The enduring appeal of the townhome

Townhomes can be considered the Goldilocks home of the multi-family set – they’re not too small, not too big, nor all that expensive either. They’re just right for the right-sizers, and they are among the hottest sellers in the Calgary market right now.
The versatility of the townhome is what makes it the top pick for many of today’s new home buyers. Whether upsizing or downsizing, for many, the townhome is about right-sizing.

Townhome buyers love the fact that they can get a two- or three-bedroom (increasingly, even four bedrooms) home for a lower price than is typical for a duplex or laned home, with the extra advantage of a low-maintenance lifestyle. Some also come with attached garages, which is a big bonus.

The flexibility they offer is unmatched and affordability is a key reason why townhomes are hot right now. There is a wealth of new townhome developments in many of the newest communities in and around Calgary, so location is not a problem.

We spoke to some of Calgary’s top townhome developers to get their insights on why buyers looking for a new home should consider this multi-family option.

Types of townhomes

Townhomes can come with condo fees, but there are also those with no-condo fees, and there are some that fall in between, it is worth noting the differences.

In a non-condo townhome, or fee simple townhome, owners take on the work from shoveling snow and cutting the grass, to any exterior repairs or maintenance that is required much like you would a single family or duplex home. There is no monthly fee with these townhomes, and this is the most similar ownership format to single family.

In a traditional maintenance-free townhome, the owner is not responsible for all exterior maintenance that may come up. They usually have condo boards that take care of those details, hence there are condo fees.

There are also bare land condo townhomes, which is a mix of those two options above.

The following are some of the latest townhome developments in Calgary, with both maintenance-free and no-condo-fee options.

West 83

Trico Homes is coming on strong in the townhome market with two new developments: West 83 and Colours of Seton. The former is a luxurious maintenance-free model in a much-sought-after area of southwest Calgary, and the latter brings modern design sensibility to a rapidly developing community in the southeast.

West 83 is Trico Homes’ newest luxury townhome community, and one of the things that make it stand out is the range of floorplans available.

“We offer two- and three-bedroom townhomes ranging from 1,300-1,800 square-feet,” says Area Manager, Adam Zymirski. “Our floorplans offer double tandem, as well as double wide car garages.”

Located just off Old Banff Coach Road in West Springs, West 83 is close to all the rich cultural, commercial, and entertainment amenities of this high-in-demand corner of southwest Calgary. Then there’s the well-designed, luxuriously appointed townhomes themselves, designed by Calgary’s own interior design star, Aly Velji. “The showhomes are a knockout, everyone loves the rich, classy look of the units,” Zymirski adds.

West 83 is as timeless as they come, and condo fees help preserve the value of the property. Among other things, Zymirski says this allows homeowners to have peace of mind knowing their investment will hold. Find out more at west83townhomes.com.

Colours of Seton

Set in the vibrant, rapidly growing community of Seton in the southeast, Colours of Seton brings stylishly sensible design with affordability in mind.

Colours of Seton Townhomes will be one of the last chances for townhome buyers to become homeowners in the growing community. There will be 95 townhomes released over 15 blocks, with 2- and 3-bedroom options. Single or double tandem garage models are available, as well as entry level flex room options.

“Colours of Seton appeals to modern buyers for their affordability, low maintenance, community living, convenient locations, space efficiency, and investment potential,” says Trico Homes Area Sales Manager, Jimmy Luong. Called the “Downtown of the South;” Seton has a wealth of amenities already available – including the world’s largest YMCA and the South Health Campus hospital – with more on the way.

Available are 2-bed, 2.5-bath townhome with a patio, balcony, and deck spanning 1,185 square-feet; and a 3-bed, 2.5-bath townhome with similar amenities available in either 1,373 or 1,376 square-feet.

Luong says Trico is very transparent in addressing all townhome concerns. “Buyers often have concerns about living in a townhome, such as noise transfer and condo fees. Trico addresses these concerns by implementing soundproofing measures between units to minimize noise transfer, and offering transparent communication about condo fees, which cover essential services like landscaping, maintenance, and reserve funds,” he adds.

Additionally, Trico prioritizes quality construction and community management to ensure a comfortable and worry-free living experience for residents. For more, go to coloursofseton.com.

Ambleton Mews

StreetSide Developments has been one of Calgary’s most trusted townhome builders– in fact, they have specialized in building townhomes in and around the city for over 30 years. “We are focused on being an affordable townhome builder,” says Kimberley Orr, Senior Marketing Specialist at StreetSide.

StreetSide is attuned to homebuyers’ needs and has altered their product offerings as demand is now pointing to townhomes as an affordable home option with plenty of space for families.

“Families with young children are now buying townhomes as they have been priced out of the single-family home market. This has led us to develop models with three bedrooms. Some of our models feature basement developments which also adds a fourth bedroom and more living space,” she says.

Ambleton Mews, their latest development, is a perfect example of the trend. Ambleton Mews features three- and four-bedroom townhomes with two designs options. One plan features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms a main floor den, large open concept living area with a formal dining area, large kitchen, and a double car garage.

“We’re currently the only townhome builder in this northwest community of Ambleton, and it is the perfect family friendly community with easy access to local walking trails, ample green space, parks, and playgrounds as well as easy access to local amenities,” she says.

Ambleton Mews has been selling strong, with starting prices from the $400,000s (incl. gst), and is already at 50 per cent sold. Find out more at streetsidecalgary.com.

Les Jardins

Jayman BUILT has built a reputation on classy, sustainable, and highly styled homes, and their townhomes are in a class all their own. They offer both traditional townhomes with condo fees and street town with no condo fees.

Jordan D’Haese, Jayman BUILT Multi Family Sales Manager, says maintenance-free, lock and leave lifestyle is the biggest attraction for townhome buyers. “You enjoy amazing amenities from parks, greenspace, gardens without the hassle of maintaining them. This includes snow removal in the winter as well! Peace of mind and you can lock and leave while on vacation!”

New from Jayman BUILT are the Les Jardins and Park Place townhomes, as well as the Seton Street Town, no-condo fee townhomes.

Les Jardins Townhomes offer two- and three-bedroom models, from 1,468 to 1,645 square feet., with tandem, single, and double attached garages, fully fenced and landscaped yards. These townhomes start from $535’s + GST. “The community features a two- acre central garden, inspired by the grand gardens of Paris (Les Jardins actually means “The Gardens” in French). This central space includes a water feature, community garden plots, pergolas with seating areas and twinkle lights. We have move in ready homes available now and more coming available this summer!”

Park Place

Park Place of Lake Mahogany recently opened showhomes in this dynamic southeast community and is the latest addition to Jayman BUILT’s Resort Living collection. “These townhomes feature luxury interior finishings and maintenance-free living,” D’Haese says.

There are eight different models to choose from ranging from 1,380 – 1,742 square-feet featuring 2 and 3 bedrooms, with 5-piece ensuites. “Every home includes a heated, attached garage, fully fenced and landscaped outdoor living spaces and both north and south exposures.” These townhomes start from $500’s + GST. “You could move in before the end of the year,” he adds.

Seton Street Towns

While the Seton Street Towns have no condo fee townhomes, they still come complete with landscaping. There is space to add a detached garage on the back, should the purchaser wish. The main difference is that these are entered from the street (instead of through the garage like our multi-family products). “We have 3 models to choose from – the Brady, Erica, and Tempo – in two- and three-bedroom configurations. Ranging from 1,250 – 1,497 square-feet. D’Haese says. Go to jayman.com for more.