The homeowning journey is filled with choices. Starting from choosing which home model to build, and the community to build it in, but what can be even more impactful – and overlooked a lot of the times – is choosing the lot where you can build your dream home on.

Many of Edmonton’s new communities offer a varied choice of lots that can satisfy any buyer’s wants and needs. But there are some of the questions you might want to ask yourself before settling on one: Did you want a big lot that can fit a triple front attached garage with a big backyard where kids can play? Or a narrower one that is not only more affordable but easier to maintain with less mowing or snow shovelling? Did you want a corner lot that will have a home with more windows, or an interior lot where your chosen home design can be a better fit?

The question most ask these days when lots are concerned is whether to go with a traditional lot or a zero-lot line home. A traditional lot has the home on the centre of the plot of land with four feet of separation on each side, while a zero lot has the home right up against the property line of its neighbour on one side and four feet from the other. While the former offers comfort and style, the latter offers more affordability.

“Selecting the perfect lot is more than just picking a piece of land – it’s about shaping your future home’s comfort, functionality, and long-term value,” says Nick Young, Director of Land Development at Cantiro.

Finding your fit

There are so many factors that go into picking the right lot. According to Daisy Lieu, Division Marketing Manager at Rohit Communities, the three key features that matter most in choosing your lot are: width, slope and position.

“A wider lot typically allows for a larger home, though some buyers opt for a wider but shallower lot to get an open, welcoming entry at a more affordable price,” she tells NextHome. “Sloped lots can offer exciting possibilities like walk-out basements and extra natural light. The lot’s position also plays a big role – it can determine whether your backyard catches those warm summer evening rays or provides the perfect spot for a sun-filled garden.”

The direction of the lot can also impact natural light for homes as well energy efficiency measures, like getting the best sun exposure for solar panels, she adds. Rohit is excited to offer all these lots in their latest communities of Kinglet Gardens in northwest Edmonton, Chèrot in St. Albert, and Cambrian in Sherwood Park.

A lot to remember

Cantiro’s Young says your lot choice directly affects key factors such as home size, yard space, privacy, sunlight exposure, and resale value. “A larger pie-shaped lot offers an expansive backyard – great for outdoor enthusiasts – while a corner lot provides extra natural light and added curb appeal. However, it’s important to consider maintenance, as larger or exposed lots often require more upkeep.”

He also says that location within the community also plays a crucial role. “Buyers should think about how close they want to be to amenities like parks, ponds, walking paths, and schools, as these can impact not only lifestyle but also property value,” Young notes.

Additionally, certain lots come with premiums – such as those backing onto green spaces or featuring deeper dimensions – because they offer enhanced privacy or added functionality. However, lot designations often align with specific home models, so your desired home may influence the lots available to you.”

Lieu says Rohit Communities also offers a wide range of lot locations from interior to corner and have lot types including sunshine, walk-outs, pie shaped, level, back to front, split level, and transitional. “Each gives its own attribute and feature to capture sun exposure, accessibility to the yards, as well as layouts for the homes. “

Lots to choose from

In Edmonton, the average residential lot width is around 7.5 meters (or 25 feet), as this is the current minimum lot width permitted for single-family homes by The City of Edmonton. But lot sizes vary widely, especially in the newer communities, but there are things buyers must keep in mind.

“Not all lots are created equal, and choosing the right one depends on lifestyle preferences and priorities,” Young says. Cantiro offers a variety of lot styles, each catering to different homeowner needs:

• Standard interior lots – Well-balanced yard space available for most product types
• Corner lots – Extra light, enhanced architecturals, and a unique street presence.
• Pie-shaped lots – Larger backyards, perfect for entertaining or family-friendly outdoor spaces.
• Short lots – Maximize affordability with a home that takes up a greater portion of the lot, reducing yard maintenance.
• Wide-shallow lots – Enhanced curb appeal with wider home designs but often a smaller rear yard.
• Walkout and “sunshine” basements – Ideal for sloped lots, allowing for more natural light and direct backyard access from the basement in a walkout.
• Amenity lots – Premium options with views of ponds, ravine, green spaces, or tree-lined walkways.

“Not every community offers every type of lot, so it’s essential to match your home aspirations with the available options,” says Young. Cantiro’s communities of Riverstead at Keswick and Alces showcase an array of premium and standard lots tailored to different lifestyles. Cantiro’s Castlebrook development is one of their most successful yet and is now over 70 per cent sold out with a few remaining amazing lot options, including west and south facing backyards, as well as cul-de-sac lots!

Zero lots

With all these available shapes and contours of lots, the most popular these days are homes on zero lot lines. This type of lot is the most affordable one right now, as they entail a more efficient use of land, that not only saves on the original cost but on property taxes down the road as well.

“A zero-lot line home is built on one property line, allowing the same floor plan to fit on a narrower, more affordable lot,” says Rohit’s Lieu. “This smart design maintains full-depth backyards while reducing maintenance and cost to a single side yard. The cost savings on the lot often enable buyers to invest more in home upgrades, making zero lot line homes an increasingly popular choice in new communities like our laned zero lot homes in Chèrot, and zero lot line front- attached garage homes in Cambrian and Kinglet Gardens.”

Cantiro’s Young says key benefits for zero lots include:

• Lower lot costs – A smaller footprint translates to lower land expenses, making homeownership more accessible.
• Maximized space efficiency – The same home size, just less underutilized side yard.

“These lots are appealing to first-time buyers, young families, and those looking for the most bang for their buck,” says Young.

Find out more about the exciting communities offered by Rohit and Cantiro at rohitgroup.com, and cantiro.ca, respectively