Edmonton condos are the obvious choice if you’re looking for value, amenities and minimal maintenance. So, now that you’ve decided condo living is right for you, what type of condo do you want?
Condo popularity in Edmonton means there’s a lot of variety in terms of models and style. For example, do you want a new condo with more amenities and lower condo fees or are you looking for something a little more trendy – like a former industrial or commercial property made into a condo? Would you prefer a 4-storey condo further away from the city or would you rather buy into something more compact in the downtown area?
Although it’s nice to have choices, we understand they can be a little overwhelming at times. To help you figure it out, we have listed a variety of condo options available in Edmonton – take a look below to learn more.
Condo Conversions
Edmonton has a growing supply of new condo developments as well as buildings that were once residential homes, apartments, or commercial spaces that have been converted.
Older buildings are built to different specs than condominiums built from scratch. A condo conversion is a condo that may have been built to apartment or residential home specs and then brought to code for condominiums. This often means lower quality insulation, smaller separations between floors, and thinner walls due to older wood-frame construction. You can expect reduced soundproofing and energy efficiency in a conversion condo. There may also be reduced amenities like large windows and walk-in closets due to space constraints.
On the flip side, conversions are often less expensive and usually found in high-demand areas where real estate is at a premium, such as the city centre. If you want to live in a developed area with little new construction, a condo conversion may be for you.
New Condos
New condo communities are generally a little more expensive than older builds, but there’s a good reason for that. You know they are built to modern building codes – meaning they offer greater energy efficiency and soundproofing. They often come with more reasonable condo fees as well, as older developments have higher costs for maintenance and repairs.
One of the greatest advantages to a new condo is the modern amenities and features – including walk-in closets, open floor plans, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances.
Newer amenities may include state-of-the-art fitness centres, heated underground parking, and keyless fob entry, just to name a few!
New condo communities are usually farther from the city in pioneering neighbourhoods. If you want the newest features and lower condo fees and great value, you may want to buy into a community that is not yet fully developed; as the neighbourhood goes up around you, so too does your home’s value.
4 Storeys versus Downtown Towers
Do you prefer living near trails and open spaces or do you love the busy downtown lifestyle? Condos are available to suit all lifestyles, whether you want to be close to work and the action of downtown or you’d prefer a more sprawling floor plan surrounded by nature.
Downtown condos are typically located in towers where real estate comes at a premium, but these condos offer a lifestyle you won’t find elsewhere. This includes easy access to Edmonton’s nightlife and breathtaking views of the city. Downtown condos also offer amenities like gyms and secure underground parking and are popular with young professionals as well as couples.
Our Aloft Skyview condos are the perfect example of what condo towers can offer. Aloft Skyview is the only condo community in North Edmonton with a rooftop terrace, complete with panoramic city views for stargazing and socializing with friends. Sitting just 15-minutes from downtown, Aloft Skyview is also close to the best entertainment, shopping, and restaurants.
On the other hand, 4-storey developments are more likely to be new construction and are built further from the city centre. Unlike their downtown counterparts, 4-storeys tend to have more space (they are built outward instead of up), and are closer to parks and green spaces.
For example, the award-winning Crossroads of Rutherford offers 4-story condos, beautiful park views and easy access to nearby playgrounds and parks. Several floor plans are available with up to 1, 248 square feet of living space, and there are quick possession homes available to those who are looking to move in right away.
Economy Condos
If you’re value-minded, an economy condo may be for you. These condos offer many of the benefits of new construction – including soundproofing and higher-quality building materials – and they are usually located in the suburbs. That being said, economy condos have a lower price point and lower condo fees for reduced housing costs due to their simple and basic finishes. For example, as opposed to quartz countertops, you may have laminate.
Economy condos are a good starting point for single income buyers, and are also popular among downsizers who want to reduce their living expenses.
Premium Condos
Premium condos are designed with simplified living in mind. This type of condo has carefully considered amenities like heated underground parking, elevators, fitness centres, and outdoor recreation without the high condo fees.
With a premium condo, you’ll get a well-appointed living space with modern finishes and upgrades, including hardwood flooring, walk-in closets, master suites and an open floor plan perfect for entertaining.
As premium condos are made with the best materials and located in, they hold their value and build equity better than value-priced condominiums.
If you want stylish living and amenities designed to make life easier, this type of condo may be a good fit for you.
Older Townhome Communities
As with any resale home versus a new one, older condos and townhomes generally lack in upgrades and features. Although more affordable, they usually have a more closed off floor plan and dated features. Rather than garages, most older townhomes have a carport or simply a designated parking spot.
If you want a more affordable townhome with outdoor space, an older community may be a good fit. Keep in mind, condo fees may be higher due to the age of the property.
New Townhome Condos
Brand new townhomes have become an increasingly popular option for homeowners. A spin on the conventional townhome, new developments blend the style of a single-family home with the benefits of condo living. With attached garages, private balconies & fenced in yards, three-storey townhomes have become one of the most popular styles of townhomes in Edmonton.You can enjoy greater space with an open-concept floor plan, modern features like dual master suites, new home warranty, and desirable amenities without the maintenance and upkeep that come with owning a traditional home.
Within our new townhome communities in Cy Becker, Skyview, Crystallina, Glenridding,Tamarack and Spruce Grove, you’ll find spacious designs with modern conveniences designed to fit your lifestyle for the best possible value.
If you’re unfamiliar with the condo market in Edmonton, the number of options can seem overwhelming at first. The best way to choose is to consider your budget and lifestyle, decide whether you want a new or older community and where you’d like to live in the city. Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll have a much better idea as to which condo option is right for you.
