The enduring appeal of townhomes

They may be stacked on top of each other; or sitting side-by-side in a row; they can offer single-level living or a three-storey lifestyle; they can have condo fees and there are those that don’t. They are the most versatile housing option in the Calgary market now, and the shared lifestyle it offers may be the best answer for many new home buyers.

There may be a whole lot of types of townhomes but the one thing most they have in common is a shared wall. It is a multi-family home that offers the closest lifestyle to a detached single-family home but at usually a more affordable price.

New home builders realize that townhome buyers make up a significant part of the market and have constantly come up with new models, more engaging floorplans and made it more affordable in some cases. There are a ton of options to choose from, in almost any part of the city – it’s just a matter of preference and budget. Here are a few of the most outstanding new townhomes available today.

Types of townhomes

Any of the new communities around the city will offer townhome developments, and buyers have lots to choose from that can suit their needs. There are traditional townhomes that have three floors and a developable basement, then there are those with three floors but built on slab (meaning level to the ground and will not have a below-grade basement). Some have attached garages, and some don’t.

Then there are stacked townhomes that place one- or two-storey units on top of each other. They give homeowners more separation than a typical condo, because each unit has its own exterior front door and there are no elevators or shared lobbies.

Buyers can also find back-to-back townhomes that in addition to sharing side walls, homes share a back wall with another. This improves affordability, while still giving homeowners their own space. There are quite a few more types like bungalow villas and live-work models that fall into the category.

The affordability aspect

Buyers can find a townhome to fit their need almost anywhere in Calgary, in almost any style – from the modern village feel townhomes to the more traditional ones in the suburbs. What’s common among them is the relative affordability.

“Affordability is a main factor when considering the purchase of a new home, townhomes are priced in the market striking a balance for first time homebuyers and downsizers, giving them tremendous value in their new home” says Max Conrad, Marketing Manager at StreetSide Development.

Avalon Master Builder’s Sales and Marketing lead, Marni Chenier agrees, saying townhome prices are right in the wheelhouse of their buyers. “Many of our townhome buyers are first-time homebuyers, empty-nesters who need less space and want to right-size, and others are investors looking for a solid return on their investment.”

Chenier says townhomes are a middle ground between an apartment condo and a single-family home. “In Calgary, townhomes can be an affordable option when you don’t want an apartment-style condo and aren’t quite ready for a detached home.”

Low maintenance appeal

There is also the undoubted appeal of not having to worry about exterior maintenance of the home. “Buying a townhome offers a maintenance free lifestyle. That’s perfect for people who appreciate all the free time they can spend doing what they love most, or for snowbirds who love the lock and leave, without worrying about the exterior maintenance,” says Partners Development Group marketing manager Laura Field.

“Our homeowners’ association handles everything from snow removal to lawn care, gutter cleaning, etc.,” says Kristina Plank, marketing manager at Excel Homes who offers the Holland Park townhomes in the southeast community of Walden.

Avalon Master Builder, Partners Development Group, and StreetSide Developments all specialize in multi-family developments, with the bulk of their offerings made up of townhomes. Excel Homes has developed a niche among first time home buyers with their single-family homes and their latest townhome – Holland Park in Walden – caters to the market as well.

Avalon Master Builder

Avalon’s townhomes offer exceptional opportunities to own affordable and energy-efficient properties that provide a significant return on investment. Investors love their townhomes, Chenier says as they “offer everything a renter is looking for in a short or long-term rental property. Adding that their locations” offer quick access to major roadways are nearby health services, amenities, parks, pathways and recreation.” Check out their ZEN townhomes – some with rooftop patios – in Seton and Cranston’s Riverstone in the southeast, Rockland Park in the northwest, and Chinook Gate in Airdrie.

Their newest is Rockland Park, it offers energy-efficient two storey townhomes and single-level living flats in Brookfield Residential’s young Rockland Park community in the northwest.

There are seven different floorplans to choose from ranging from 500 to 1,700 square-feet, with features including rooftop patios, third-level developments and outdoor living spaces, they start in the $170,000s. www.zenrocklandpark.com for more.

Excel Homes

Excel Homes has an array of townhome designs within Holland Park. “With the release of Phase 2 of the project we are now selling five different models ranging from two- to three-bedrooms, at 1,111 to 1,206 square feet, and all starting from the $240,000s,” Plank says.
There are condo fees associated with this project. The fantastic location in this dynamic community of Walden in the southeast is definitely one of its best features. New show homes are open that give a taste of what the lifestyle here could be. More at www.excelhomes.ca.

Partners Development Group

Partners Development offers more than 20 models in communities all over the Calgary region. Their latest is Central by Partners, a 99-unit townhome community in Skyview Ranch in northeast Calgary.

“These townhomes come fully equipped with the highest specification, including cement fiber boards, on-demand hot water, nine-foot ceilings, quartz counters and laminate floors, bright-oversized energy-efficient windows, and full height cabinets with soft close doors and draws and much more. This community is Certified BuiltGreen and offers heated attached garages plus additional parking on the full-depth driveways,” field says. www.partnershomes.ca for more.

StreetSide Development

StreetSide has townhomes in the NE, NW and SW of Calgary and in Harmony located in Springbank just west of the city. “Our typical townhome design is between 14-18 feet and includes two or three bedrooms and a two-car tandem garage. In Harmony we offer a double car garage three-storey product as well we’re launching a No Condo Fee project there later this Spring called Harmony Park,” Conrad says.

Buyers can check out StreetSide townhomes in Evanston, Redstone, Belmont and Harmony. Evanston Park is particularly of note with its with its four phases encircling a central park. It just launched its third phase. More at www.streetsidecalgary.com.