Housing in Forest Hill South is predominantly low-density, custom-driven, and architecturally diverse, yet remarkably cohesive. Large detached homes on generous lots define the neighbourhood, with styles ranging from early 20th-century Tudors and Georgians to elegant mid-century builds and contemporary custom homes.
Renovation and redevelopment activity is constant but highly intentional, with a growing share of fully custom-built homes replacing older housing stock. Most projects focus on modernizing interiors while preserving the street presence — a reflection of both planning controls and neighbourhood norms. Teardown-and-rebuilds do occur, but they’re selective, often replacing smaller or functionally obsolete homes with architecturally sensitive custom builds rather than oversized statements.
Semis and townhomes are rare, and condos are virtually non-existent within Forest Hill South itself, although we are seeing a trend of new projects popping up on the outskirts. This scarcity reinforces long-term value stability and limits sudden shifts in neighbourhood character.
From a buyer standpoint, this is an elite end-user market, defined by high barriers to entry and long-term ownership horizons. Investors are largely absent, not because of poor returns, but because entry costs, zoning limitations, and rental restrictions favour ownership over yield strategies. Buyers here are purchasing lifestyle, privacy, longevity and not just square footage.
