Condo Buying Tips | Part 1: How Elevator Wait Times Can Change Your Life!

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Elevator Wait Times

Elevator wait times can be a nightmare and significantly impact your life. In some Toronto condos, long elevator waits have become a daily frustration for countless residents, as highlighted in a viral video from a midtown building where lines snake down the hallway and waits pass 20 minutes during busy hours.

Why Elevator Wait Times Matter

Most condo buyers focus on layout, view, or amenities. But elevator efficiency is just as crucial—especially in high-rise towers. Residents in some downtown Toronto buildings report average waits of 3–5 minutes during rush hour, sometimes even longer when one elevator is under maintenance.

“I lived in a 53-storey condo with 4 elevators. When one was down, the wait was 15 minutes. When two were down, it could be 45 minutes!” — Toronto resident

Frequent delays don’t just frustrate your mornings. They can impact:

  • Your commute and punctuality
  • Your guests’ experience
  • Overall building satisfaction (and reviews!)
  • Property value and resale potential

A building’s reputation for efficient elevators often attracts or deters future buyers and tenants.

The Anatomy of Elevator Wait Times

What causes elevator congestion in condo buildings? It’s a mix of design and management:

Peak Times:
Rush hours (morning departures, evening returns) see lines grow quickly in high-rises, especially if more residents live above the 20th floor.

Elevator-to-Floor/Unit Ratio:
Generally, a well-run building will have at least one elevator per 50–70 units. For example, a 20-storey tower with 3 elevators offers short waits (30 seconds), while a 60-storey building with just 4 can yield much longer delays—sometimes over 5–10 minutes.

Modern vs. Old Elevators:
Newer buildings often have faster, more efficient elevators—and some split service between low and high floors.

Maintenance & Breakdowns:
When elevators are out of service, or reserved for move-ins/outs, waits can skyrocket. Always ask about maintenance schedules and backup plans.

Pro Tips for Evaluating Elevator Wait Times

Don’t learn the hard way! Use this simple checklist on every building tour:

  • Count the Elevators:
    Divide the total number of units by the number of elevators to assess capacity.
  • Check Floor Count:
    More floors + few elevators = longer waits.
  • Evaluate Elevator Speed:
    Newer lifts are often faster; ask the building agent for specifics.
  • Ask Residents — Get the Real Story:
    Tour during peak hours and talk to people who live there:
    • Are they happy with the elevator service?
    • Any daily headaches?
    • What happens during power outages or maintenance?
  • Inquire About Maintenance and Upgrades:
    How often do elevators breakdown? Any plans for modernization?
  • Benchmark Against Standards:
    Elevator consultants say an ideal wait time is under 50 seconds—anything longer can indicate future issues.

Elevator Wait Times & Your Building Choice

While elevator waits are vital, remember to weigh other essentials:

  • Location & Transit Proximity: Walkability and easy TTC access boost your lifestyle.
  • Amenities & Condo Fees: Pools, gyms, and communal spaces add value, but don’t pay extra for features you won’t use.
  • Building Reputation & Management: Well-managed condos experience fewer operational problems, including elevator delays.
  • Case Study:

A Toronto buyer fell in love with a luxury high-rise’s amenities yet, after several showings and candid talks with residents, chose a mid-rise with fewer elevators but virtually no wait times. The result: happier mornings and a smoother daily routine!

Special Considerations for Downsizers

If you’re downsizing, elevator reliability is even more crucial. Seniors or anyone with mobility needs should prioritize:

  • Quiet floors with less traffic
  • Efficient, modern elevators or fewer floors
  • Move-in logistics (does building allow elevator bookings for move-in day?)

Bonus Tip: Seek buildings with service elevators that stay available during resident moves or deliveries.

Conclusion: Don’t Overlook the Small Stuff

A condo can be your dream home—or a daily source of stress. Elevators may seem like a minor detail, but for city dwellers and downsizers alike, they’re a make-or-break factor.

Want more expert tips on buying the right condo for your lifestyle in Toronto or the GTA? Have elevator horror stories—or advice to share? 

Comment below or email me at Mike@ShusterRealEstate.com  and I’ll answer all your questions

Let’s make sure your next move is the perfect fit!

FAQ: Elevator Wait Times & Condo Living

Q1. What is a typical elevator wait time in Toronto condos?
Ideal wait times are under 1 minute. In older or overcrowded buildings, waits of 5–10+ minutes are common during rush hours.

Q2. How can I check elevator wait times before buying?

  • Visit during busy periods (morning/evening)
  • Count elevators and floors/units
  • Talk to current residents for honest feedback

Q3. Do newer condos have faster elevators?
Usually yes, but the elevator-to-unit ratio still matters. Some new towers are infamous for long waits if design or capacity is insufficient.

Q4. How do elevator delays affect resale value?
Prolonged elevator issues can hurt building reviews and deter buyers, impacting resale and rental value.

Q5. Can management improve elevator service?
Yes: regular maintenance, scheduling, and software upgrades help. Ask what steps the building takes during move-ins or repairs.

Q6. Are there special condo buildings for seniors?
Yes, some buildings focus on accessibility and reliability—seek units with good service records and accessible floors.

Q7. What other factors should I not overlook when buying a condo?
Think about condo fees, amenities, parking, storage, pet restrictions, and management reputation

Some Important Links:

  1. Buying a Condo for the First Time (Toronto, Precondo) — “Condo buying tips”
  2. CAO Condo Buyers’ Guide — “Ontario Condominium Authority Guide”
  3. Toronto Condo Elevator Wait Issues (BlogTO) — “Elevator wait time stories in Toronto condos”
  4. Condo Buying Tips: Elevator Wait Times By Michael Shuster

Check Out: More Condo Buying Tips: Amenities

Watch The Video on YouTube! Click HERE!

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