Where to Buy a House in Toronto Under $1 Million in 2025
Buying a house in Toronto for under $1M used to sound like a bedtime story: “Once upon a time, someone bought a detached with a yard for less than a million…”
But in 2025, the story isn’t fiction—it’s back on the market. With more inventory and less competition, average detached prices have slid to around $1.19M (source: TRREB). That shift has cracked open a door that felt slammed shut for years: starter homes in Toronto that first-time buyers can actually afford.
And these aren’t fixer-uppers. Over the past few months, stylish, renovated, move-in ready houses under $1M in Toronto have sold across the city. Hardwood floors, designer kitchens, updated layouts—real homes you can unlock, unpack, and start living in tomorrow.
The best part? These deals aren’t hiding in the suburbs. They’re in real Toronto neighbourhoods—places with cafés, parks, schools, and character. Let’s take a tour through seven spots where freeholds have sold under the million mark in 2025, and see what kind of lifestyle they offer.
Wallace-Emerson: Affordable Freehold Homes Near Downtown Toronto
In July, 139 A Lappin Avenue sold for $885,000 (listed $925K). A semi with modern updates and a rental suite, just a short ride from Bloor.
Wallace-Emerson is one of the closest spots to downtown where houses under $1M in Toronto 2025 still exist. The neighbourhood has always been scrappy and full of character, but change is in the air—coffee shops, breweries, and galleries are moving in, and the new Line 2 subway extension will only make the area more connected.
Buyers here aren’t just chasing affordability—they’re betting on growth. For first-time buyers, this pocket is a chance to get a modernized home near the core before prices inevitably climb higher.
Greenwood-Coxwell: East End Starter Homes With Style
At 33 Ashdale Avenue, a semi listed at $929,000 sold for $920,000—fully renovated and move-in ready.
Greenwood-Coxwell blends the old and the new. Gerrard’s India Bazaar adds global flavour, Queen East brings Leslieville cool without the Leslieville price tag, and Greenwood Park anchors the community with skating, sports, and dog walkers year-round. Streets are full of young families, professionals, and long-time residents who give the area its lived-in authenticity.
For buyers who want affordable starter homes in Toronto’s east end, this neighbourhood delivers culture, community, and convenience—all under a million.
Corso Italia–Davenport: Family Homes in a Tight-Knit Community
159 Hope Street sold this summer for $925,000, down from a list of nearly $1M.
It’s liveable, but the house does need renovations—a good option for buyers who want into the neighbourhood now and can tackle updates over time.
Corso Italia is all about pride of place. St. Clair hums with espresso bars and bakeries, Earlscourt Park fills up with soccer games and festivals, and neighbours still know each other’s names. For families looking for houses under $1M in Toronto, Corso offers authenticity and value—even if the house itself needs a bit of work.
Danforth Village–East York: Starter Homes With Staying Power
261 Monarch Park Avenue sold for $980,000 after being listed at $989,000.
Danforth Village is a classic first-time buyer neighbourhood that doesn’t feel temporary. Homes here are often lovingly updated, with modern kitchens and layouts that actually work for busy families. The subway makes downtown commutes painless, while Monarch Park’s pool and playgrounds provide a community hub. Schools, daycare options, and family-friendly amenities round it all out.
This is where buyers find Toronto freehold homes under 1M that they won’t outgrow in a couple of years. It’s practical, welcoming, and the kind of neighbourhood where neighbours shovel each other’s sidewalks.
Woodbine Corridor: Near the Beach Without the Beach Price Tag
At 209 Eastwood Road, a semi listed at $1,009,000 sold for an even $1M—tastefully renovated and ready to move in.
The Woodbine Corridor is the east end’s cheat code. It’s leafy, unpretentious, and quietly stylish. Queen East’s brunch spots are just blocks away, while Woodbine Beach and the boardwalk are a quick stroll or bike ride. Add in ravine trails, playgrounds, and a strong sense of community, and you’ve got one of the most livable areas east of the DVP.
For buyers craving affordable freehold homes near the Beach in Toronto, this is where you get the vibe without the premium.
Birchcliffe–Cliffside: Bigger Lots, Stylish Renovations
90 Birchmount Road—a detached, move-in ready home—was listed at $949,000 and sold for $920,000 in just 23 days.
Birchcliffe–Cliffside is one of the rare places in Toronto where you can still get a detached with a real yard under $1M. The homes here are increasingly renovated and tasteful, so buyers don’t have to budget for immediate upgrades. Streets are quieter, schools are strong, and the Bluffs are practically in your backyard.
For families searching detached houses under 1M in Toronto 2025, this neighbourhood offers space, style, and a calmer pace of life—without leaving the city.
Yorkdale–Glen Park: Updated Bungalows With Transit Access
In North York, 992 Glencairn Avenue sold for $965,000 (listed $975K).
This neighbourhood is all about practicality. Rows of bungalows from the 1950s are being reimagined into modern family homes, some with second-storey additions, many with tasteful updates inside. With subway stations, quick highway access, and Yorkdale Mall as the local hub, everything you need is minutes away.
For buyers who want affordable freehold homes in North York under $1M, Glen Park offers both convenience and potential. It’s perfect for first-time buyers or downsizers who want a stylish home with zero compromise on location.
Quick Comparison: Freeholds Under $1M in Toronto 2025
| Neighbourhood | Address / Example Sale | List → Sold Price | Vibe Snapshot | Buyer Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wallace-Emerson | 139 A Lappin Ave | $925K → $885K | Murals, cafés, near-Bloor cool | Creatives, first-timers |
| Greenwood-Coxwell | 33 Ashdale Ave | $929K → $920K | East end buzz, family-friendly | Young families, professionals |
| Corso Italia–Davenport | 159 Hope St | $998K → $925K | Cannoli, soccer, espresso life | Families, authenticity seekers |
| Danforth Village–East York | 261 Monarch Park Ave | $989K → $980K | Subway, schools, neighbourly charm | Starter families, commuters |
| Woodbine Corridor | 209 Eastwood Rd | $1.009M → $1M | Ravines, brunch, Beach-lite | Families, downsizers |
| Birchcliffe–Cliffside | 90 Birchmount Rd | $949K → $920K | Bigger lots, calmer pace, lake close | Growing families, space hunters |
| Yorkdale–Glen Park | 992 Glencairn Ave | $975K → $965K | Bungalows, mall hub, easy transit | First-timers, downsizers |
The Takeaway: Starter Homes Are Back
Toronto freeholds under a million aren’t gone—they’re just overlooked. In 2025, more inventory and softer prices mean first-time buyers can still land move-in ready houses under $1M in Toronto. They’re smaller, older, but increasingly stylish and updated—real homes you’d actually want to live in.
Looking for your first home? I’ll help you cut through the noise and zero in on the listings that prove affordable freehold homes in Toronto still exist. Get in touch here and let’s find the right one for you.
FAQs About Buying a House in Toronto Under $1M
Is it possible to buy a house in Toronto for under $1M in 2025?
Yes. While the average detached price is still above $1.19M, renovated and move-in ready freeholds have sold under $1M this year in neighbourhoods like Wallace-Emerson, Danforth Village, and Birchcliffe.
Which neighbourhoods in Toronto have affordable freehold houses under $1M?
Areas like Wallace-Emerson, Greenwood-Coxwell, Corso Italia, Danforth Village–East York, Woodbine Corridor, Birchcliffe–Cliffside, and Yorkdale–Glen Park have all seen sub-$1M sales in 2025.
Are houses under $1M in Toronto move-in ready, or do they need renovations?
Historically, sub-$1M homes often needed major work. But in 2025, many recent sales under $1M were fully renovated and tastefully designed, meaning buyers can move in immediately without extra costs.
Is now a good time for first-time buyers in Toronto?
Yes. With inventory up and prices softening, 2025 has created a window of opportunity for first-time buyers. Starter homes are back in reach, and competition is less intense than in previous years.
