$259,000 - 398 College Street, Downtown Toronto
Commercial for Sale in Downtown Toronto
Popular ListingNeighbourhood: University
- MLS Number
- C13489228
- Property Type
- Commercial
- Status
- active
- Days on Site
- 12
- Bedrooms
- 0
- Bathrooms
- 0
- Square Feet
- N/A sqft
- Neighbourhood
- Downtown Toronto / Waterfront
- Listing Brokerage
- HOMELIFE KINGSVIEW REAL ESTATE INC.
Prime Location on Vibrant College Street! Excellent opportunity to own a thriving restaurant business in one of Toronto's busiest commercial corridors. Located in a high-traffic area with exceptional pedestrian and vehicle exposure, this beautifully renovated space is currently operating as a successful Vietnamese Banh Mi and Pho restaurant with consistent income and a loyal clientele. Featuring almost-new chattels and equipment, updated mechanical systems, and significant potential for future growth and increased revenue. The prominent corner location offers outstanding visibility and is ideal for a wide range of retail or restaurant concepts. Approximately 1,150 sq. ft. on the main/ground level with two washrooms, plus an additional 1,200 sq. ft. on the lower level, providing ample space for operations, storage, or expansion. Conveniently situated near the University of Toronto, Kensington Market, Little Italy, and numerous condominium developments, benefiting from strong residential and student traffic. Easily adaptable to virtually any cuisine, restaurant concept, or franchise operation. A rare opportunity to establish or expand your business in a highly desirable downtown Toronto
Estimate your monthly payments for this property
Estimated Payment
$1,328.80/mo
Includes CMHC insurance ($7,226)
5-yr fixed avg.
Rates shown are estimates based on typical Ontario 5-year fixed rates. Canadian mortgages use semi-annual compounding as required by law. CMHC insurance applies to purchases under $1.5M with less than 20% down. Estimated property tax uses an approximate 0.85% rate. Contact us for current rate options and pre-approval.
Discover University
University is a vibrant community in the Greater Toronto Area, offering excellent amenities, schools, and transportation options. This area is popular with families and professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle with access to urban conveniences and natural spaces.
Why Live in University
- •Convenient location in Downtown Toronto / Waterfront
- •Access to local shops and dining
- •Good public transit connections
- •Community parks and green spaces
- •Well-maintained neighbourhoods
Nearby Schools
Transit & Commuting
- •MiWay bus routes throughout the area
- •GO Transit stations within driving distance
- •Easy highway access to 401/403/QEW
- •Walking distance to local amenities
Parks & Amenities
- •Local parks and recreational facilities
- •Community centres
- •Shopping plazas nearby
- •Restaurants and cafes
Lifestyle & Community
University offers a wonderful quality of life with a mix of residential charm and urban convenience. Residents enjoy easy access to schools, parks, and shopping, making it an ideal location for families and professionals alike.
398 College Street, Downtown Toronto / Waterfront
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Key factors for evaluating this commercial property
Commercial Due Diligence Checklist
· Verify zoning and all permitted uses
· Review all existing leases (terms, renewals, net vs. gross)
· Request estoppel certificates from all tenants
· Order a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment
· Commission a property condition assessment
· Review operating costs (taxes, insurance, maintenance)
Commercial Financing Note
Commercial mortgages require 20–35% down, shorter amortization, and lenders underwrite based on the property's income. CMHC insurance is not available for commercial. Connect with a commercial mortgage broker early.
Commercial and land transactions are significantly more complex than residential. Joe recommends assembling a team — commercial real estate lawyer, accountant, and (for land) a land use planner — before making an offer.
Joe's Thoughts
Honest perspective from 30+ years of GTA real estate experience
Commercial Pricing Context
Commercial property values in Downtown Toronto are driven by location, zoning, current tenancy, and income potential — not the same $/sqft benchmarks as residential. I'll run a proper comparable sales analysis using recent commercial transactions in this area.
Commercial Market Pace
Commercial real estate transactions typically take 60–120 days from offer to close — longer than residential — due to financing conditions, environmental reports, and tenant estoppel reviews. This 12-day listing is within normal commercial market exposure.
Zoning & Permitted Use — Verify First
I always confirm the zoning and permitted uses before a client gets too far into a commercial transaction. What a property is currently used for and what it's legally permitted for are sometimes different. If you plan to change the use, a zoning amendment or minor variance may be required — that's additional cost, time, and risk.
Tenancy & Income Review
If this property has existing tenants, I'd want to review all leases carefully: term lengths, renewal options, rent amounts, escalation clauses, and who's responsible for operating costs (gross lease vs. net lease). A strong long-term tenant is an asset; a lease expiring at closing is a different story. We'll request estoppel certificates from all tenants.
Environmental & Due Diligence
A Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment is standard practice for commercial purchases in Ontario. If historical industrial use is flagged, you'll need a Phase 2. I also recommend a property condition assessment covering structure, roof, HVAC, and electrical — commercial systems are expensive to replace and often not disclosed in detail on the listing.
Commercial Financing Realities
Commercial mortgages work differently than residential. Expect 20–35% down, shorter amortization (15–25 years), and lenders who underwrite based on the property's income, not just your personal financials. CMHC insurance is generally not available for commercial, and rates are typically higher. I can connect you with commercial mortgage brokers who specialize in Downtown Toronto transactions.