Heaps Estrin is a prominent Central Toronto’s real estate brokerage, offering concierge-level client care, operating under Royal LePage Real Estate Services and consistently ranked as Canada’s top team. Cailey Heaps, who serves as President, CEO, and Broker of Record, has over 20 years of experience, with negotiation experience and a client-centric approach that has propelled the team to the top 1% of North American realtors.
Specializing in luxury residential properties across neighborhoods like Leaside, Rosedale, and Forest Hill, Heaps Estrin caters to first-time buyers, families, executives, and international investors. Renowned for innovative marketing, they’ve earned 2024 International Property Awards for agency excellence.
Regarding Luxury caught up with Cailey for her thoughts on luxury.
Cailey Heaps: What Is Your Definition of Luxury?
“To me, luxury is about comfort and ease – a feeling that everything around you has been intentionally chosen and quietly supports your life. It isn’t about excess or opulence; it’s about harmony. The lighting feels right, the materials are high-quality, the space functions beautifully. Luxury is when your surroundings make life feel effortless.”
What Does Luxury Mean to You Personally?
“On a personal level, my definition of luxury comes down to three things: health, time, and family. If I have those, I can be anywhere in the world and feel that I’m living in abundance. A beautifully designed space is wonderful – but the true luxury is having the freedom to enjoy it with the people I love.”
What matters is intention – when luxury is about appreciation rather than display, it remains authentic.
Is There a Line Between Appreciating Luxury and Being Ostentatious?
“Luxury is deeply personal. For one person, it might be a custom kitchen; for another, it’s a vintage watch or a favourite handbag. I don’t believe in judging how people express what brings them joy. What matters is intention – when luxury is about appreciation rather than display, it remains authentic. Ideally, those who have access to luxury also use their resources thoughtfully, whether that’s through charity, legacy building or community impact.”
Do Canadians View Luxury Differently Than Americans or Europeans?
“There are certainly cultural differences in how luxury is expressed. Scandinavian design, for example, often embraces restraint and minimalism, while other regions may celebrate ornamentation and grandeur. But regardless of geography, true luxury comes back to the same idea: comfort, quality, and a connection to one’s personal taste.
“In terms of Canadians specifically, I’d say we tend to favour subtlety – an understated elegance rather than overt flash – but exceptional style exists in every part of the world.”
How Do You Work Luxury Into Your Company’s Branding? How Do You Communicate It?
“We rarely use the word “luxury” outright. Instead, we aim to demonstrate it – through elevated service, meticulous presentation, and best-in-class marketing. The properties we represent often speak for themselves, but we also believe that luxury isn’t defined by price point. A thoughtfully designed condo with light, flow, and calm can deliver just as much luxury as a grand estate. For us, luxury is not about scale – it’s about experience.”
Images by Christopher Liando.
I am a 50-something Torontonian who loves everything about my city. It’s been my home, my playground, for my entire life. I went to school here. I met my wife here. I own real estate here. I love writing about the transformation of my city on the world stage, which hasn’t been anything short of dramatic. That continues on, as I write this. I write on the real estate scene. I write on travel and fashion. I like following the world of luxury watches.
But I love writing about cars – check that, luxury cars, a level of superior, engineering sophistication, high performance and style, that transports you not just from one destination to another but also out of whatever you are going through on a particular day, whatever mood you are in, all to another head space. It’s complete and total exhilaration, head to toe.
Check out my stories, and email me direct at mkeast@regardingluxury.com
