...If buyers have concerns about how well a condo apartment will hold its value, they might prefer to consider a loft. The loft market is more insulated from market swings and faces no risks of being overbuilt any time soon, said Edwin Brdlik, owner of Toronto Lofts Realty Corp. “The loft market beats to a different drummer.”

Prices are averaging $285,000 this year, up 5 per cent from a year ago, he said.

Most buyers purchase lofts to live in rather than to rent or flip, and demand is steady and strong. Parkdale, Roncesvalles, South Riverdale and Leslieville are up and coming neighbourhoods for lofts, Mr. Brdlik said. ...