Flexibility, affordability and an inherent charm of a jewel box home has made townhomes a popular option for a wide range of buyers. From those buying their first home, to retirees and empty nesters looking to scale back their lifestyle – townhomes promise a comfortable, attainable, fulfilling lifestyle.
Shared walls may be the only common trait in townhomes, as there are a lot of styles to choose from. 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 Edmonton market now, and the shared lifestyle it offers may be the best answer for many new home buyers.

A big part of its popularity is that 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.

Types of townhomes

Any of the new communities in and 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 do 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.
We spoke to three townhome builders in Edmonton to get their insights on this unique home option. Averton, Cantiro and StreetSide Developments share their thoughts on why townhomes are an important part of the market.

Lifestyle appeal

Kim Tieu, Senior Marketing Manager at Cantiro, says the timeless appeal of townhomes is in the liberating lifestyle it offers.

“For many people, owning a home is a point of pride, but it’s not the most important part of their lives. The low maintenance lifestyle of townhomes offers people the freedom to spend their time doing things they love like traveling or going out to eat with friends (of course, not during COVID times). The attainability aspect of it is also a plus, as they’re not tied to a large mortgage and have the money to spend on the things just mentioned.”

There is also the added advantage of not having to worry about exterior maintenance for homes within a condominium project. “Common areas are taken care of year-round, the investment of your property is protected,” she says.
Dave Armstrong, Sales and Marketing Director at StreetSide Developments Edmonton, says that the wide variety of townhome style offered also makes it a perfect in fitting most lifestyle needs. “If there’s a style of townhome, we most likely offer it. We have three-storey, two-storey, bungalow, attached garage, detached garage, maintenance-free condo and free hold (non condo). We are in all corners of Edmonton and Spruce Grove, too,” he says.

Averton is actively redefining townhomes, says Averton Marketing Manager, Jennifer Corelli. “Averton has developed a unique expertise in the area of townhome and community design, with a focus on architecture, landscape, open space, and social connection. This is a practice that we are bringing to several communities throughout the Greater Edmonton Region.”

The affordability aspect

Buyers can find a townhome to fit their need almost anywhere in Edmonton, 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 huge factor when considering purchasing a new home, townhomes are priced in the market striking a balance for first time homebuyers and downsizers, giving them the ability to save on their purchase,” Armstrong says.

But affordable doesn’t mean cheap, says Cantiro’s Tieu. “Cantiro Townhomes don’t sacrifice style for affordability. Our luxury townhomes are elevated and designed with incredible functionality to suit any lifestyle, while also offering people an upscale experience with high end finishes, oversized windows, glass balcony railings and free-standing tubs.”

Corelli agrees, saying their townhomes in their new development of Midtown in St. Albert start from the low $300,000. Yet the architectural and design touchpoints “create an unparalleled value in an offering that is truly unique in the region,” she says. “The care taken in selecting exterior and energy-rated building materials results in a better performing and energy saving home, which creates long-term savings and peace of mind.”

Averton

Averton’s Midtown is Canada’s first BUILT GREEN® certified community, Corelli says, and not only are they environmentally responsible they look good too. “Midtown’s buyers appreciate thoughtful design and that our townhomes can be tailored to their individual preferences,” Corelli says.

“Our townhomes in Midtown are set within a 45-acre master-planned community that features a variety of trails, parks spaces, and gathering areas that encourage social connection between neighbours,” Corelli says. Midtown’s townhomes feature private rooftop terraces and balconies and a truly maintenance-free lifestyle.

Midtown offers a variety of floorplans for nearly every modern lifestyle. Whether it’s a New York-inspired loft or a spacious three bedroom, each plan has been thoughtfully crafted to maximize usable space and ease the flow of everyday life.

Averton also has award-winning communities like Pivot in Rutherford and One at Keswick that Corelli says “showcase our dedication to building townhomes that are modern and unique, with an elevated sense of design and stunning architecture.”

First possessions in Midtown are scheduled for early spring and new phases will be released soon, Corelli says. Visit Midtown at 51-5 Rondeau Drive, St. Albert, or go to livemidtown.ca.

Cantiro Townhomes

Cantiro offers condominium townhomes with double car drive under garages. “We offer seven different models with options for a dual master, two- bedroom plus bonus room, or three-bedroom layout. The townhomes have a small condo fee associated with them.”

She says their townhomes fit the lifestyle of their biggest demographic, young professionals, and Cantiro’s ONE at Keswick in southwest Edmonton is a perfect example of the stylishly affordable townhomes they offer.

“ONE at Keswick itself is a desirable community – the townhomes are adjacent to a park and the community features tons of walking trails and green space. It’s also located within walking distance of community based commercial centres (Keswick Square) and within a five-minute drive to Current of Windermere,” Tieu says.

“For young families, there are two brand new schools that are within walking distance currently being constructed.”

There is a current show home available for self-guided tours located at 1105 Keswick Drive SW. “A brand-new show home will open in April,” she says.

Check out https://cantiro.ca/self-guided-home-tours/ for more.

StreetSide Developments Edmonton

One of StreetSide’s most popular townhome developments is in Uplands at Riverview, which offers another lifestyle element unique to townhomes. These are fee-simple townhomes, which means no condo fees. And they have been a big hit.

These are three-storey townhomes in the Modern Farmhouse style that includes quartz countertops and vinyl plank flooring. They also have private balconies and attached garages and start from $254,000.
“Our Modern Farmhouse townhomes located in the Uplands community in Edmonton is releasing the next phase on Feb 27th. Our first phase was released last year and was 65 per cent sold out before we opened our show homes. We expect to sell out our initial launch quickly,” Armstrong says.

Uplands is located near North Saskatchewan River in South West Edmonton, this pioneering community offers great access to major roadways and amenities in the already established community of Edgemont.

Find out more at https://streetsideedmonton.com/communities/uplands/