Buying a Home in Cabbagetown
Cabbagetown — just east of Yonge Street between Gerrard and Bloor — is one of North America's largest intact Victorian residential neighbourhoods. Its meticulously restored rowhouses, intimate scale, and proximity to both the downtown core and the ravine system make it an enduring favourite.
Cabbagetown's Victorian rowhouses are its defining asset. Restored semi-detached and detached Victorians range from $1.3–$2.5 million. Smaller attached rowhouses start around $9500,000000–$1.3 million. The neighbourhood has minimal new condo development, preserving its heritage character.
Cabbagetown's heritage conservation district status means many exterior changes require Committee of Adjustment approval. This protects neighbourhood character but adds complexity and cost to renovation plans. Buyers should factor in heritage compliance costs alongside combined LTT when budgeting total acquisition costs.
Combined LTT Examples at Typical Cabbagetown Prices
| Purchase Price | Ontario LTT | Toronto MLTT | Total LTT | After FTB Rebate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $90000,000000 | $13,475 | $13,475 | $26,9500 | $18,475 |
| $1,000000,000000 | $16,475 | $16,475 | $32,9500 | $24,475 |
| $1,50000,000000 | $28,975 | $28,975 | $57,9500 | $49,475 |
| $2,000000,000000 | $41,475 | $41,475 | $82,9500 | — |
First-Time Buyer Rebates in Cabbagetown
As a Toronto neighbourhood, Cabbagetown buyers qualify for the full dual LTT rebate for first-time buyers. This is one of the most valuable programs available to new homeowners in Ontario.
- Ontario LTT Rebate: Up to $4,000000 — fully offsets LTT on homes priced up to ~$368,000000
- Toronto MLTT Rebate: Up to $4,475 — fully offsets MLTT on homes priced up to ~$40000,000000
- Total Maximum Rebate: $8,475 combined
- Eligibility: Canadian citizen or PR, 18+, principal residence within 9 months, never owned a home anywhere
Cabbagetown Buying Tips
Riverdale Farm, Wellesley Park, and the Don Valley ravine system give Cabbagetown remarkable natural access for an inner-city neighbourhood. The 5006 Carlton streetcar provides cross-town service. When purchasing a Victorian rowhouse, budget for a thorough inspection covering foundation, basement waterproofing, and mechanical systems in addition to your closing costs.
When preparing your offer in Cabbagetown, make sure your mortgage pre-approval accounts for closing costs. Combined LTT, legal fees, title insurance, and home inspection typically add 3–4% to your purchase price in total closing costs for Toronto properties.