Enjoy the Best of Both Worlds in a Condo

By Barbara Lawlor

Usually if people say they’re looking for a new home, it is assumed they mean a house or townhouse in a low-rise community. In fact, today’s condominiums are more like “homes” than ever before. I remember when I started in the industry in 1987, condos commanded only 5 per cent of the new home marketplace. Today, condos represent 50% of new home sales across the Greater Toronto Area, and that number is growing. The idea of the condominium lifestyle is catching on with people of all ages, and I can understand why. When you choose a condominium suite, you benefit from the best of both worlds: you have incredible convenience and freedom from maintenance concerns, and you can select from up-to-date floorplans that “live” much larger than their square footage.

I have said many times that a condominium is really a vertical community, with wonderful amenities that residents can access without leaving “home.” You may not have a traditional backyard, but condominium designs today often include landscaped courtyards visible from the outside and/or inside, roof garden retreats with barbecues and comfortable seating, and balconies and/or terraces where you can garden in lovely containers. Of course, the condominium aspect of this lifestyle means that the landscaping is kept up continually, so the surroundings always look lovely. Except for your personal container gardens, you don’t have to plant, weed or water.

Things like party rooms, fitness facilities, theatres, pools and the like are really extensions of your living space. Rather than having exercise equipment in your suite, for example, you can simply ride the elevator to the fitness room and use commercial-grade machines. Hosting a Grey Cup party for all your friends is not a problem, when you can book the theatre room in the condo. Many of these modern rooms even have theatre-style seating! You don’t have to rely on the weather to indulge in a refreshing dip in the pool every morning, and you don’t even have to leave home to plunge in. Relax in a hot tub or whirlpool that doesn’t eat up space in your personal surroundings.

These diverse gathering spots offer opportunities to mix and mingle with like-minded neighbours, and some condos have areas designated specifically for children. In addition to being gorgeously designed and furnished to reflect the building’s architecture and ambience, these spaces are maintained, repaired and cleaned by someone other than you!

Your suite is really only the beginning … and nowadays, what a beginning it is! Modern designs incorporate open-concept spaces, large bright principal rooms, walk-in closets and more. Linear kitchens maximize space usage and are so beautiful that they become part of your main living area, just like the living and dining rooms. The principal rooms are well designed, plus you have stunning views that add so much to your everyday life. Many people downsizing from large homes find that they can use their existing full-size dining, living and bedroom furniture in their condos. Those who select more compact suites have a world of multi-purpose furnishings available that free up space while performing their functions.

Condominiums are “home” to the spectrum of buyers today, including families. Usually, both parents work, so getting to know the neighbours and 24-hour concierge provides a kind of built-in security that brings with it peace of mind. For first-time buyers and immigrants, a condominium offers easy ways to get to know people and make friends, from riding in the elevator to serving on the condo board together.

Pet grooming facilities, potting rooms, bicycle parking, AutoShare capabilities, proximity to public transit, storage lockers – the number of conveniences condos may offer enhance the feeling of home for residents of all ages. And if you are lucky enough to own a condo suite above a 5-star hotel, you can tap into hotel services such as valet parking housekeeping, room service, dry cleaning and more.

“Home” really is where the heart is … and if you choose just the right suite in the right condominium, you’ll always love to come home.

Barbara Lawlor is president of Baker Real Estate Incorporated and an in-demand columnist and speaker. A member of the Baker team since 1993, she oversees the marketing and sales of condominium developments in the GTA and overseas. Keep current with The Baker Blog at blog.bakerrealestate.com