Best bets in Edmonton for the new homebuyers

By Pepper Rodriguez
March 20, 2023

New homebuyers are the lifeblood of the homebuilding industry, and right now the emphasis is on “new” as Alberta’s strengthening economy continues to attract not only the local, first-time homebuyers, but those who are new to the city.
Whether it’s a local buyer trying to get out of the rental cycle, or someone new to the city and wanting to buy a new home to settle in, there are ample opportunities around.

Edmonton and the rest of Alberta have looked particularly appealing to buyers from B.C. and Ontario where the cost of homes – never mind a new-built home – have soared past what’s affordable for most.

Cantiro’s Keswick Area Sales Manager, Caroline Bliss, says Alberta’s advantage lies in its strong economy, higher paying jobs, lower taxes and more affordable homes.

“Alberta is still the only province without a provincial sales tax. We also have no payroll tax or health premium, as well as a low provincial income tax that 40 percent of Alberta tax filers don’t pay,” she says.

Excel Homes’ Kristina Plank agrees. “Alberta is an extremely desirable place to live with a strong economy and high demand for employment. Edmonton in particular offers affordable housing and has a relatively low cost of living compared to other major Canadian cities, making it an affordable place to live for people of all income levels.”

Homes by Avi Sales Manager, Micah Dueck, also touts Edmonton’s diverse and multicultural population that makes it an obvious landing spot for everyone looking to start fresh.

“Edmonton offers an affordable housing market and a diverse range of employment opportunities thanks to a robust energy sector and stable economy, making it an ideal destination for young professionals and families. From its rich cultural scene and thriving arts community, to its excellent educational institutions and world-class healthcare facilities, Edmonton has something for everyone.”

These factors have powered Alberta’s population growth, which shattered records in the third quarter of 2022 with 58,203 added residents, posting a growth rate of 1.28 percent. “This is the highest rate in the country,” Bliss says.

For those newcomers and first-time homebuyers, there are plenty of opportunities to own a new home in the Edmonton area, and Edmonton Home + Condo Guide is here to “guide” the reader in their search for their dream home.

The benefits of buying new

Buying a new home will always be the best option, especially for first-time homebuyers.

“Buying new provides you with a New Home Warranty. You will not have to worry about replacing the roof, renovating the kitchen, or replacing the furnace as you might on a resale home,” Bliss says. “Cantiro builds with energy efficient features and processes that will make your home healthier and save you money in the long term.”

Plank echoes the sentiment. “A newly built home is less likely to require major repairs or upgrades. This can save you a lot of money on maintenance cost in the first few years of ownership. Every home built in Alberta also requires warranty coverage, which gives a first-time home buyer the peace of mind that they will not have unexpected costs arise in the near future.”

 

 

“In a word, confidence,” Dueck says why it’s always a good idea to buy a new-build home. “A new Homes by Avi home ensures cost-saving efficiencies, a host of warranty services, and the best evolved building practices for a worry-free home ownership experience.

He adds that new-build materials require less maintenance and the new communities they are found in have master-planned streetscapes, and offer more parks, trails and community amenity than most older communities. “Lastly, no compromise! Build what you want, how you want it.”

Designed for life

Opportunities abound in the Edmonton area for new homebuyers, so the question really is what kind of lifestyle is the buyer aspiring for? Apartment condos, townhomes, duplex, laned homes or front-drive homes are readily available in any part of town, but the suburbs offer the best in affordability.

Cantiro has honed down the selection process to a science with the Cantiro Life Collection . It offers three series of designs: Entertain, Career and Family, all created with how you live at the centre of every decision.

“The Life Collection™ offers added value through our commitment to life-forward design, enhanced energy efficiency, smart home features for a higher quality lifestyle, and a superior building process, so you can enjoy your home for years to come,” Bliss says. She suggests that new homebuyers take Cantiro’s Find Your Home Quiz that enables the buyer to narrow down the choices of the home that can fit their lifestyle best.

“The Life Collection™ offers the newest styles and trends in finishes with no need to renovate. Select Front Drive and Three-Storey single family homes also have special pricing as part of our Elevate It Event,” she says.

Sound advice

Dueck says Homes by Avi, which is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year, prides itself in the personalization and choice they offer new homebuyers. And the anniversary deals they offer right now makes it a perfect time to check out their line of homes.

“Choice of home model, homesite, home model options, interior selections, and the list goes on. Down payment plans, Alberta New Home Warranty, Avi AfterCare Program, Move-In Concierge and a Free List program, to share a few more. There really is no end to this list,” he says.

In finding the best home to suit their lifestyle, Dueck’s advice to buyers is to consider where they will be spending most of their time, work, play, social, and review communities with good access to those areas. “Develop a list of ‘must-haves’ and ‘would-really-like-to-haves’ in a neighborhood and home. Think on value, and what it means to you in your purchase. Homes by Avi is a solution provider, and we’ll work with you to find the best option for you.”

Anniversary offer

Excel Homes is also celebrating a milestone, and the deals they offer in their 35th Anniversary celebrations are also worth looking into.

“There is never a better time to buy with Excel Homes as we are celebrating our 35th year anniversary,” Plank says. “We will be releasing new anniversary models throughout the year, new specifications, and interior selections. We will also be offering special anniversary pricing and bonuses, plus a big anniversary sale!”

She adds that Every Excel home is Built Green Certified, and you will receive a move in concierge service and legal fees covered when using our legal partner. We offer a wide variety of models from laned, duplexes and front-garage homes.

“Our popular Hartwell model is a show home in Vita Crystallina located in the northeast. It is an 1,862 square foot three-bed, two-and-a-half bath show home, masterfully crafted and the perfect size for a first-time front-garage home buyer. It features many of our new popular designs such as two-toned cabinets, a large island with extra storage, black hardware and fixtures, and black stainless appliances. Check out www.excelhomes.ca to find out more.

About Pepper Rodriguez

Pepper Rodriguez is a writer, editor of New Home + Condo Guide's Calgary and Edmonton editions.

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