What is the difference between hard lofts and soft lofts? It is a question many buyers have and this post will shed some light on the topic.
Personally, I love lofts! They are my favourite type of condo and if I were to purchase a condo to live in, a loft would be at the top of my list. I have successfully negotiated many deals for both hard lofts and soft lofts. A loft can be defined by an adaptable open concept space.
What is the difference between hard lofts and soft lofts?
Lets start with my favourite type, hard lofts.
Hard lofts are easily identifiable by the building. These are buildings that were once a commercial building ie. factory, warehouse, office building converted into residential units. Toronto has some great examples of hard lofts. My favourite being the Candy Factory Lofts located in the Queen West neighbourhood at Queen Street West and Shaw Street.
Hard lofts typically have open layouts, high ceilings, exposed brick, duct work or piping, wood beams to name a few features. An advantage of the higher ceilings is that smaller spaces can feel larger. Walking into a unit with 12′ or 14′ ceilings is a definite eye opener. Hard lofts have that “it” factor of authenticity and character. You know those buildings and properties you see in the movies with the freight elevator and massive open concept space. Those are hard lofts and that is what I love about them so much, the character.
Some disadvantages to hard lofts is that they don’t typically have outdoor space unless you are on the first or top floor. There are exceptions but for the most part hard loft units don’t have balconies or terraces. They are also older buildings and may need more repairs which can push up maintenance fees. Some hard loft buildings you pay a bit of a premium when purchasing the property compared to other buildings in the area. Hard lofts can be high in demand due to the lower amount of units available compared to other types of condos. Simple supply vs. demand concept.
What is the difference between hard lofts and soft lofts?
Soft lofts are also easily identifiable by the building. These are new buildings that have been built as a loft building. Brand new from the ground up, but built with the aesthetics of a hard loft ie. exposed concrete, brick, piping, duct work, high ceilings.
They can have open ceiling bedrooms and open concept layouts. All the good stuff a hard loft has, but brand new. That is the advantage to them as well. They are brand new buildings with all the up to date technology to run the buildings’ mechanics. Also, soft lofts have the advantage of being able to build them with balconies and terraces.
What is the difference between hard lofts and soft lofts?
There you have it! Hard lofts and soft lofts explained. Pretty cool eh?
If you have interest in talking more about lofts or are looking to sell or purchase one, I would be happy to sit down with you to discuss potential opportunities in the loft world. I am easily accessible by david@davidspeedie.com or 647 244 3931.
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