Dunpar's luxury townhomes at Streetsville Centre part of the solution to the 'missing middle'

Long before the “missing middle” became a hot housing topic or COVID-19 amplified the need to bridge the gap between highrise units and single-family residences, Dunpar Homes was ahead of the curve.

The folks at Dunpar realized townhouses would be a growing trend in the new home market and provided the perfect solution to the missing middle, with multiple units that offered a similar form, scale and lifestyle as single-detached homes. Thus, Dunpar chose to make townhomes in vibrant neighbourhoods a key focus of its business and to elevate the craftsmanship, features and finishes to luxury level. That savvy decision to specialize in upscale towns in desirable locations has met with resounding success, and the company continues to build on it, as demand for this type of housing continues to grow.

“When Dunpar launched 40 years ago, our intention was to create homes that would improve existing neighbourhoods through building townhomes in a number of infill locations across the GTA,” says Michael DiPasquale, COO of Dunpar Homes. “Our townhomes provide ideal living environments for families seeking high quality homes close to all the amenities, such as schools, shops and transit.”

Townhomes in demand

A recent Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis study conducted for the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) found that many respondents indicated Ontario was over-housed and has more than five million surplus bedrooms. Those homeowners didn’t list their homes for sale because they didn’t feel there were good alternatives for them to move to; they felt Toronto-area condos were not a viable choice due to small unit size or because they didn’t want to live in buildings largely owned by investors. TRREB has called on policy makers to focus more on the missing middle. Townhomes also help to achieve the objectives of the province’s growth plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, requiring that residential growth be concentrated in existing urban areas.

Townhomes have been even more important since COVID-19, as many people don’t like being confined to their condos, and with interest rates falling, they realize they can buy a larger home. Despite the low cost of borrowing, however, many single-detached homes are still beyond the financial reach of many buyers, and townhouses are an attractive option.

While condos used to be popular with Millennials and first-time buyers, many in those demographics are seeking out ground-related housing, according to a 2020 report by Ipsos for the Ontario Real Estate Association. But they want to stay in downtown, urban or suburban areas in quality neighbourhoods with housing options they can afford. Townhomes offer the advantages of grade-level parking, individual front doors and private outdoor space, with the benefits of being part of a close-knit community and without the maintenance demands of a detached home.

Upscale community

Dunpar’s upscale towns fill this market niche beautifully for buyers ranging from young couples to families to empty nesters. One example is Streetsville Centre, a collection of 201 classic luxury three-bedroom towns in Streetsville, a gem of a neighbourhood in Mississauga. With a charming ambiance and small-town vibe, Streetsville has been dubbed “The Village in the City.” It’s a highly walkable neighbourhood, and Streetsville Centre residents will be able to walk to the GO station in two minutes, to schools, parks and recreation facilities, as well as to shops, services, restaurants and entertainment ventures. The development is also conveniently located in the heart of the GTA and close to highways, airports and Mississauga and Toronto downtowns.

Streetsville Centre showcases the standard of architecture, design and finishes that Dunpar is renowned for – the same calibre one would find in luxury detached homes. The architecture is English Georgian Manor-inspired, with two-car garages, beautiful landscaping and custom Indiana Limestone exterior accents and Kingston Hue Stone planter boxes. Interior features include nine-ft., six-in. main-floor ceilings, nine-ft. loft ceilings and open-concept layouts, with appointments such as engineered oak flooring, Berber carpet, granite kitchen countertops and backsplash, luxury stainless steel appliances and under-cabinet lighting. Ensuite bathrooms come with custom vanity, marble countertop, soaker tub and glass shower door.

Dunpar has adapted its processes to keep customers safe while COVID-19 protocols are in place with virtual tours of sites, floorplans, master plans, sales presentations and one-on-one virtual meetings. All elements of the sales process for Streetsville Centre townhomes can be completed electronically. At Streetsville Centre, Dunpar is offering an exciting mortgage program: A 1.99-per-cent, three-year open mortgage with a 30-year amortization. Buyers are required to provide a 20-per-cent deposit, including 10 per cent on signing and 10 per cent on occupancy.

For more than 40 years, Dunpar Homes has been building thoughtfully designed and architecturally unique homes and communities across the GTA and has built a reputation as a premier builder. For more information on Dunpar and Streetsville Centre, visit dunparhomes.com