Sotheby’s International Realty Canada
59 Austin Ave., Toronto
Asking price: $1,688,000 (March, 2026)
Previous asking prices: $1.9-million (August, 2025); $1.95-million (June, 2025)*under previous agent
Selling price: $1,499,999 (March, 2026)
Previous selling prices: $874,000 (June, 2015); $675,000 (April, 2012); $402,500 (August, 2005); $345,491 (June, 2003); $360,000 (September, 1999)
Taxes: $7,714 (2025)
Property days on market: 143
Listing agents: Jim Burtnick and Richard Silver, Sotheby’s International Realty Canada
The action
Sotheby’s International Realty Canada
Several issues hampered the sale of this Victorian triplex over four months last year as potential buyers contended with limited viewing times, scheduled around two tenants, as well as high borrowing rates and economic anxieties. A new agent brought in this spring relisted the detached home with an asking price $212,000 below the previous price, and shortly before one of the tenants moved out, making showings somewhat easier. A dozen potential buyers booked tours, and an offer came within weeks.
“Pricing was a factor, but in 2025, people were more hesitant about where things were going because we were entering the Trump era with tariffs coming in,” said agent Jim Burtnick.
“By 2026, people were used to the chaos and accepted it. Buyers and sellers, especially sellers, were more comfortable with the market, and also the rates had gone down.”
The $1.5-million purchase offer was made by two couples combining resources to enter the market.
“This speaks to how it is possible to get into the marketplace, even with prices the way they are, and there are creative ways of doing it,” said Mr. Burtnick.
What they got
Sotheby’s International Realty Canada
This house, built in 1895, currently has three units with updated bathrooms and kitchens. The furnace, wiring, windows and south-facing decks on the main and third floors were also replaced.
One-bedroom units are on the main and lower levels.
A two-bedroom unit, spanning two floors, also has a loft space with vaulted ceilings and skylights.
Two-car parking is accessed from a laneway behind the 19- by 102-foot lot.
The agent’s take
Sotheby’s International Realty Canada
“Being in Leslieville, it’s a popular part of town,” Mr. Burtnick said.
“This street doesn’t get a lot of traffic, and in the next block over, there is a playground.”