Luxury Bungalows in Toronto: Neighbourhoods, Features and Costs

Luxury bungalows in Toronto are mostly found in established, leafy neighbourhoods such as the Bridle Path, Hoggs Hollow, York Mills, the Kingsway and Princess-Rosethorn. They’re prized for wide lots, privacy and one-level living at the highest standard. Buyers should plan for a 20% minimum down payment, plus both provincial and municipal land transfer taxes.

Where to find luxury bungalows in Toronto

Toronto’s upscale bungalows tend to sit in neighbourhoods with large lots and mature trees.

Neighbourhood	What it offers
Bridle Path	Estate-sized lots, gated drives, ultimate privacy
Hoggs Hollow and York Mills	Ravine settings, winding streets, close to Yonge Street
The Kingsway and Princess-Rosethorn	Classic Etobicoke streets, large lots, strong schools
Edenbridge-Humber Valley	Ravine lots near the Humber River and golf courses
Bayview Woods and St. Andrew-Windfields	Quiet North York streets with spacious bungalows
Don Mills and Banbury	Mid-century modern bungalows on generous lots

Some luxury buyers also look just outside the city, in areas like Lorne Park in Mississauga, Kleinburg in Vaughan, or Oakville’s lakeside neighbourhoods. Browse our luxury bungalows for sale to compare.

Features buyers expect in a luxury bungalow

At the top of the market, buyers want one-level living without giving up space or quality.

• A main-floor primary suite with a spa-style bathroom and walk-in closet.
• Open, light-filled living areas with high or vaulted ceilings.
• A chef’s kitchen with premium appliances and a walk-in pantry.
• Walkouts to landscaped gardens, patios and outdoor kitchens.
• A finished lower level with a home theatre, gym, wine room or guest suite.
• Smart home systems for lighting, climate and security.
• Accessibility features like no-step entry, wide doorways and curbless showers.
• Garages for two or more cars, often heated.

Many buyers also look for a home office on the main floor and room for an elevator if they plan to age in place.

A pool is common at this level, too. If it’s on your list, browse bungalows with a pool and ask about the age of the pool equipment, liner or finish, and any safety fencing. Pools add enjoyment but also ongoing maintenance and insurance costs.

Mid-century bungalows vs new custom builds

Option	Advantages	Things to consider
Original mid-century bungalow	Character, mature landscaping, often lower price	Systems and finishes may need major updates
Fully renovated bungalow	Move-in ready, keeps classic style	Check permits and quality of work
New custom bungalow	Built to your needs, modern efficiency	Higher cost, long timelines, design approvals

If you’re considering a rebuild, check zoning, tree protection by-laws and ravine rules before you buy. Some lots have limits on what can be built.

Costs of buying a luxury bungalow in Toronto

Down payment

Under federal rules, homes priced at $1.5 million or more need at least 20% down. Mortgage default insurance isn’t available at that price, so you’ll need an uninsured mortgage. Uninsured buyers with 20% or more down can often choose a 30-year amortization.

Land transfer taxes

Toronto buyers pay two land transfer taxes:

• Ontario land transfer tax: 2.0% on the portion from $400,000 to $2,000,000, and 2.5% above $2,000,000 for homes with one or two single-family residences.
• Toronto municipal land transfer tax: mirrors the provincial rates, with higher luxury brackets above $3 million.

On a luxury home, the combined tax is a major closing cost. Your real estate lawyer can calculate the exact amount.

Other closing costs

Budget for legal fees, title insurance, a home inspection, an appraisal and adjustments. A common rule of thumb is 1.5% to 4% of the price on top of your down payment, and more in Toronto. A mortgage agent can help structure financing for a high-value purchase.

How to buy a luxury bungalow wisely

1. Get pre-approved with a lender experienced in high-value mortgages.
2. Inspect thoroughly, including the roof, mechanical systems, pool and drainage.
3. Review permits for past renovations.
4. Check ravine and conservation rules if the lot backs onto green space.
5. Compare recent sales carefully, since luxury homes vary widely.

Our post on location and property value explains why lot and setting matter so much at this level.

Frequently asked questions

Which Toronto neighbourhood has the most luxury bungalows?

Areas like the Bridle Path, Hoggs Hollow, York Mills, the Kingsway and Bayview Woods are known for upscale bungalows on large lots.

How much down payment do I need for a luxury home in Toronto?

For homes priced at $1.5 million or more, you’ll need at least 20% down, as mortgage default insurance isn’t available above that price.

Do luxury buyers in Toronto pay extra land transfer tax?

Yes. Toronto buyers pay both Ontario and municipal land transfer tax, and the municipal tax has higher brackets above $3 million.

The bottom line

Luxury bungalows in Toronto combine one-level living with large lots, privacy and premium finishes. They’re rare, so preparation matters: know your financing, your closing costs and the rules for the lot.

Set up listing alerts for Toronto’s top neighbourhoods so you see new luxury bungalows the moment they list.