When it comes to Toronto condos, variety isn’t in short supply. Big ones. Small ones. Old ones. New ones. Architecturally impressive ones—and some that are a little less inspired.

But one of the most important distinctions buyers face is building size. Do you want the charm of a boutique condo with fewer neighbours? Or the convenience (and potentially lower fees) of a tower with hundreds of residents?

Let’s break it down.

Small (and Boutique) Condo Buildings

For our purposes, let’s call these under 12 storeys, with mid-sized buildings falling between 12 and 25 storeys.

Pros of Smaller Condos

• Boutique appeal. Smaller buildings are often designed with more personality. Think brick façades, stylish design, or layouts that are less likely to be cookie-cutter.

• Neighbourhood integration. Because they don’t overwhelm a street, these condos often pop up in established or emerging neighbourhoods, blending into the community rather than creating one from scratch.

• Less competition at resale. In a tower, there may be 10 identical units for sale at once. In a boutique building, your unit stands out more easily.

• Outdoor space that works. Terraces and lower-level balconies tend to be more usable—less of the “wind tunnel” effect you’ll find 40 floors up.

Cons of Smaller Condos

• Maintenance fees. Fewer owners means fewer people splitting the costs. If an unexpected repair comes up, fees can jump quickly. In some buildings, annual increases are much steeper than in larger complexes.

• Limited amenities. Smaller buildings usually don’t come with sprawling gyms, pools, or 24-hour concierge service.

Large Condo Buildings

Now let’s talk about the towers—25 storeys and up.

Pros of Larger Condos

• Shared costs = lower fees. With hundreds of units contributing, operating costs are spread out, which usually translates to lower maintenance fees compared to boutique buildings.

• Amenities galore. Larger buildings are more likely to come with gyms, pools, saunas, party rooms, and maybe even rooftop lounges or a basketball court.

• The view. One perk of height? Light and sightlines. Upper floors often come with sweeping views and more natural sunlight.

Cons of Larger Condos

• Less distinct. Architecturally, many large towers lean toward uniformity. The “box in the sky” stereotype isn’t entirely unfair. Still, you can find and make things more unique yourself.

• Generic surroundings. Condo clusters often come with the same mix of chain shops and services—convenient, yes, but less unique. Rabba Fine Foods and Shopper’s Drug Mart are often common main floor tenants.

• Competition at resale. With so many similar units, it can be harder to stand out when it’s time to sell.

So, Which Is Better?

The truth is, neither size is objectively “better”—it comes down to what fits your lifestyle. And your budget. Sometimes that may lead you to the condo that is the best fit.

If you value individuality, character, and being part of a neighbourhood, a smaller condo building may be your match. But if lower fees, big amenities, and skyline views top your list, the convenience of a larger tower could win out.

At the end of the day, it’s less about the size of the building and more about the size of the life you want inside it.