Tag Archives: condo
Why Young Families In Toronto Are Choosing Condos
For more and more Torontonians, the words “Family Home” no longer conjure up images of a house in the suburbs.
Nowadays, young couples with children are increasingly choosing to live in condo communities closer to the downtown core, instead of dealing with the hassle of house maintenance, mowing and weeding, and long commutes.
The last census in 2011 showed that 32% of Toronto households with children live in Condos, and that figure is expected to go up in the next census.
But why have so many young couples opted to raise their children in condos?
Condo communities offer more
When raising children in a condo, it is important to look beyond the limited space of one’s own condo unit.
That is because the real benefit to the condo lifestyle comes from the extensive amenities and the community that one shares the building with.
In lieu of a backyard, most condos have open grassy spaces and/or playgrounds for children to enjoy.
Some new developments have kid-friendly facilities, like play rooms, libraries, kiddie swimming pools, and video game rooms.
And, with dozens (or maybe even hundreds!) of other households in the same community, children can easily find new friends and playmates, and enjoy activities in a more social setting.
For parents too, it can be easier to organize group events, such as parties or field trips, thanks to living in such close proximity to other parents.
All of these benefits can make Condo living a very attractive proposition for couples with young children.
Plenty to do closer to downtown
For parents who explore beyond the condo community itself, living closer to downtown Toronto offers its own set of benefits.
For one, there is never a dearth of nearby activities to keep children excited! The Harbourfront, Union Station, and Ripley’s Aquarium are all short walks or commutes away, and can offer hours of spontaneous distraction.
There is also no shortage of shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities to keep children happy, be it at Eaton Center or at St. Lawrence Market.
Less strenuous on the bank account
Perhaps the biggest benefit of living in a condo: it’s one of the few remaining affordable options for many young families in Toronto.
With average prices for detached houses hovering close to the $1,000,000 mark, many couples who are looking to buy their first home and start a family are realizing that buying a detached house is not in the realm of feasibility.
Condos, on the other hand, can start from the mid-400’s, and are a much more palatable option for many young middle-class families, especially for first-time home buyers looking to take advantage of government incentives.
Final Thoughts
Raising a family in a condo is not only possible, but even has many benefits.
If you’re in the market for a new condo to call home, check out our listings for preconstruction condos in Toronto, or drop us a line and we’ll find the perfect new home for you.
Small Condo Decor 101
As condo developers rush to capitalize on the demand for new, affordable housing units across Toronto, it seems that condos are getting smaller and smaller by the day!
While that may seem to be an unfortunate trade-off, there’s actually plenty of upside when it comes to smaller units. Smaller units tend to be more affordable, and allow prospective buyers to live closer to downtown for the same budget.
And with the right décor, smaller units can also be made the perfect mix of functional, stylish, and cozy.
Here are some décor tips to make the most of a small condo!
1. Separate your Spaces
The last thing you want is for your small space to look disorganized and messy.
While open-concept sounds like a good fit for small condos, the lack of definition can often end up making the space chaotic.
Instead, try to define specific areas of your unit for specific purposes, and use furniture to emphasize each area.
For example, use a space divider in your studio apartment to separate your living area from your sleeping area. Or use your coat and shoe racks to round off your entry way.
Other ideas include laying a rug to define an area, or using different floorings for each area. You can also use plants and props to give each area a distinct and separate feel from the rest of the house.
2. Get Multi-Purpose Furniture
Since space is at a premium in a small condo, consider investing in pieces of furniture that can serve multiple uses.
For example, a bed that can be folded up into a sofa is ideal for a studio unit.
Ottomans with hidden storage spaces, expandable desks, and other types of modular furniture will allow you to do more while occupying less space.
Make sure that you choose size-appropriate pieces for your space. You don’t want your home to appear stuffy.
3. Make the Most of Unused Space
Corners, blank walls, doorways, windowsills… identify unused spaces around your condo and think of ways to make them useful.
Try to think vertically as much as possible. Instead of trying to have everything within reach, consider storing less frequently used items in shelves that are higher up.
4. Use Lighter Colors
Rich, darker colors can make spaces look smaller, while lighter shades can make your space seem airier and more open.
Build a palette out of two lighter shades for the majority of your furniture, and one darker accent color for visual contrast.
Feel free to mix it up with bold colored furniture, but avoid using too many colors since they can overwhelm in a small space
5. Unclutter regularly
You can’t afford clutter when you’re living in a small unit!
Make an active effort to identify possessions that are no longer necessary, and declutter your home at least once or twice a year.
Better yet, do it in small bursts. It’s much easier to manage when you take care of small areas one at a time.
The Final Word
Smaller spaces do come with some trade-offs, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much functionality AND aesthetic pleasure you can get from even the tiniest studio space.
As long as you keep your space organized and invest in the right kinds of furniture and décor, you’ll have a home that is both comfortable to live in and beautiful to look at.
If you’re in the market for a brand new condo in the Greater Toronto Area, get in touch! And sign-up for our Insider’s Club to get first access to the latest Condo launch news, VIP incentives, and floor plans.
Spring Buying Season Starts Strong in Toronto Housing Market
Every year, as the weather warms and Spring begins, the housing market thaws as well.
The period between April and June is when the largest number of homes are bought and sold. Judging by the Toronto Real Estate Board’s April 2019 report, this year’s Spring real-estate market has started with quite a bang!
According to TREB, the number of housing transactions totaled 9,042 units last month, compared to 7,744 units in April 2018. And, on a seasonally adjusted basis, home sales were up 11 per cent in April compared with March.
In addition to the number of sales going up, the average selling price of a home also climbed 1.9 per cent from a year ago, to $820,148.
This was primarily led by changes price increases for Condos and Semi-detached homes. Compared to last year, detached homes saw their prices remain static in the 406, and saw a fall in value in the 905 region.
The rise in sales and prices is an indication that Canada’s biggest real estate market is stabilizing from a recent slump. Though the market is still nowhere near the crazy highs of a few years ago, the recovery is a good sign for buyers and investors who were worried by the tightened regulations and foreign buyers taxes imposed last year.
For buyers still on the fence, however, it seems that buying sooner rather than later is a good idea, in case the upward trajectory of prices continues
The good news is that we can expect to see many new Condo launches in the coming days, so there should be good pre-construction options to choose from.
And with the new incentives for First Time Home Buyers in Budget 2019, and with mortgage rates holding steady or potentially going down, this year is shaping up to be a good year to buy.
Condo’s in particular are a very attractive prospect; in fact, for many first-time buyers, condos are the only affordable path to home ownership in the GTA. Developers are responding with vigor to the strong market demand, and quite a few new pre-construction condo towers are going to be launched in this buying season.
If you’re going to be in the market for a new condo – be it this year or in the foreseeable future – don’t forget to sign up to our Insider’s club. That way you can the latest Condo launch news, VIP pricing, and floor plans before anyone else!
Simple DIY Condo Balcony Make-Over
Here are five simple to incorporate tips on giving your drab condo balcony a make-over:
Establish Zones
No matter how big or small your balcony is, it is important to establish zone-specific areas in your balcony based on what you intend to do use it for. Some ideas include using L shaped sectionals for lounging areas, a bar8stool or table for eating / working, and a series of long beds for planting and outdoor gardening.
Add Colour and Texture with non-permanent flooring
Most condos nowadays come with unfinished concrete flooring, leaving you with many options for how you want to decorate. Easy to install wood inspired plastic floorings are both durable and easy on the eyes. Ikea and other major retailers sell these for as low as $2 per square foot. Installation is easy and requires no tools or other materials, simply snap them together like a jigsaw puzzle.
As some condos have restrictions on permanent changes to outdoor areas, these inexpensive, durable and non-permanent tiles are a great option.
Choose durable low profile furniture
Choosing low profile furniture means you won’t block your prized view while still enjoying a relaxing seating experience. Consider weather-resistant cushions with a high UV rating and ventilation slits to avoid sun and moisture damage. Acrylic is one mildew-resistant fabric that is long-lasting. Pillows made from similar materials will also resist natural wear and tear.
Bring the backyard to your condo
Incorporate elements form the backyard such as an umbrella or fireplace. For umbrellas, ensure that you can mount the umbrella somewhere (such as to the frame or railing of the balcony) to avoid the possibility of it flying off your balcony during high-winds.
Bring space to life with hardy zone appropriate plants
Adding a few hardy plants can breathe new life into your balcony. Green shrubs, vines and minature trees are great additions that will not only add a touch of nature to your city dwelling, but can also serve as privacy screens from your neighbours.
It is best to choose plants that grow well in your climate. For those living in Toronto, evergreen plants such as Topiaries, Upright Cedars, Junipers, and Dwarf Alberta Spruce, will do well during summer and for most of fall and winter. Be sure to bring these plants inside during the coldest weeks of the year.
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