When it comes to choosing the perfect first-time home, down-size property or even long-term investment, the Calgary condo market may have just what you're looking for. There are many reasons why people might choose to buy a condo. Single professionals, new to the housing market, often find them convenient and perfectly sited. Many retiring 'baby-boomers' are increasingly leaving their large family homes, and find the idea of living in a community with low-maintenance considerations, highly appealing.
But what are the advantages, and disadvantages, to owning a condominium over a more traditional house? To answer that, we must first determine just what a condo is, and how it differs fundamentally from a single family home.
A condo is essentially an apartment, in as much as it is a unit within a building comprised of other, similar, units. However, each condo is privately owned, as opposed to being rented from the apartment block proprietor.
Condo owners each pay a fee toward the upkeep of the common areas such as gardens, exteriors and general maintenance; well worth bearing in mind if you spend a good deal of time away, or simply don't have time or the inclination, for DIY projects. Many condominiums also have a range of tempting amenities on site such as a gymnasium, sauna or pool, exclusively for residents' use. One of the appealing things about living in a condo is that it can be a great way of meeting neighbors and making new friends.
A condo will often have great location as a prime incentive, and the convenience of many downtown blocks means that city workers can cut commuting time down significantly, and of course, enjoy easy access to all the best that the city has to offer. The lure of living within walking distance of theatres, parks, shops and favourite restaurants and cafes can be a strong one.
On the downside, there can be a number of restrictions put in place by the condo association, which may compromise your lifestyle choices. A lack of privacy and the close proximity of neighbours may affect your decision when it comes to considering a condominium. Also, the fact that condos do not have a tendency to appreciate in value as much as similarly priced houses, might well deter some buyers.
With a wide selection of new and established Calgary condos on the market, it could certainly be worth while looking into the potential of investing in one. And with a growing demand for rental properties, maybe now is a good time to think about buying a condo to let.
For information about Calgary Real Estate listings, visit JoeSamson.com. Our user friendly site allows you to search the Calgary MLS® with the click of a button.
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