Toronto residents Mark and Sarah Thompson never imagined their lives would change overnight. The young couple, who had been renting a modest two-bedroom apartment in Etobicoke, had always dreamed of owning a home but struggled to break into Toronto’s skyrocketing housing market.
That all changed when they purchased a single ticket for a local home lottery—only to wake up to a life-changing phone call.
The Moment That Changed Everything
Mark, a 36-year-old electrician, and Sarah, a 34-year-old elementary school teacher, had bought the ticket on a whim.
They had been driving past a billboard advertising the Ultimate Dream Home lottery, which promised a grand prize of a fully furnished luxury home worth $1.5 million.
“We thought, why not?” Sarah recalled. “It was $20, and even though we never win anything, it felt like a good cause.”
When the phone rang early one February morning, Mark initially thought it was a scam call. But as soon as he heard the words, “Congratulations, you’re this year’s grand prize winner,” he froze.
“I just kept saying, ‘Are you serious? Are you serious?’” Mark said, laughing. “Then I put the phone on speaker, and Sarah started screaming.”
A Luxury Home Beyond Their Wildest Dreams
The couple had won a custom-built, fully furnished home in an upscale neighborhood. Located in a prime area of Toronto, the home featured an open-concept kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances, a spacious master bedroom with a walk-in closet, and a backyard that looked like something out of a magazine.
“We walked in, and it was like stepping into a dream,” Sarah said. “Everything was designed perfectly, from the furniture to the decor. It even came with a brand-new 2025 Hyundai Elantra in the driveway!“
The home, built by SLV Homes, was part of a long-standing tradition of real estate lotteries in Canada. The Ultimate Dream Home contest, which has previously awarded homes to lucky winners like Howard Leon of Sudbury and Chantal Hall of Coniston, is known for giving everyday Canadians the chance to own luxury real estate without a mortgage.
From Renters to Homeowners Overnight
Like many Toronto residents, Mark and Sarah had struggled with the realities of the city’s housing market. With average home prices exceeding $1 million and bidding wars on nearly every property, they had resigned themselves to renting indefinitely.
“We were saving for a down payment, but with home prices climbing so fast, it felt impossible,” Mark said. “Now, we’re suddenly homeowners, and it still doesn’t feel real.”
The house came fully furnished, thanks to a partnership with Ashley Homestore, and included high-end appliances from Bianco’s Supercenter. The total prize package was valued at over $1.5 million, making it one of the most significant home lottery prizes in recent history.
The Decision: Keep It or Sell?
Winning such a massive prize came with a big decision—should they move into their dream home or take the cash alternative? The contest offered winners the option to accept a $700,000 cash payout instead of the home.
“We seriously considered taking the cash,” Sarah admitted. “It’s a lot of money, and it could set us up financially for life. But when we saw the house, we knew we couldn’t walk away from it.”
After discussing it with financial advisors and family, the couple decided to keep the home. They are now in the process of finalizing paperwork and preparing to move in within the next month.
Community Reactions and Future Plans
News of their win spread quickly among friends, family, and co-workers. Sarah’s colleagues at the school threw a surprise celebration, while Mark’s job site erupted into cheers when he shared the news.
“We’ve had so many people reaching out, asking how we did it,” Mark said. “I keep telling them—just buy a ticket! You never know.”
The couple hopes to give back to the community and plans to host charity events at their new home.
“This was such a blessing for us,” Sarah said. “We want to pay it forward in any way we can.”
More Dreams Waiting to Come True
The Ultimate Dream Home lottery continues to change lives. With past winners like Howard Leon and Chantal Hall proving that everyday Canadians can hit the jackpot, the lottery remains one of the most exciting opportunities in real estate.
For those still hoping to score their own dream home, tickets for next year’s draw are already available.
“Someone has to win,” Mark said with a smile. “Why not you?”
