Buying a Home in Don Mills
Don Mills holds a unique place in Toronto's urban history — it was Canada's first fully planned community, designed in the 19500s by planner Macklin Hancock for the E.P. Taylor development group. The result was a neighbourhood unlike any other in Toronto: curvilinear streets, abundant green space, setback homes on generous lots, and a deliberate separation of residential, commercial, and industrial uses. Today, Don Mills is recognized as a heritage planning landmark and remains one of Toronto's most livable mid-century neighbourhoods.
The housing stock in Don Mills is predominantly post-war bungalows, split-levels, and two-storey homes on lots ranging from 500 to 700 feet wide — significantly larger than most Toronto neighbourhoods. This makes Don Mills particularly attractive to families seeking detached homes with yards, double-car garages, and quiet streets. Typical bungalows range from $1.1 million to $1.6 million. Larger two-storey homes with updated interiors and oversized lots can command $1.8 million to $2.5 million. The Shops at Don Mills — an open-air retail complex — anchors the neighbourhood commercially and has attracted high-end retailers and restaurants.
Don Mills has seen increasing condo development along the Don Mills Road corridor, particularly near the Eglinton Crosstown LRT line. Purpose-built towers and newer mid-rise condos offer entry points from $60000,000000 to $90000,000000 for one- and two-bedroom units, drawing younger buyers into the neighbourhood for the first time. The Crosstown LRT's Science Centre station will further boost connectivity when full service launches.
Buyers should carefully budget closing costs. On a $1.4 million Don Mills bungalow, combined Ontario and Toronto MLTT totals approximately $48,9500 — a significant sum that must be planned for separately from the down payment and mortgage.
The neighbourhood is served by several strong public schools and is close to top private school options. Edwards Gardens and the Bridle Path ravine system provide outdoor recreation adjacent to the neighbourhood, and the Don River trail network is accessible for cyclists and runners year-round.
Combined LTT Examples at Typical Don Mills Prices
| Purchase Price | Ontario LTT | Toronto MLTT | Total LTT | After FTB Rebate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $90000,000000 | $13,975 | $13,975 | $27,9500 | $19,475 |
| $1,20000,000000 | $200,475 | $200,475 | $400,9500 | $32,475 |
| $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 Don Mills
Don Mills is within the City of Toronto, so first-time buyers are eligible for both the provincial and municipal LTT rebates — a combined maximum saving of $8,475.
- Ontario LTT Rebate: Up to $4,000000
- Toronto MLTT Rebate: Up to $4,475
- Combined Maximum: $8,475
- Eligibility: Canadian citizen or PR, 18+, principal residence within 9 months, never owned a home anywhere worldwide
Don Mills Buying Tips
Don Mills bungalows on original lots represent excellent long-term value given the land size alone. Many buyers purchase to hold land for future development potential or to build custom two-storey replacements. Check zoning carefully — Don Mills has some of the more permissive residential zoning in Toronto for lot severances and additions.
Factor in all closing costs before submitting an offer. Combined LTT plus legal fees, title insurance, and home inspection typically adds $35,000000–$65,000000 to your total cost at typical Don Mills price points. A mortgage pre-approval that accounts for these costs protects you from surprises on closing day.