Even the New York Times has caught on: the shine is wearing off Toronto’s condo market. And locals aren’t shy about naming names.
The Reddit Roast: Toronto’s Most Hated Condos
A recent Reddit thread with hundreds of comments read like a horror story of downtown living. Dozens of people chimed in with their picks for the worst condo developments in the city — and some buildings kept coming up again and again.
-
ICE Condos (12 & 14 York Street)
Easily the most infamous, ICE has become synonymous with chaos. Residents complain about paper-thin walls, endless fire alarms, dirty and unreliable elevators, and cramped layouts. Throw in shootings, rental scams, and lawsuits, and it’s no wonder people call it the “poster child of Toronto condo nightmares.” -
Edge on Triangle Park (36 Lisgar Street)
Once described as “a complete disaster of incompetence,” Edge was plagued with lawsuits, bad management, and even a fatal shooting. Some say it’s improving under new management, but its rocky past keeps its reputation tarnished. -
Dundas Square Gardens (251 Jarvis Street)
Just five years old, yet riddled with problems: rolling heat outages, months without hot water, malfunctioning locks, black mould, burst pipes, and elevators that seem permanently broken. One resident summed it up bluntly: “Living here is a nightmare.”
The Bigger Problem: Toronto’s Condo Quality Crisis
Beyond these notorious names, the complaints point to a bigger issue: many of Toronto’s new “luxury” towers aren’t built to last. Residents highlight recurring themes:
- Tiny “shoebox” units with awkward floor plans.
- Investor-focused design, not livable design.
- Cheap materials and “faux luxury” finishes.
- Elevators that can’t keep up with demand.
- Airbnb-style rentals bringing constant turnover and noise.
As one commenter put it: “Let’s face it — most tall luxury condos built in the last 10–15 years are garbage.”
Thinking of Buying or Renting? Do Your Homework.
If you’re eyeing a condo in Toronto, don’t just fall for glossy brochures or staged model suites. Do a deep dive:
- Search reviews and resident forums.
- Look up past legal issues or lawsuits.
- Ask about elevator capacity, HVAC reliability, and property management.
- Visit the building at night or on a weekend to see what life is really like.
Toronto’s skyline may be growing fast, but not all condos are created equal. Some offer great communities and solid construction — others are cautionary tales of cut corners and false promises.