Fox Marin Featured in Livabl: Toronto Homebuyers Unlikely to Abandon City Living Long-Term

Publication: Livabl
Date: July 27, 2020
Topic: Toronto housing trends, suburban migration, and changing buyer priorities during COVID-19

About This Feature

Kori Marin and Ralph Fox of Fox Marin Associates were featured in Livabl discussing how the COVID-19 pandemic was influencing buyer behaviour and prompting many Toronto residents to reconsider what they wanted from their homes and communities.

The article explored whether the pandemic would lead to a lasting shift away from urban living toward suburban and rural markets, or whether Toronto’s long-term appeal as a dense, walkable, and amenity-rich city would ultimately remain strong.

Quotes from Livabl

“I think real estate is a very large component to that obviously, but we just don’t see people, in our experience, throwing caution to the wind and saying, ‘That’s it, we’re out.”

— Ralph Fox, Broker of Record, Fox Marin

“I do think [it’s] kind of a temporary romanticism of what it might look like only because of the state that we’re in right now.”

“I’m one of those people that does that all the time. I can see why people are attracted to it, but I don’t think it will be a long-lived trend. I can’t anticipate that it will last forever.”

— Kori Marin, Co-Founder, Fox Marin

Fox Marin’s Perspective on the Market

Fox Marin’s perspective is that while the pandemic encouraged many buyers to rethink their housing needs and lifestyles, long-term demand for urban living in Toronto was unlikely to disappear.

The article highlighted how some buyers were temporarily drawn toward suburban or rural properties in search of additional space, private outdoor areas, and greater flexibility while spending more time at home during lockdown periods. However, Fox Marin noted that most buyers continued approaching these decisions thoughtfully and strategically rather than making abrupt permanent moves away from the city.

Kori Marin also emphasized that some of the attraction toward rural living during the pandemic reflected a temporary emotional response to lockdown conditions and uncertainty rather than a permanent shift in buyer behaviour. While the appeal of larger properties and quieter settings increased during the height of the pandemic, Toronto’s long-term advantages including walkability, amenities, career opportunities, transit access, and urban lifestyle continued to hold strong value for many residents.

The article further explored how the pandemic accelerated broader conversations surrounding housing functionality, family-friendly urban design, and lifestyle flexibility. Buyers were increasingly evaluating how their homes supported remote work, outdoor access, and overall quality of life while still maintaining connection to the city.

From Fox Marin’s perspective, the pandemic may influence how people think about housing, but it was unlikely to fundamentally weaken the long-term desirability of Toronto’s urban neighbourhoods.

Why This Matters

The COVID-19 pandemic created significant discussion around whether major cities would experience long-term population shifts toward suburban or rural communities. Buyer preferences evolved rapidly as people reassessed space, lifestyle, commuting, and housing priorities during lockdown periods.

For buyers and sellers, the article highlighted the importance of distinguishing between temporary market reactions and long-term housing trends. While buyer behaviour may shift during periods of uncertainty, core drivers such as employment opportunities, amenities, infrastructure, and urban lifestyle continue to influence long-term housing demand.

The article also reflected broader changes occurring across Toronto real estate as buyers became increasingly focused on flexibility, livability, and long-term lifestyle alignment when evaluating housing decisions.

As Toronto continues to evolve, understanding how market psychology, lifestyle trends, and urban development interact remains increasingly important for navigating the city’s housing market successfully.

Read the full article on Livabl