The Toronto market is quite demanding, and it’s only natural to want to stay in the race. When it comes to boosting property values in Toronto, it’s not about following trends or spending too much on luxury finishes. With high property prices and strict regulations, the upgrades that add real value are the ones that improve functionality, livability and long-term appeal.
So, if you’re planning to sell or just want to protect your investment, the key to raise property value in Toronto is to make improvements that buyers actually care about. This guide looks at how to raise property value in Toronto to get great results in the market.
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Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades
Kitchens and bathrooms are still the best way to add value to a home in Toronto. Buyers often judge a property quickly based on how these spaces look. Value-adding kitchen upgrades include:
- Updating cabinet doors or refacing instead of full replacement
- Installing durable, modern countertops
- Improving lighting, especially under-cabinet and task lighting
- Replacing outdated appliances with energy-efficient models
Bathroom upgrades that tend to raise value:
- Modern fixtures and clean finishes
- Proper ventilation to prevent moisture issues
- Updated vanities and storage
- Walk-in showers or refreshed tubs instead of major layout changes
You can Also know a bit more on costs related to do your bathroom renovation in our other blog Bathroom Renovations Price Calculator.
Read Also: Permits for a Kitchen Renovation in Toronto
Basement Upgrades
Basement improvements raise property value in Toronto, especially if you’re short on usable space. Finished basements can turn underused space into a functional extension of the home. Common basement upgrades that add value include:
- Finishing the basement for family or recreational use
- Adding a home office or guest room
- Improving ceiling height and lighting
- Addressing moisture, insulation, and ventilation issues
If you’re a homeowner thinking about renting out your basement, legal suites can be a great option. These projects have to follow the rules about zoning, fire safety and building codes.
Read Also: Requirements for Obtaining a Legal Basement Permit Toronto and Ontario
Flooring Upgrades
The flooring has a big effect on how a home feels when people are viewing it. If your floors are worn or mismatched, it can make a property feel dated, even if you’ve done other renovations. Flooring upgrades that typically raise value:
- Replacing old carpet with hardwood or engineered wood
- Refinishing existing hardwood floors
- Using consistent flooring across main living areas
- Choosing durable materials that suit Toronto’s climate
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Green Roof Upgrades
It’s becoming more common to see green roofs in Toronto, especially on urban homes, laneway houses and low-rise buildings. A green roof is basically just a layer of plants put on top of a waterproof roof. It makes good use of space and it improves the building performance.
Toronto is one of the few cities with a Green Roof Bylaw, which is used for certain new developments and large renovations. Even when they’re not mandatory, green roofs can be a strong signal of value, especially in busy areas where outdoor space is at a premium.
When done correctly, green roofs can add value by:
- Improving energy efficiency through natural insulation
- Reducing stormwater runoff, which is especially important in Toronto
- Extending the lifespan of the roof membrane
- Enhancing curb appeal and urban aesthetics
- Supporting environmentally conscious buyers
Read Also: Eco Friendly Home Renovations in Toronto
Add Landscaping
Landscaping is one of the easiest ways to improve how a property looks and feels, which directly affects its value. A well-planned yard makes your property more appealing to buyers in Toronto and makes the outdoor space easier to use. In Toronto, you might need a landscaping permit for some jobs, especially if you’re working around protected trees, making big grading changes, or altering city-owned land. If you get to grips with the permit requirements before you start, you can avoid delays and compliance issues, and make sure the upgrade is worth it.
Landscaping upgrades can increase value by:
- Improving first impressions and overall curb appeal
- Creating functional outdoor living areas
- Enhancing drainage and preventing water-related issues
- Making the property feel more finished and well maintained
Adding a Secondary Floor or Dwelling Unit
Adding a second floor to your place or another unit can really boost the value in the city, but it’s also one of the trickiest and priciest renovation options. Because these upgrades affect safety, density, and building compliance, working with professionals from the start is essential.
This type of upgrade can increase value by:
- Adding substantial usable square footage
- Creating potential rental income through a legal second unit
- Making the property attractive to multi-generational households
- Improving long-term resale appeal in high-demand areas
- Increasing overall property functionality and flexibility
Keep in mind that if you’re planning a big renovation project in Toronto, you’ll probably have to get a few permits first. Zoning bylaws, building code requirements and site-specific restrictions often determine what is allowed, and these rules can be tricky to interpret. If you don’t understand local zoning and permit processes, you might end up with delays, redesigns or rejected applications.
How Land Signal Helps Homeowners Raise Property Value in Toronto
Land Signal helps homeowners, investors, and renovators plan value-adding renovations in Toronto with a clear understanding of permits, feasibility, and costs before work begins. Our team supports projects by providing:
- Zoning and permit guidance for renovations that impact property value, including basements, layout changes, and secondary suites
- Early feasibility insights to help homeowners focus on upgrades that align with Toronto bylaws and market demand
- Access to architectural and technical documentation when renovations involve structural or layout changes
- Cost planning support using tools like our construction cost estimator to help prioritize high-impact upgrades
Whether you’re preparing your home for sale or improving it for long-term ownership, Land Signal helps you make informed renovation decisions that protect value and reduce risk from the start.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to boost your property’s value in Toronto, make smart upgrades that appeal to buyers, follow the rules, and will still be useful in the long run. Kitchen and bathroom updates, basement improvements, flooring upgrades, and smart remodeling will always give good returns if done right.
I think the best renovations are the ones that make a home more functional and reduce future risks for buyers. With the right planning and advice from professionals, you can raise your property’s value without making any costly mistakes.
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Sources
- GoldenBeeHomes. (2025). How to Increase the Value of Your Toronto Home. Offers targeted renovation and upgrade ideas that are especially effective in the Toronto real estate market. Retrieved from https://goldenbeehomes.com/blog/how-to-increase-the-value-of-your-toronto-home
- Justo. (n.d.). Best Home Improvements to Increase Value. Highlights popular home upgrades with strong return-on-investment potential, from kitchen remodels to curb appeal enhancements. Retrieved from https://justo.ca/blog/best-home-improvements-to-increase-value
- iSure.ca. (n.d.). Quickest Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home. Covers practical and cost-effective improvements that can boost a property’s market appeal in a short timeframe. Retrieved from https://isure.ca/inews/quickest-way-increase-value-home/
- MyChoice.ca. (n.d.). Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home in Canada. Discusses renovation ideas, maintenance tips, and value-adding features suited to the Canadian housing market. Retrieved from https://www.mychoice.ca/blog/ways-to-increase-value-of-your-home-canada/
FAQ
Not necessarily. Your tax bill only rises if your property’s value increases more than the average in your municipality.
Even though property prices are high, there is still a lot of demand for both renting and owning property. If you’re an investor looking for a property that will increase in value over time, Toronto is the perfect place to buy and hold.
The upgrades that tend to add the most value include kitchen and bathroom updates, improved energy efficiency, and added living space.
Start with a professional home evaluation or consultation with a local realtor. In the current market, prices for detached homes are rising while condos are more stagnant, so understanding your neighborhood’s specific price ceiling is essential to avoid over-improving.
