show to the world that it’s possible for the younger generation and they can start from anywhere they want and be whoever they want to be in life.”
The Torkans are a husband-wife duo making up Team Torkan at The Agency in Toronto (fans of reality shows will be familiar with The Agency from its founder Mauricio Umansky, from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Buying Beverly Hills). Starke, on the other hand, leads The Starke Group and is dubbed the “King of King Street.”
Luxe Listings Toronto (Amazon MGM Studios)
‘The best looking people in Canada, live in Toronto’
While much of the series is about seeing the multimillion-dollar properties, it’s also a glimpse into the personal lives of these real estate professionals. For Starke, that includes showing a spat he had with his brother, Scott, who’s also part of The Starke Group team, after an error led to the loss of a listing.
“I find that, especially in Canada and especially in real estate, there’s so much small business, there’s so much family business, and a lot of people are going to work with their best friends, or their family members, or their loved ones,” Starke said. “And the same scenarios that you get into on a management versus employee situation, you’re going to get in those situations with your family as well.”
“It’s going to be amplified because now that there’s money involved. There’s other people’s homes, there’s expectations. So I think what we really showcase [is] there’s always going to be challenges every single day. … One of the things we say at our company and my team hears me say this all the time is, ‘The only easy day was yesterday.’ So there’s going to be another challenge tomorrow, it’s going to be a harder challenge than the one you had yesterday. How are you going to adapt with those challenges? How are you going to overcome through those challenges? And if you can do it with your family, even better.”
Amazon MGM Studios
Watch Luxe Listings Toronto on Prime Video with a 30-day free trail, then $9.99/month
Starke also says something in the show that is quite rare for people in Toronto, that he “loves” dating in city. In the show, we see him go on a date that starts with a helicopter ride to Niagara, Ont.
“I think Toronto pulls the best of what Canada has to offer, that can be culturally, that can be financially, that can be health, that can be looks, that could be your entrepreneurship, it could be anything and I find that the best people, with the best attitudes, the best mindset, and honestly the best looking people in Canada, live in Toronto,” Starke says. “I think because of that, we have the best dating scene in the country, hands down.”
Luxe Listings Toronto (Amazon MGM Studios)
‘We are not New York’s little baby brother anymore’
While we wait to see how Starke’s dating life goes, in terms of what these real estate professionals think makes Toronto a great investment for people looking to add to their luxury real estate portfolio, Starke stressed that he believes many people weren’t aware that the properties being showcased on Luxe Listings Toronto existed in the city.
“I think where people thought maybe they have to go to Vancouver, now they have an opportunity to see the best of Toronto and we’re going to put it on the map in terms of luxury,” he said.
“What makes Toronto very unique, I think, even during a tough market, is resilience,” Paige Torkan added. “That makes Toronto a very demanding market for real estate and also safe for investment.”
Peter said that when he started selling real estate in Toronto, the lots on the Bridal Path were going for about $2 million, today that same lot sits at $15 million.
“There is lot of wealth in the city and there’s a lot more coming in,” he said. “So Toronto, I call it as steady as she goes, yes it might hit a little bit of bumps in the road, but it’s always towards upwards. ”
“We are not New York’s little baby brother anymore. It’s big changes happening in Toronto.”
MONTREAL – Two Quebec real estate brokers are facing fines and years-long suspensions for submitting bogus offers on homes to drive up prices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Christine Girouard has been suspended for 14 years and her business partner, Jonathan Dauphinais-Fortin, has been suspended for nine years after Quebec’s authority of real estate brokerage found they used fake bids to get buyers to raise their offers.
Girouard is a well-known broker who previously starred on a Quebec reality show that follows top real estate agents in the province.
She is facing a fine of $50,000, while Dauphinais-Fortin has been fined $10,000.
The two brokers were suspended in May 2023 after La Presse published an article about their practices.
One buyer ended up paying $40,000 more than his initial offer in 2022 after Girouard and Dauphinais-Fortin concocted a second bid on the house he wanted to buy.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 11, 2024.
MONTREAL – The Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers says Montreal-area home sales rose 9.3 per cent in August compared with the same month last year, with levels slightly higher than the historical average for this time of year.
The association says home sales in the region totalled 2,991 for the month, up from 2,737 in August 2023.
The median price for all housing types was up year-over-year, led by a six per cent increase for the price of a plex at $763,000 last month.
The median price for a single-family home rose 5.2 per cent to $590,000 and the median price for a condominium rose 4.4 per cent to $407,100.
QPAREB market analysis director Charles Brant says the strength of the Montreal resale market contrasts with declines in many other Canadian cities struggling with higher levels of household debt, lower savings and diminishing purchasing power.
Active listings for August jumped 18 per cent compared with a year earlier to 17,200, while new listings rose 1.7 per cent to 4,840.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 6, 2024.
In the quest to find cities where renters can enjoy the best of all worlds, a recent study analyzed 24 metrics across three key categories—Housing & Economy, Quality of Life, and Community. The study ranked the 100 largest cities in Canada to determine which ones offer the most to their renters.
Here are the top 10 cities that emerged as the best for renters in 2024:
St. John’s, NL
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, stand out as the top city for renters in Canada for 2024. Known for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural beauty, and welcoming community, St. John’s offers an exceptional quality of life. The city boasts affordable housing, a robust economy, and low unemployment rates, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced and enriching living experience. Its rich history, picturesque harbour, and dynamic arts scene further enhance its appeal, ensuring that renters can enjoy both comfort and excitement in this charming coastal city.
Sherbrooke, QC
Sherbrooke, Quebec, emerges as a leading city for renters in Canada for 2024, offering a blend of affordability and quality of life. Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Townships, Sherbrooke is known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and strong community spirit. The city provides affordable rental options, low living costs, and a thriving local economy, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both comfort and economic stability. With its rich history, numerous parks, and dynamic arts and education sectors, Sherbrooke presents an inviting environment for renters looking for a well-rounded lifestyle.
Québec City, QC
Québec City, the capital of Quebec, stands out as a premier destination for renters in Canada for 2024. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural heritage, this city offers an exceptional quality of life. Renters benefit from affordable housing, excellent public services, and a robust economy. The city’s charming streets, historic sites, and diverse culinary scene provide a unique living experience. With top-notch education institutions, numerous parks, and a strong sense of community, Québec City is an ideal choice for those seeking a dynamic and fulfilling lifestyle.
Trois-Rivières, QC
Trois-Rivières, nestled between Montreal and Quebec City, emerges as a top choice for renters in Canada. This historic city, known for its picturesque riverside views and rich cultural scene, offers an appealing blend of affordability and quality of life. Renters in Trois-Rivières enjoy reasonable housing costs, a low unemployment rate, and a vibrant community atmosphere. The city’s well-preserved historic sites, bustling arts community, and excellent educational institutions make it an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.
Saguenay, QC
Saguenay, located in the stunning Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec, is a prime destination for renters seeking affordable living amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Known for its picturesque fjords and vibrant cultural scene, Saguenay offers residents a high quality of life with lower housing costs compared to major urban centers. The city boasts a strong sense of community, excellent recreational opportunities, and a growing economy. For those looking to combine affordability with a rich cultural and natural environment, Saguenay stands out as an ideal choice.
Granby, QC
Granby, nestled in the heart of Quebec’s Eastern Townships, offers renters a delightful blend of small-town charm and ample opportunities. Known for its beautiful parks, vibrant cultural scene, and family-friendly environment, Granby provides an exceptional quality of life. The city’s affordable housing market and strong sense of community make it an attractive option for those seeking a peaceful yet dynamic place to live. With its renowned zoo, bustling downtown, and numerous outdoor activities, Granby is a hidden gem that caters to a diverse range of lifestyles.
Fredericton, NB
Fredericton, the capital city of New Brunswick, offers renters a harmonious blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Known for its vibrant arts scene, beautiful riverfront, and welcoming community, Fredericton provides an excellent quality of life. The city boasts affordable housing options, scenic parks, and a strong educational presence with institutions like the University of New Brunswick. Its rich cultural heritage, coupled with a thriving local economy, makes Fredericton an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
Saint John, NB
Saint John, New Brunswick’s largest city, is a coastal gem known for its stunning waterfront and rich heritage. Nestled on the Bay of Fundy, it offers renters an affordable cost of living with a unique blend of historic architecture and modern conveniences. The city’s vibrant uptown area is bustling with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, while its scenic parks and outdoor spaces provide ample opportunities for recreation. Saint John’s strong sense of community and economic growth make it an inviting place for those looking to enjoy both urban and natural beauty.
Saint-Hyacinthe, QC
Saint-Hyacinthe, located in the Montérégie region of Quebec, is a vibrant city known for its strong agricultural roots and innovative spirit. Often referred to as the “Agricultural Technopolis,” it is home to numerous research centers and educational institutions. Renters in Saint-Hyacinthe benefit from a high quality of life with access to excellent local amenities, including parks, cultural events, and a thriving local food scene. The city’s affordable housing and close-knit community atmosphere make it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.
Lévis, QC
Lévis, located on the southern shore of the St. Lawrence River across from Quebec City, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern conveniences. Known for its picturesque views and well-preserved heritage sites, Lévis is a city where history meets contemporary living. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with excellent public services, green spaces, and cultural activities. The city’s affordable housing options and strong sense of community make it a desirable place for renters looking for both tranquility and easy access to urban amenities.
This category looked at factors such as average rent, housing costs, rental availability, and unemployment rates. Québec stood out with 10 cities ranking at the top, demonstrating strong economic stability and affordable housing options, which are critical for renters looking for cost-effective living conditions.
Québec again led the pack in this category, with five cities in the top 10. Ontario followed closely with three cities. British Columbia excelled in walkability, with four cities achieving the highest walk scores, while Caledon topped the list for its extensive green spaces. These factors contribute significantly to the overall quality of life, making these cities attractive for renters.
Victoria, BC, emerged as the leader in this category due to its rich array of restaurants, museums, and educational institutions, offering a vibrant community life. St. John’s, NL, and Vancouver, BC, also ranked highly. Québec City, QC, and Lévis, QC, scored the highest in life satisfaction, reflecting a strong sense of community and well-being. Additionally, Saskatoon, SK, and Oshawa, ON, were noted for having residents with lower stress levels.
For a comprehensive view of the rankings and detailed interactive visuals, you can visit the full study by Point2Homes.
While no city can provide a perfect living experience for every renter, the cities highlighted in this study come remarkably close by excelling in key areas such as housing affordability, quality of life, and community engagement. These findings offer valuable insights for renters seeking the best places to live in Canada in 2024.
