Love It or List It Location: Real Filming City 2026
Love It or List It location has been a hot topic for HGTV fans since the show premiered in 2008. Currently in 2026, the beloved home renovation series films exclusively in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, marking a return to its roots after nearly a decade in North Carolina.
The show, now hosted by David Visentin and Page Turner, continues to showcase stunning home transformations across the Greater Toronto Area, featuring diverse neighborhoods from East York to Ajax.
This comprehensive guide reveals everything about where Love It or List It is filmed, the cities featured throughout its history, and what makes these locations perfect for the show’s dramatic renovations.
Where Is Love It or List It Filmed in 2026?
Love It or List It location in 2026 is Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The production has fully returned to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) where the show originally began filming in 2008.
After spending nearly a decade in North Carolina’s Raleigh-Durham area, the show moved back to Canada in 2020 due to filming restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The production has remained in Toronto ever since, with Season 20 wrapping in 2025 and new episodes continuing through 2026.
New host Page Turner confirmed in an HGTV interview that she relocated to Toronto for eight months to film the latest season. Casting calls continue to specifically seek homeowners in the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding suburbs.
The Complete History of Love It or List It Filming Locations
Toronto, Ontario (2008-2014): The Original Location
When Love It or List It premiered on HGTV in 2008, Toronto served as the show’s exclusive filming location. The Greater Toronto Area provided the perfect backdrop for the show’s concept of helping homeowners decide whether to renovate or relocate.
For six full years, hosts Hilary Farr and David Visentin filmed across Toronto’s diverse neighborhoods. Both hosts were from the area, making Toronto a natural choice. Hilary was born in Toronto, while David worked for Country Living Realty in Barrie, Ontario, for over 16 years alongside his father.
The early Toronto seasons featured homes in neighborhoods like East York, Ajax, Scarborough, Mississauga, and Richmond Hill. These areas showcased a wide range of architectural styles from Victorian homes to modern builds.
North Carolina, USA (2014-2020): The American Expansion
In 2014, Love It or List It location shifted dramatically when production moved to the United States. After six successful years in Ontario, HGTV decided to expand the show’s scope by filming in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina.
Big Coat Productions, the company behind the show, established a North Carolina office in Durham. Executive producer Maria Armstrong explained the move: “HGTV US, the lead broadcaster for Love It or List It, was interested in sharing the great American lifestyle.”
The Raleigh-Durham area was chosen because it “really reflects the HGTV audience and is also a growing real estate market, which was perfect to showcase classic and contemporary homes that also reflect a range of incomes and architectural styles.”
Return to Toronto (2020-Present): Coming Home
In January 2021, Love It or List It announced on Twitter that filming would return to Toronto. The COVID-19 pandemic created travel restrictions that made filming in North Carolina difficult for the Canadian-based crew.
Season 17 marked the official return to the Greater Toronto Area in 2020. The production has remained in Canada ever since, with no plans to return to the United States as of 2026.
Current casting calls specifically request homeowners who live in the GTA and surrounding areas, with a 45-minute drive from Toronto being the maximum distance considered.
Specific Toronto Neighborhoods Featured on the Show
East York: Classic Toronto Charm
East York is one of the most frequently featured neighborhoods in Love It or List It. This area east of downtown Toronto is known for its mid-century homes, tree-lined streets, and strong community feel.
The neighborhood offers a mix of bungalows, two-story homes, and split-levels that present interesting renovation challenges. Many East York homes date from the 1940s-1960s, requiring significant updates that make for dramatic before-and-after transformations.
Ajax: Suburban Family Living
Ajax, located east of Toronto along Lake Ontario, has been another popular filming location. This suburban community attracts young families seeking affordable housing with good schools and amenities.
The homes in Ajax tend to be newer than those in older Toronto neighborhoods, often featuring open-concept layouts that need modernization. The area’s growing real estate market makes it perfect for the show’s “list it” option.
Scarborough: Diverse Architecture
Scarborough, one of Toronto’s largest districts, offers incredible architectural diversity. From 1950s bungalows to 1970s split-levels to modern townhomes, Scarborough provides production teams with varied renovation scenarios.
The area’s multicultural community and wide range of home prices allow the show to feature diverse families with different budgets and design preferences.
Mississauga: Modern Suburban Sprawl
Mississauga, Canada’s sixth-largest city, sits just west of Toronto. This suburban area has been featured in multiple episodes, showcasing larger family homes with spacious lots.
The city’s mix of established neighborhoods and newer developments provides opportunities to feature both dated homes needing complete overhauls and modern properties requiring strategic updates.
Richmond Hill: Upscale Options
Richmond Hill, located north of Toronto, represents the higher end of the housing market featured on Love It or List It. This affluent community has larger homes with premium finishes.
Episodes filmed in Richmond Hill often feature homeowners with bigger budgets, allowing for more extensive renovations. The final scene of many episodes has been shot at Tresca Trattoria in Richmond Hill.
Why Toronto Works Perfectly for Love It or List It
Architectural Diversity
Toronto’s architectural landscape is incredibly varied, ranging from Victorian-era homes in neighborhoods like Cabbagetown to ultra-modern condos downtown. This diversity keeps each episode fresh and interesting.
The city features traditional two-story homes, sprawling bungalows, split-levels, contemporary builds, and everything in between. This variety allows producers to select homes that present unique challenges and transformation opportunities.
Vibrant Real Estate Market
The Greater Toronto Area consistently ranks among North America’s hottest real estate markets. According to the Toronto Real Estate Board, home prices in the GTA have increased steadily over the past decade.
This active market makes the “list it” option genuinely viable for homeowners. David Visentin can showcase compelling alternatives that homeowners might actually purchase, adding authenticity to the show’s premise.
Community Engagement
Toronto neighborhoods have embraced Love It or List It filming. Local communities enjoy seeing their areas featured on international television, and many homeowners have applied to participate.
The show highlights neighborhood characteristics, local amenities, and community features, giving viewers a genuine sense of what living in each area would be like.
Production Infrastructure
As Canada’s entertainment capital, Toronto offers world-class production infrastructure. The city is known as “Hollywood North” for its numerous film and television productions.
Toronto provides experienced crew members, state-of-the-art equipment, convenient studio space, and all the logistical support needed for a show like Love It or List It. This infrastructure ensures smooth, efficient production.
The North Carolina Era: Raleigh-Durham Details
Why Raleigh-Durham Was Chosen
When Love It or List It location moved to North Carolina in 2014, Raleigh-Durham was selected for specific reasons. The area offered Southern charm, diverse housing stock, and a demographic that closely matched HGTV’s core audience.
The Research Triangle region was experiencing significant population growth, creating an active real estate market perfect for the show’s format. Home prices were more accessible than Toronto, allowing for dramatic renovations within reasonable budgets.
What Changed During North Carolina Filming
Several changes occurred when production moved south. Contractor Eric Eremita replaced the Canadian crew members Eddie Richardson and Fergus McLaren as the on-camera general contractor.
Viewers could notice differences in the homes themselves—Southern architecture, different landscaping, and distinct neighborhood layouts. The weather also differed significantly, with North Carolina’s warmer climate visible in exterior shots.
Why They Left North Carolina
While the official reason for leaving North Carolina was COVID-19 travel restrictions in 2020, other factors likely contributed. Filming in a foreign country created logistical complications for the Canadian-based production company.
Both hosts maintained homes in Canada, and traveling back and forth became increasingly challenging. Returning to Toronto simplified operations and allowed the production to access a larger pool of local talent.
How to Get on Love It or List It in 2026
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for Love It or List It, you must meet several criteria. First, you must own a home in the Greater Toronto Area or within a 45-minute drive of Toronto.
You need a minimum renovation and design budget of $75,000. This substantial budget ensures sufficient funds for meaningful transformations while accounting for the unexpected issues that inevitably arise.
You must be willing to move out of your house for the duration of filming and renovation, typically 6-8 weeks. The production requires access to film without homeowners present for certain scenes.
Personality Requirements
Beyond the practical requirements, Love It or List It seeks homeowners who are “outgoing, fun, and enthusiastic.” The show thrives on personality and genuine reactions to both challenges and successes.
You must be comfortable on camera and available for up to 7 weekdays of filming staggered over the renovation period. This filming includes consultation scenes, reaction shots, and the final reveal.
Application Process
Interested homeowners apply through HGTV’s casting website by filling out an online questionnaire. You’ll need to provide detailed information about your home, budget, family situation, and why you’re considering renovating or moving.
The application requires a short video tour of your house showing each room and explaining what you don’t like about your current space. You’ll also submit photos of every room from multiple angles.
What Happens If Selected
If your application is selected, production coordinators will contact you for additional interviews and home assessments. They’ll evaluate whether your home presents interesting renovation challenges and good visual transformation potential.
Selected homeowners work directly with Page Turner on design plans and David Visentin on potential homes to purchase. The entire process from application to final filming typically takes several months.
Behind the Scenes: How Love It or List It Is Actually Filmed
Pre-Production Planning
Before cameras roll, extensive planning occurs. The design team surveys the home, identifies structural issues, and develops renovation plans. David researches the local market and identifies potential homes to show.
Producers develop storylines around each family’s specific needs and conflicts. They identify the key tensions—budget constraints, design disagreements, or conflicting desires—that will drive the episode.
The Filming Schedule
Filming for a single episode spans 6-8 weeks but doesn’t occur continuously. Homeowners participate in approximately 7 full days of filming spread across the renovation period.
Initial filming includes consultation scenes where homeowners explain their frustrations, meet with Page and David, and establish their budget. These scenes set up the episode’s central conflict.
Renovation Reality
Unlike some renovation shows, Love It or List It features real renovations with genuine challenges. The contractors encounter actual structural issues, budget overruns, and timeline complications.
However, the renovation process is condensed for television. What appears to happen over a few days may actually span several weeks. The drama is real, but the timeline is compressed for entertainment value.
House Hunting Scenes
When David shows houses to homeowners, these are real properties currently on the market. However, the number of homes shown on television represents a small fraction of what homeowners typically view.
Producers select houses that best illustrate the trade-offs homeowners face—perhaps a perfect location but dated interior, or beautiful finishes but a long commute. These selections heighten the dramatic tension.
The Final Decision
The final scene where homeowners decide to “love it” or “list it” is filmed after all renovations are complete and all homes have been viewed. While producers know the outcome, homeowners make genuine decisions.
Interestingly, many homeowners who choose to “love it” end up selling years later, and some who choose to “list it” decide to stay. The decision isn’t always permanent, but it’s authentic at the time of filming.
Changes in 2026: New Host Page Turner
Hilary Farr’s Departure
In 2023, beloved designer Hilary Farr departed Love It or List It after 19 seasons due to health reasons. Her exit marked the end of an era for longtime fans who loved her design expertise and witty banter with David.
Hilary had been with the show since its inception in 2008, transforming hundreds of homes across Toronto and North Carolina. Her departure created big shoes to fill.
Page Turner Takes Over
Page Turner, a talented designer known for her work on HGTV’s Fix My Flip and Rock the Block, joined as co-host alongside David Visentin. Her fresh perspective and design sensibility have breathed new life into the show.
Page relocated to Toronto for eight months to film Season 20, demonstrating her commitment to the role. Her chemistry with David has developed naturally, creating a new dynamic that honors the show’s legacy while moving it forward.
How the Show Has Evolved
Under Page Turner’s leadership, the show has incorporated more contemporary design trends while maintaining the classic transformation format. Her style tends toward modern, functional spaces with thoughtful design details.
The core concept remains unchanged—helping homeowners decide whether to renovate or relocate—but Page brings her own expertise and personality to each project.
Love It or List It’s Impact on Toronto Real Estate
The “HGTV Effect” on Home Values
Being featured on Love It or List It can impact a home’s value and neighborhood desirability. Areas frequently shown on the program often experience increased buyer interest.
Real estate agents in Toronto neighborhoods featured prominently on the show report that clients specifically request to see homes in these areas after watching episodes.
Renovation Trends Spreading Across the City
Design trends popularized on Love It or List It often spread throughout Toronto. Open-concept layouts, kitchen islands, spa-like bathrooms, and finished basements have become standard renovation requests.
Local contractors report that homeowners bring photos from the show as inspiration for their own projects. This influence has elevated renovation quality across the entire market.
Tourism and Location Scouting
Some fans visit Toronto specifically to see neighborhoods featured on Love It or List It. While individual homes aren’t publicly identified for privacy reasons, visitors explore featured neighborhoods.
Restaurants and locations shown on the show, like Tresca Trattoria in Richmond Hill, have become minor tourist attractions for superfans.
Comparing Toronto and North Carolina Episodes
Design Aesthetic Differences
Toronto episodes tend to feature more traditional architectural elements—crown molding, hardwood floors, and classic layouts. North Carolina episodes often showcased more open-concept modern designs.
Climate differences influenced design choices. Toronto homes require more insulation and heating considerations, while North Carolina homes focused more on cooling and outdoor living spaces.
Budget Differences
Home prices and renovation costs differ significantly between locations. Toronto’s higher cost of living meant budgets needed to stretch further for similar results.
In North Carolina, the same renovation budget could often accomplish more dramatic transformations. This difference in purchasing power created different constraints and opportunities.
Cultural Differences
Canadian episodes reflect Toronto’s multicultural population and diverse family structures. North Carolina episodes showcased more Southern culture and hospitality.
The local contractor teams brought different approaches and regional construction methods to their work, adding variety to how problems were solved.
The Greater Toronto Area Real Estate Market
Current Market Conditions (2026)
As of 2026, the Greater Toronto Area continues to be one of Canada’s most competitive real estate markets. Median home prices remain high, though they’ve stabilized somewhat after peak pandemic-era increases.
The market features strong demand, limited inventory, and multiple offers on desirable properties. This competitive environment makes David Visentin’s job both challenging and compelling television.
Neighborhood Price Ranges
Different Toronto neighborhoods featured on Love It or List It represent various price points. Richmond Hill and parts of Mississauga command premium prices, while Ajax and Scarborough offer more affordable options.
This range allows the show to feature homeowners with budgets from $75,000 to $200,000+ for renovations, creating diverse episode scenarios.
Renovation Return on Investment
Toronto’s strong market means renovations typically provide good return on investment. Homeowners who “love it” after Page’s renovation often see significant equity gains.
Kitchen and bathroom renovations consistently provide the highest ROI, which is why these rooms feature prominently in most episodes. Finishing basements and adding bathrooms also significantly increase home values.
Production Company: Big Coat Productions
About the Company
Big Coat Productions, based in Nashville, Tennessee, produces Love It or List It. Founded by Maria Armstrong, the company specializes in lifestyle and home renovation programming.
Despite being American-based, Big Coat maintains strong connections to Canada, where many of its shows originate. The company produces multiple Love It or List It spinoffs internationally.
Other Shows by Big Coat
Beyond the original Love It or List It, Big Coat produces Love It or List It Vancouver (hosted by Jillian Harris and Todd Talbot) and several international versions.
The company’s expertise in renovation television ensures high production values, compelling storytelling, and consistent quality across all episodes.
The Executive Team
Executive producer Maria Armstrong oversees Love It or List It’s creative direction. She’s been with the show since its inception and understands what makes compelling renovation television.
The production team includes architect Simon West, Senior Production Coordinator Linda Johnstone, and Construction Coordinator David Violante, among many other talented professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Love It or List It filmed in 2026?
Love It or List It is filmed exclusively in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 2026. The show films across the Greater Toronto Area, including neighborhoods like East York, Ajax, Scarborough, Mississauga, and Richmond Hill.
Did Love It or List It move back to Canada?
Yes, Love It or List It moved back to Canada in 2020 after filming in North Carolina from 2014-2020. The show returned to its original Toronto location due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and has remained there since.
Why did Love It or List It film in North Carolina?
Love It or List It filmed in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina from 2014-2020 to expand the show’s scope for American audiences. HGTV wanted to showcase American homes and the area offered diverse architecture and a growing real estate market.
Who replaced Hilary Farr on Love It or List It?
Page Turner replaced Hilary Farr as the designer co-host in 2023. Page is known from HGTV’s Fix My Flip and Rock the Block and relocated to Toronto to film the show.
Can Americans apply for Love It or List It?
No, currently only homeowners in the Greater Toronto Area can apply for Love It or List It. You must own a home within a 45-minute drive of Toronto and have a minimum $75,000 renovation budget.
Is Love It or List It staged or real?
Love It or List It features real renovations with genuine challenges and authentic homeowner decisions. However, like all reality TV, scenes are edited for drama and the timeline is compressed for entertainment value.
What happened to Hilary Farr from Love It or List It?
Hilary Farr left Love It or List It in 2023 after 19 seasons due to health reasons. She remains active in the design industry but stepped away from the demanding filming schedule.
How long does it take to film an episode of Love It or List It?
Filming an episode takes approximately 6-8 weeks, though homeowners only appear on camera for about 7 full days spread across that period. The renovation itself typically takes several weeks to complete.
What is the minimum budget for Love It or List It?
The minimum renovation budget for Love It or List It is $75,000 CAD. This ensures sufficient funds for meaningful transformations and covers the unexpected issues that often arise during renovations.
Where are Love It or List It houses located exactly?
Specific addresses of Love It or List It houses are not publicly disclosed to protect homeowner privacy. However, episodes feature homes throughout the Greater Toronto Area in various neighborhoods like East York, Ajax, and Scarborough.
Conclusion
Love It or List It location has evolved significantly since the show premiered in 2008, but in 2026 it has come full circle back to its Toronto roots.
The Greater Toronto Area provides the perfect setting for this beloved renovation show—offering diverse architecture, a competitive real estate market, engaged communities, and world-class production infrastructure.
After spending nearly a decade showcasing beautiful North Carolina homes, the show’s return to Canada has reinvigorated the format with fresh energy while maintaining the core concept that made it successful.
The addition of Page Turner as co-host alongside longtime favorite David Visentin has brought new design perspectives while honoring the show’s legacy.
For fans wondering where Love It or List It is filmed, the answer is definitively Toronto and its surrounding suburbs. Neighborhoods like East York, Ajax, Scarborough, Mississauga, and Richmond Hill regularly feature stunning home transformations that inspire viewers across North America and beyond.
