Condo vs Townhouse Trends in Langstaff and Doncrest

Trying to decide between a condo and a townhouse in Langstaff or Doncrest? You are not alone. These two Richmond Hill pockets offer very different lifestyles, price points, and long-term upside. In this guide, you will see how 2025 prices, fees, transit plans, and resale trends stack up so you can move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Neighbourhood snapshot

Langstaff sits at the region’s key transit hub with Langstaff GO and the Richmond Hill Centre Terminal close by, and it is set to gain Line 1 service with the Yonge North Subway Extension. This area already features mid and high-rise condos and stacked townhomes, with more transit-oriented growth planned. Learn more about Langstaff GO and the hub location.

Doncrest is an established neighbourhood north of Highway 7 with many detached homes and several condo townhouse pockets near major roads. Many buyers here look for larger interior space and convenient access to schools and parks. See a neutral overview of Doncrest.

Price and entry costs in 2025

As of August 2025, a local Richmond Hill market snapshot reported average prices of about $636,800 for condo apartments, $857,930 for condo townhouses, and $1,078,812 for attached freehold homes. Averages change monthly, but this shows the typical price gap between condos and freeholds. View the Richmond Hill snapshot source.

Recent Doncrest examples show condo townhouses at Bristol Court ranging from roughly $940,000 in late 2024 to over $1,048,000 in mid 2024, with some larger units selling higher. These are examples that illustrate how larger layouts and parking can lift pricing within the condo-townhouse segment. See an example listing for context.

Monthly carrying costs

Condo owners pay a monthly fee that covers common elements, building insurance, landscaping, snow removal, and reserve fund contributions. In Doncrest, sample condo-townhouse listings showed fees around $600 to $900 per month in 2024 and 2025. Always verify what is included, such as heat, water, or parking. Review what typical condo fees cover.

Freehold townhouses do not have condo fees, although you cover all exterior maintenance and repairs yourself. Total cost often comes down to what you value more: predictable monthly fees with a condo, or control and potentially lower monthly carrying cost with a freehold, paired with variable upkeep expenses.

Transit, amenities, and daily life

If you prioritize transit, Langstaff gives you walkable access to GO, YRT/Viva, and the planned subway extension. Many buildings include on-site amenities like gyms, party rooms, concierge, and visitor parking, which add convenience and value for your day-to-day. Get a quick view of the transit hub.

The Yonge North Subway Extension is a long-term investment expected to link the area to Line 1 and support higher-density, mixed-use growth over time. It is a multi-year project that tends to influence buyer expectations gradually. See the latest on the extension.

Resale and liquidity

Across the GTA in early 2025, condo inventory rose and months of inventory increased for condos compared to houses. That can mean more choice for buyers and more competition among condo sellers. Timing, building condition, reserve fund health, and unit features all matter. Read the early 2025 condo trend summary.

Zooming out, the GTA saw mixed price movement through 2024 and into 2025, with activity sensitive to interest-rate changes. Falling rates later in 2024 and into 2025 supported buyer interest, but listing volumes stayed elevated compared to pre-pandemic. See a concise GTA market update.

Rental and investment notes

Langstaff’s transit orientation supports rental demand for condos and condo townhomes, which many investors target. Doncrest remains more focused on larger living spaces, with rental demand present for townhomes and detached homes. If you are investing, weigh rental rules, parking, floor plans, and the building’s financials alongside projected rent.

Which fits you best?

Choose a condo in Langstaff if you want

• Walkable access to GO and frequent buses, plus future subway connectivity.
• Lower purchase price than many freehold options.
• Building amenities and less exterior maintenance.

Choose a townhouse in Doncrest if you want

• More interior space and direct garage or driveway access.
• A neighbourhood setting with convenient access to schools and parks.
• No monthly condo fees if you choose a freehold townhouse, and you are comfortable managing exterior upkeep.

Smart buying steps

• Confirm monthly costs. Review condo fees, what they include, and recent budgets. Ask for the status certificate and review the reserve fund.
• Compare total cost. Add mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities, and estimated upkeep. If freehold, budget for exterior maintenance.
• Check commute priorities. If daily transit matters, stack Langstaff options high on your list.
• Compare floor plans and parking. Larger townhomes can rival smaller freeholds on utility, especially with direct garage access.
• Watch supply and timing. If condo inventory is high, negotiate on fees, parking, and closing flexibility, or focus on buildings with strong governance and healthy reserves.

Outlook: what to watch

• Subway progress. The Yonge North Subway Extension is a long-term catalyst for Langstaff and should raise the profile of transit-adjacent condos over time. It is not an immediate price switch.
• New supply. More pre-construction across Richmond Hill means added choice and competitive pricing pressure if demand lags.
• Rate shifts. Lower rates can pull more buyers into the market, though local supply and building quality still drive outcomes.

Ready to weigh your options with a local, data-driven plan? Reach out to Sam Galloway for a focused shortlist, fee and cost breakdowns, and negotiation strategy tailored to your move.

FAQs

What are typical condo fees for Doncrest townhouses?

• Sample listings in 2024–2025 showed fees around $600 to $900 per month, depending on the complex and inclusions.

How do Richmond Hill condo prices compare to freeholds right now?

• As of August 2025, a local snapshot showed condo apartments averaging about $636,800, condo townhouses about $857,930, and attached freeholds about $1,078,812, with figures changing monthly.

Will the Yonge North Subway Extension boost Langstaff condo values?

• It is a multi-year project that typically influences demand gradually, with benefits accruing as stations open and surrounding development matures.

Are Doncrest condo townhouses a viable alternative to detached homes?

• Yes, many offer larger layouts and parking at a lower price point than detached homes, though you should factor in monthly condo fees and rules.

What affects condo resale timing the most in Richmond Hill?

• Current inventory levels, building condition, reserve fund health, unit features like parking and layout, and overall GTA market conditions all play a role.