The Toronto Livings guide
Church loft conversions in Toronto.
Soaring ceilings, stained glass and exposed trusses: the city’s most iconic church conversions, and how to buy one well.
What they are
What makes a church loft.
A church loft is a former place of worship converted into homes. The best conversions keep what made the building special, such as exposed beams, arches, stained glass and century-old stonework, and add everything modern living needs.
Toronto has plenty of condos and lofts, but only a handful of homes that make you stop and look up. Because the city doesn’t have an endless supply of churches suitable for conversion, good options are few, tightly held and highly sought after.
Church lofts suit buyers who want volume, light and character they can’t find in a new build, and who value a small building with a strong sense of community. Who they may not suit: buyers who need parking in every building, flexible renovation options or the amenities of a large tower.
For sale now
Church lofts for sale in Toronto.
Every church loft on the market across the city, updated daily.
Listing data from PropTx MLS®, deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
The buildings
Church loft conversions worth knowing.
History, layouts and what to know as a buyer, building by building.
Arch Lofts245 Perth Ave2 sold in the last 12 months1 for saleAsking from $729,000
Brunswick Lofts225 Brunswick Ave2 sold in the last 12 months1 for saleAsking from $1,195,000
College Street United Church Lofts456 College St7 sold in the last 12 months3 for sale · 3 for rentAsking from $549,000
Glebe Lofts660 Pape Ave4 sold in the last 12 monthsNothing listed right now
Macpherson Church Lofts12 Macpherson Ave1 sold in the last 12 monthsNothing listed right now
Park Lofts200 Annette StNo sales in the last 12 months1 for saleAsking from $1,399,900
St George Church Lofts65 Sheldrake Boulevard1 sold in the last 12 monthsNothing listed right now
St. Leslieville Church Lofts175 Jones Ave1 sold in the last 12 monthsNothing listed right now- Sunday School Lofts14 Dewhurst Blvd2 sold in the last 12 monthsNothing listed right now
The Abbey Lofts384 Sunnyside Ave1 sold in the last 12 months1 for saleAsking from $1,690,000
The Church Lofts701 Dovercourt Rd2 sold in the last 12 monthsNothing listed right now
The Heritage Towns at Hallam1183 Dufferin StNo sales in the last 12 months1 for saleAsking from $715,000- Victoria Lofts152 Annette St1 sold in the last 12 months1 for saleAsking from $689,900
- West 40 Lofts40 Westmoreland AveNo sales in the last 12 monthsNothing listed right now
Why buyers love them
Architecture you can’t build today.
One-of-a-kind character
You can’t recreate 120-year-old stonework or stained glass at scale. Church lofts offer something no new build can manufacture.
Volume and natural light
Cathedral ceilings translate into airy, dramatic interiors, with light pouring in through oversized windows.
Boutique communities
Many church lofts have only a few dozen suites, which means quieter halls, less turnover and a real sense of community.
Established neighbourhoods
Conversions sit in established pockets, from the Junction to Cabbagetown, so you also buy walkability, cafés and parks.
Rarity that holds value
Supply is fixed and demand is steady. Homes with architectural significance tend to hold their appeal when it’s time to sell.
Modern comfort inside
Behind the heritage features you’ll usually find updated kitchens, bathrooms and systems, so you don’t trade comfort for character.
Where to find them
The neighbourhoods to look in.
Most church lofts are in Toronto’s older neighbourhoods, where churches were built close together in the late 1800s and early 1900s. That’s also why they come with some of the city’s best walkability.
Buying advice
What to know before you buy.
Church lofts reward careful buyers. The character that makes them special also brings questions you won’t face in a newer condo.
Heritage rules
Check what any heritage designation allows before you plan a renovation. Some features can’t be changed, and layouts are often less flexible.
Parking and storage
Confirm whether parking and a locker come with the suite. Many conversions have little or none on site.
The status certificate
Read it closely. Older buildings can carry bigger repair projects, and the reserve fund shows whether the building is ready for them.
Further reading
More on church lofts.
FAQ
Common questions.
What is a church loft?
A church loft is a former place of worship converted into homes. Developers keep the architecture, such as stained glass, stonework, exposed beams and vaulted ceilings, and add modern finishes.
Are church lofts rare in Toronto?
Very. Only a small number of churches have been suitable for conversion, and many were converted decades ago. New projects are uncommon, so existing suites are tightly held.
How much do church lofts cost?
Prices vary widely with the building, size, ceiling height and how much original detail survives. Smaller suites sit at the more accessible end of the loft market, while large multi-level cathedral suites command a clear premium.
Are church lofts hard to renovate?
They can be. Heritage features may come with restrictions, and layouts are less flexible than in newer condos. Check the building rules and any heritage designation before you buy.
Do church lofts have parking?
Some do and many don’t. Because these buildings reuse existing structures, parking varies from project to project. Where there’s none on site, street permits or nearby garages are common.
Where are most church lofts?
In older neighbourhoods with strong character: Dovercourt and Bloor, Roncesvalles and High Park, Cabbagetown, the Junction, Little Italy and Riverdale.
Talk to a specialist
Looking for a church loft?
Mark handles our church loft buyers and sellers, and lives in a 100-year-old loft himself. A short call, no pressure.
