Couple Secures Dream Townhouse North of Toronto for $1.025 Million

A young couple, Ryan Berard and Joni Cheung, successfully purchased a spacious townhouse in East Gwillimbury, Ontario, for $1.025 million. Their journey to find a new home began out of a desire for more space without compromising their financial stability.

In 2017, Joni Cheung purchased a one-bedroom-plus-den condo in Richmond Hill for $348,000. By the time it was completed in December 2021, she had begun a relationship with Ryan Berard, a 33-year-old technical sales lead. The couple moved into the 565-square-foot condo together, which they soon found too cramped for their needs.

Working from home, they required adequate space for their respective workstations and hobbies. Ms. Cheung, a 33-year-old lead business analyst, noted, “It was on the squishier side,” prompting her to consider an upgrade almost immediately.

The couple’s search for a new home intensified in early 2025. They realized they could secure a preapproval for a mortgage up to $1 million after estimating they could sell their condo for at least $500,000. This financial strategy allowed them to envision a home with additional space for hobbies and gatherings.

Searching Beyond Richmond Hill

Initially, Mr. Berard and Ms. Cheung considered larger condos in Richmond Hill. However, they soon discovered that a townhouse slightly further north could provide them with more value, as they would eliminate monthly condo fees. Their search shifted towards Newmarket and East Gwillimbury, approximately 30 minutes north of Richmond Hill, where many family and friends reside.

Real estate agent Cynthia Hu explained, “Their budget could get them a little bit more house, or more bang for their buck, if they were willing to move a little bit outside of where they were comfortable.” They sought a minimum of three bedrooms and three bathrooms, aiming for a modern home that required minimal renovations.

The couple quickly realized that Mr. Berard, who stands at 6 feet 6 inches, needed a high-ceiling basement. He remarked, “You’d be surprised at how many basements I couldn’t stand up in.”

House-Hunting Adventures

Their search included several notable properties. One option was a three-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse in Newmarket listed for $898,000. While the couple appreciated its quiet location and finished basement, the 1,700-square-foot layout felt cramped.

Next, they viewed an upgraded townhouse in East Gwillimbury, listed for $888,000. Though the home featured several appealing upgrades, such as pot lights and an open-concept layout, the couple was deterred by the second-floor carpeting, which they would need to replace.

The final property they considered was a spacious end-unit townhouse in East Gwillimbury. Spanning 2,000 square feet, it included three bedrooms and an additional den, allowing Mr. Berard to have a dedicated workspace. Despite some minor issues like lower ductwork in the unfinished basement and a few scuff marks, the couple saw potential in this home, priced at $1,048,000.

After submitting offers on their shortlisted properties, they lost out to higher bids on the smaller townhouse options. Recognizing the value of the larger end-unit, they decided to negotiate, ultimately agreeing on a final price of $1,025,000.

Transitioning to Their New Life

Following their successful purchase, the couple prepared to sell their condo. Mr. Berard explained, “We stayed with my parents in Barrie to allow for viewings.” The unit sold for $525,000 just 12 days after being listed.

In June 2025, Mr. Berard and Ms. Cheung moved into their new home. “We love it,” Mr. Berard stated, noting their welcoming neighbors and ample space for hosting gatherings like a recent Magic: The Gathering event.

Although they initially planned to view this purchase as a starter home, the couple now sees it as their long-term residence. Ms. Cheung reflected, “I don’t think we expected to purchase our forever home this quickly. We’re both really grateful for having the opportunity as well as the ability to achieve this so early in our lives. We can see our whole lives unfold here.”