It's no secret that Metro Vancouver is an expensive area to own a home in. The traditional notion of moving from a starter condo to a townhouse to an eventual single detached house is challenged by the affordability and thinning supply of cream of the crop locations. Prices aside, there are many that argue that living in a condo is simply better than the lifestyle that comes with a house.
In the first of two blogs, I am going to pitch for Team Condo.
Lock & Leave! Does it get any easier? No need for setting the alarm or ensuring that lights are left on to have your home appear as if it is being used even when no one is home. Condo living enables you to do exactly what's mentioned above. As soon as you need to run out the door, whether it's for the daily grind or off on an extended vacation, all you have to do is lock the front door and your home is secured.
Amenities. Almost all condo buildings have amenities such as a fitness room and an entertainment lounge. Even with just this, your home stays in tact with any party you throw, whether it be the annual family get together or just having a movie night with a few close friends. Also, feel free to cancel that gym membership. Most condo gyms come equipped with more than just the basics to put together a thorough routine to stay in shape. Care for more? If amenities score higher on your wish-list, you can find buildings that have swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms, movie theatres, bowling lanes, squash courts, basketball rooms, billiards and table tennis, libraries, concierge, music rooms, and more! Many condos share amenity spaces with neighbouring buildings and encourage community events too.
Low Maintenance Lifestyle. Mow the lawn, clean the gutters, shovel the driveway... but wait, you don't have to! One of the major benefits of living in an apartment is the significantly less time required to maintain your home. With less than half the regular chores and duties needed to upkeep a house, you'll find yourself spending more time doing things you enjoy.
Location, Location, Location! Condo building locations vary widely, allowing for freedom of choice of lifestyle. You can find condominiums in a high density region or an area where there is less urban sprawl. If so desired, you can find a home that allows you to live right in the heart of a busy Downtown centre with retail, nightlife, restaurants, public transit, and public services right at your doorstep. On the other hand, you can find a condo in a building that has been surrounded by schools, parks, and community centres - locations that have high walk scores and are family friendly. Moreover from the footprint of the condo, location in the sky is also worth noting. If in a high-rise, the sight lines and views are part of the package.
With the above advantages at the forefront of many buyers' mindsets, it's no wonder some opt for a condo over a house even when affordability isn't an issue. The conveniences offered are too good to pass up on for those on #TeamCondo!
If you're #TeamCondo, I'd love to hear why. What other benefits do you see? To learn more about the advantages of condominiums, or if you are simply exploring the real estate market, feel free to email me at adil@adilkhimani.com.
All the best,
Adil