The “missing middle” is a term used to describe the shortage of mid-density housing options in Toronto’s real estate market. It refers to the lack of housing types that fall between single-family homes and high-rise apartment buildings, such as townhouses, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and low-rise apartments.

Toronto has seen a significant increase in high-rise condominium development over the past decade, but these buildings often cater to the luxury end of the market and may not be affordable or suitable for many families, seniors, or individuals with mobility issues. On the other hand, single-family homes are often out of reach for many residents due to their high cost and limited availability.

The missing middle concept highlights the need for more diverse and affordable housing options that can accommodate a broader range of household sizes, ages, and incomes. These housing types could help address the city’s housing affordability crisis, promote more sustainable and walkable neighborhoods, and provide a wider range of housing choices for Torontonians.

A great example of a missing middle real estate product is a duplex. Duplexes can be built in a range of styles, from traditional side-by-side units to stacked townhouses or modern infill designs. Duplexes can provide a wide range of benefits for residents and communities, including affordability, flexibility, community integration and investment opportunity (duplexes offer an opportunity for homeowners to offset their mortgage costs by renting out one unit).

The City of Toronto has recognized the importance of the missing middle and has implemented various policies and initiatives to encourage its development. For example, the city’s “Growing Up” and “Growing in, up and out” initiatives aim to promote the development of mid-rise and high-rise buildings in appropriate locations, while its “Open Door” program provides incentives and fast-tracks the approval process for affordable housing developments, including missing middle housing types.