Apartment condos offer affordable, easy living lifestyle

“Seinfeld,” “Friends,” and “Big Bang Theory” – besides being greatest sitcoms of the last three decades, all shared something else in common: they were all set in an apartment condo. The lifestyle and affordability that these single-level, multi-family development units offer, however, is no laughing matter.

Whether it’s a downtown tower, an inner-city mid-rise or a lifestyle-connected four-storey condo in the suburbs, single-level apartment style living offers a rich, fulfilling option for new home buyers.

Apartment condos have always been thought of as a perfect first-time homebuyer opportunity or a comfortable nest for seniors, retirees, and empty nesters. It’s a tempting option for investors, as well, and even young families are finding a fit here.

Multi-level condo developments are communities in themselves, and there are plenty of opportunities in and around Calgary to find the single-level lifestyle home of your dreams.

Why buy a condo

Affordability, maintenance-free, lock and leave lifestyle, and a generally centralized location for most apartment condo developments are the most compelling reasons to get into one.

“You can access a very nice apartment condo for much lower cost than a townhome or duplex in today’s market,” says Luc Withell, Area Sales Manager for Partners Development Group, that just launched the Lawrie Park condo development in Okotoks – the first that the town just south of Calgary has seen in years.

Reilly LePage, Sales & Marketing Manager at Logel Homes agrees. “It’s a good way to begin homeownership or start a new chapter once your homeowner needs change, that could mean less space required, or not having a desire to perform landscaping maintenance. Ultimately, the transition to a condo from renting or single-family ownership is easy.” Logel Homes offers the most diverse range of condos with locations in almost every sector of the city. They have won Customer Insight’s Best customer Experience eight times, and Multi-Family Builder of the Year three times in a row, a testament to the continued appeal of their condos.

Following the tremendous success of Westman Village, Jayman BUILT is looking to create an even bigger splash in the city’s multi-family home scene in 2024, and their Les Jardins and the new Magna condo developments are already garnering plenty of interest.

As well they should, says Jordan D’Haese, Sales Manager, Jayman BUILT Multi-Family. “Condos offer single-level, maintenance-free living, as well as a ‘lock & leave’ lifestyle! They are perfect for downsizers and right-sizers, looking for a more suitable square footage for their lifestyle, without the hassle of maintaining a home.”

Nicole Contreras, Area Sales Manager for Homes by Avi, says the access to amenities is another factor in favour of apartment condos.

“At Homes by Avi, we take a holistic approach by providing a range of amenities that enhance the living experience beyond what individual condo owners might typically have access to,” Contreras says. “This includes features such as fitness centers, community gardens, gathering spaces, and even concierge services.”

Homes by Avi’s mixed-use buildings - Argyle and Autumn at University District - are prime examples. Their new Sovereign on 17TH Avenue mid-rise building in Mission also brings a new level of style and convenience to apartment living in the inner-city.

These experts all agree that the sense of community that apartment-condo living offers is a big part of the appeal, as living in a condo can foster a strong sense of community, and you get to know your neighbours better.

Why condo fees

Condo fees are a part of condo living – and it is a part that has given many buyers pause. But this is mainly because they just they don’t know all it entails.

Homes by Avi’s Contreras explains: “We believe in providing a proactive and educational home-buying experience. We understand that condo fees can be a common concern for buyers, but we aim to alleviate worries by helping customers understand what these fees cover and how they compare to alternative costs. Viewing condo fees as an investment in the property’s value and actively engaging with the condo community can further enhance their understanding and alleviate any concerns they may have.”

“They help to cover other items that you would have otherwise have to pay for in a traditional home such as insurance, some utilities, fire protection, garbage / recycling and more,” Partners’ Withell explains. “Plus, you don’t have the outgoing costs of exterior maintenance and will save money of lawn mowers, watering the lawn, power washers, rakes, shovels, etc.”

Jayman BUILT’s D’Haese says that condo fees are imperative to the condo lifestyle of shared living spaces. “They are also used to build a reserve fund, should the condo corporation decide to make improvements to the property later,” he says. “They are in the best interest of all residents to maintain and improve the property value of the condominium for future resale.”

Logel Homes’ LePage says condo fees take care of a lot of the necessity that homeownership involves. “It’s worth the money not just for convenience, but peace of mind of having most of your bills centralized and managed by professionals who are working to get the best price on the homebuyers’ behalf.”

Homes by Avi

Whether it’s a condo in the heart of Calgary’s inner-city, or one in the suburbs, Homes by Avi designs homes for all lifestyles.

Homes by Avi Sales Manager, Kevin Hatch says “both Sovereign and Autumn are thriving and garnering significant popularity, establishing themselves ‘wise investments’ amongst buyers.” Residents are moving into Argyle this spring, he noted.

Sovereign will have 155 units on 13 floors, including ground floor retail space, and a wide variety of floorplans to choose from,” Hatch says.

“Experience the best of both worlds at Sovereign on 17TH, where modern luxury meets cozy comfort,” Hatch says. “Sovereign features open floor plans, high-end finishes, and oversized windows that provide breathtaking city views.”

Autumn offers a vibrant and convenient lifestyle in one of the fastest growing communities in Calgary - University District and is situated amongst five major employment centres. Autumn, a certified Built Green Gold mixed-use building, is comprised of 162 spacious one- and two-bedrooom units, and provides residents with outdoor terraces featuring barbecues, fire tables, and seating, fostering a sense of community.

To find out more about Sovereign on 17TH and Autumn at University District, visit homesbyavi.com.

Jayman BUILT

Jayman BUILT has always prided itself in the quality and craftsmanship of their single-family and multi-family homes, you can add sustainable to those accolades.

“All Jayman BUILT condos include solar panels to help offset the electrical consumption required to power common spaces, as well as air conditioning and a smart home technology package, all included. Our condominiums also feature a suite of energy efficient inclusions, designed to save our homeowners money, improve their lifestyle, and reduce our environmental footprint,” D’Haese says.

Jayman BUILT’s latest is Magna in the dynamic northwest community of University District. “This two-tower, six storey, luxury condominium is the only concrete residence in University District and features the highest level of finishings that Jayman has ever done,” D’Haese says.

Pre-construction sales have started for units ranging from 844 to over 2,500 square-feet. They come with European kitchens, and the opportunity to personalize your interior with our styleMagictm Design Centre,” he adds.

Jayman BUILT also has move-in ready suites at their Les Jardins Condos in southeast Calgary, located next to Quarry Park. This 5-story condo building features a state-of-the-art fitness centre, two-acre central garden with water feature and heated, underground parkade. Possessions are beginning in March, with the final suites available for move in this year! Find out more at jayman.com.

Logel Homes

Logel Homes is the most awarded muti-family developer in the city, and it’s easy to see why. And under the leadership of new president, Brayden Logel, the developer is aiming for more.

Seton West in the southeast is now selling Phase 2 – a completely new development, LePage says. “We just launched our newest building in five months, because of the very strong demand.” Seton West has quick possessions available in Building 1.

Sage Walk condos and Townhomes in the northwest is now selling their final condo building and moving into the sales of its townhome component.

New is Waterside at Mahogany, the first condo development in this popular lakeside community in the southeast in ages. Its popularity stems from its location just steps away from the bustling Mahogany Village Market and Auburn Station Shopping centre.

“We’ll have a beautifully appointed interior courtyard with gas fire pits, a separate bocce court, and nearly all plans have large extended balconies. These are some of the best elevations we’ve done. Plus, homeowners will have full access to the lake and Mahogany’s HOA facilities.” For more about Logel Homes’ developments, go to logelhomes.com.

Partners

Lawrie Park is the perfect way to enter the housing market in Okotoks. The development consists of four condo buildings, each four storeys, with 52 units in each building (208 units in all). It is in the growing community of Wedderburn in Okotoks’ north end which presents scenic views of the nearby Rockies.

Withell, an Okotoks resident himself, says the tranquil nature of the surroundings is unbeatable and coupled with their affordable pricing, Lawrie Park is a very enticing choice.

“The best thing is access,” Withell says. “We have brand new amenities within walking distance like shopping, Starbucks, restaurants, and more. We are also on the north side of Okotoks so heading to Calgary for work or play is super quick. A small town feel combined with gorgeous mountain views from our buildings, you would be hard pressed to get a better value.”

Lawrie Park will have four, 4-storey buildings all with beautiful exterior designs and popular, varied layouts for each buyer’s needs and taste. Units range from 526 – 1,128 square-feet with either one- or two-bedrooms.

“Our homes are pre-fitted with every appliance including washer and dryer. We offer full height cabinets, blinds, pot lights in the kitchen, quartz countertops throughout, nine-foot ceilings and enough customization options to make it your own! Go to partnershomes.ca for more information.