Welcome to the Part 3 of the Calgary Condo Buyer’s guide where you will learn how to choose and buy the right condo in Calgary. Whether you’re a first-time condo buyer or an experienced investor, there are key factors you need to understand before making your move.
From navigating condo fees to understanding bylaws and location considerations, this Calgary Condo guide will reveal insider tips that every buyer should know before buying a condo or townhouse in Calgary. These tips will help you make an informed decision, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure that your condo purchase is a smart investment for your future. Let’s dive in!
Here are the insider tips you must know before buying a condo in Calgary:
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- What to look at when you are buying a condo in Calgary?
- Location
- Age (Buying an older condo vs buying a newer condo)
- Note that NOT ALL Calgary downtown locations are equally good
- Try to avoid loud streets
- Future Construction
- Distance to Groceries and Amenities
- Calgary Locations I recommend
- Try to avoid parking lot views/back of the building views
- Type of construction – wood or concrete
- Post-Tension Cables (avoid this)
- Be aware of age restrictions/pet restrictions
- In-suite laundry vs shared coin laundry
- Amenities (concierge, security, gym, party room, shared guest room)
- How much is the condo fee in Calgary and what it includes
- What’s the condo board management like + more about Condo Docs
- Read the Bylaws
- Read the Renovation Policy
- The amount of the reserve fund and future scheduled repairs
- Any past or future special assessments
- Parking and storage included or an extra fee
- Airbnb or short-term rentals – allowed or not
- Occupancy – 3 poeople cannot live in a 1-bedroom condo
- Resale value
- Sound/Neighbours
- Repairs (who is responsible for what)
- What to look at when you are buying a condo in Calgary?
- Buying a resale condo vs buying a condo from a builder – what to look for?
- Making an offer on a condo – what conditions to have?
- Should you do a property inspection for a condo and Condo Documents Review?
- Quick tips for buying the best condo for your lifestyle
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1. What to look at when you are buying a condo in Calgary
1.1 Location
Most NEWER low-rise condos in Calgary are located further from the downtown area in suburban areas. If you are looking for a high-rise condo, you will find it in the downtown/Beltline area. If you want to live close to Downtown, all the entertainment and urban vibes, you can buy an apartment condo or a townhouse and enjoy an urban lifestyle.
There are various types of condos available in Calgary – from older to newer with a variety of amenities and higher and lower condo fees (depending on the building). You can also purchase a multi-level condo (2 floors in a condo) or a loft (a commercial space that was transformed into a residential unit) in Calgary.
1.2 Age
Buying an older condo
Buying an older condo offers both advantages and challenges. On the plus side, they are typically more affordable, offer larger living spaces, and are often located in established, desirable neighborhoods. Older condos may also have a unique charm and stable communities.
However, they can come with drawbacks such as higher condo fees, outdated amenities, higher maintenance costs, less energy efficiency, and dated layouts and potential major future repairs/renovations. Additionally, while the initial purchase price may be lower, resale values might not appreciate as quickly. It’s important to consider these factors and thoroughly assess the building’s condition before making a decision.
Buying a newer condo
Buying a newer condo offers modern amenities, energy efficiency, and low maintenance, with features like open layouts and smart technology.
These condos often maintain strong resale value, but they typically come with a higher purchase price and smaller living spaces.
Additionally, newer developments often have higher condo fees to support the amenities and may lack the established community feel of older buildings. Buyers should also consider potential construction noise if the area is still being developed. Weighing these factors against your budget and lifestyle needs is key when choosing a newer condo.
An older property that was well-built and is managed efficiently by the condo board might have fewer issues than a newer building where the developer cut costs and used cheap materials. However, if the age of the property is a priority for you, consider looking for newer condos or recently renovated ones.
- See also: How to Buy a Condo in Calgary: Insider Tips for First-Time Buyers
- 8 Tips on How to Choose a Calgary Community when Moving to Calgary
- Calgary Home Buying Guide: Apartment vs Townhouse vs Detached House?
- Buying a Condo in Calgary: Different Types of Condominiums in Alberta
1.3 Note that NOT ALL downtown locations are equally good.
For example, East Village is a trendy area; however, it’s located very close to the homeless shelter, meaning that sometimes it can get quite sketchy at night and even during the day and you might see people in distress suffering from an alcohol or drug addiction.
Or you can purchase a conveniently located condo near a Ctrain station and Stampede grounds, but right next to a rehab centre for people with severe addictions.
As long as you are aware of that, it’s fine but many people don’t understand the location of their unit and are shocked to see a line-up of homeless people right in front of their building entrance. It is important to look at the Google Maps and see what’s around your condo.
1.4 Try to avoid loud streets
I do not recommend purchasing condos that are facing busy, loud 17th Avenue pubs/bars as many people do not like the noise and it might be harder to sell the unit in the future. That zone starts from Ship & Anchor (5th Street SW) and ends on 4th Street SW.
1.5 Future Construction
If your condo is facing an empty parking space or a large green space or a very old 1-2-floor building, please be aware that there is a chance that this space might be developed in the future. Ask your Realtor to check the City of Calgary Development Permits website for any development permits near your condo.
1.6 Distance to Groceries and Amenities
Use Google Maps to calculate the distance between the Grocery Store (Co-Op, Safeway, Sobeys, etc.) and your condo especially if you do not own a vehicle.
Imagine walking to the grocery store in the middle of winter and see if it’s something that you are willing to do.
If you need a specific daycare or a school, make sure that your condo is located close to the amenities that are important for you and your family.
1.7 Calgary locations that I recommend
I recommend purchasing condos near Tomkins Park in Lower Mount Royal, Beltline, Cliff Bungalow and Mission areas if you are interested in low-rise condos located in premium, desirable locations. The location is perfect as you are close to all the amenities, shopping, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery shops and downtown. I would also look into the Kensington area, Bridgeland, and West and North Downtown (if you want to be living directly in downtown).
There are many excellent high-rise towers in Calgary, and it truly depends on your personal requirementsts. Get in touch with me and I can advise you on the best location based on your personal situation.
Note that you can purchase a newer condo outside of the downtown area. For example, condos near SETON hospital, Belmont area and Legacy (Encore) are new and very popular with first-time home buyers, empty nesters, renters, etc with typically lower condo fees and lower prices than downtown/beltline areas and cheaper than the North areas of Calgary.
There are various kinds of condo options all over Calgary, so there are many options to choose from. If you need advice on this topic, just get in touch with me (info at the end of the article).
1.8 Try to avoid parking lot views/back of the building views
It’s also important to note what your unit’s balcony/windows are facing. The condos that face the parking lot and the back side of the building are less valuable than condos that face the street.
1.9 Type of Construction – Wood or Concrete
High-rise condos (anything over 5 floors) are usually made of concrete and have better sound insulation. Low-rise condos (anything under 4 floors) typically use wood framing (with a concrete foundation).
If that is important for you, make sure to verify that the condo complex is made of concrete (not just the concrete foundation but also, the framing is done with concrete).
1.10 Post-tension cables (AVOID THIS)
I would stay away from condos with post-tension cables if you are a first-time condo buyer. Post-tension cables (PTC) in condos, commonly used in 1970s-1980s Calgary high-rises, offer structural benefits but can corrode over time, leading to costly monitoring and repairs.
This results in higher condo fees and potential special assessments. Financing is also more challenging, with fewer lenders and insurers willing to approve mortgages for buildings with post-tension cables, reducing the pool of potential buyers and affecting resale value. Proper maintenance and monitoring by the condo corporation are essential to mitigate these issues.
1.11 Be aware of age restrictions/pet restrictions
Some condos have age restrictions and/or pet restrictions. Some condos do not allow children (18+ condos). Some condos only allow people aged 40+, 55+, etc.
Be aware of what you are buying. Some condos do not allow certain types of pets (for e.g, no dogs of any size OR max size 20 lbs OR max only two (2) pets).
Make sure that your pet is approved by the condo board BEFORE purchasing that condo. Ask your Realtor to make it one of the conditions.
1.12 In-suite laundry vs shared coin laundry
If you need laundry inside the unit, you need to specify that in your home search. Sometimes laundry is shared and you may have to use coin laundry. Avoid surprises and check that there is a washer/dryer or all-in-one washer/dryer in the unit.
1.13 Amenities – (concierge, security, gym, party room, shared guest room)
When considering a condo, it’s essential to review the available amenities, as they can significantly impact your lifestyle and budget.
Common amenities in condo complexes may include a concierge, security services, a gym, a courtyard, a hot tub, a party room, and shared guest rooms, among others. These features offer convenience and added luxury, but they also come with costs.
Typically, the more amenities a building provides, the higher the condo fees, as the condo board is responsible for the maintenance, staffing, and upkeep of these facilities. High-maintenance amenities, like swimming pools or 24/7 concierge services, can particularly drive up fees.
While these features can enhance your living experience, it’s important to balance the value they add with the long-term financial commitment they require. Always review the condo fees and ensure the amenities align with your lifestyle and needs before making a decision.
1.14 How much is the condo fee in Calgary and what it includes
You need to see how much the condo fee is and what it includes (heat and water and NO electricity) or it may include Everything (meaning all the Utilities – heat, water AND electricity).
The condo fee is an additional payment that you will pay (+ your mortgage payment, your property tax payment and condo insurance). Sometimes parking is an extra fee, so make sure to include that in your calculations.
1.15 What’s the condo board management like?
What is a Condo Board – a condo board is a collection of members who are either residents of the building or parties with a vested interest in the building (builder, etc).
It is highly recommended to become a board member so you can participate in all the matters related to your condo complex and vote on issues that matter to you.
Read the condo documents
It’s very important to determine what kind of condo board management your property has. You can determine that by reading the condo documents that are usually provided by the Seller’s Realtor after the offer has been made on the condo unit.
Sometimes buyers hire a professional condo document review company that read, analyze and interpret all of the condo documents for you. The price of that service is around $400-500 Canadian dollars + GST. They produce a detailed report that will help you make the right decision whether you should buy a condo unit or not. Some buyers prefer to read the condo documents themselves. It depends on your comfort level.
It is important to determine if the condo board is active and responsive to the property owner’s needs and issues.
Most condo boards hire a Property Management company to help them manage the condo complex. It’s also important to see if the Property Management company is reliable and responsive.
Note that some smaller condo complexes are self-managed meaning that they do not hire a property management company to manage the condo complex – they manage it themselves, which could be risky if they mismanage the property and do not collect enough money for repairs, for example. That could lead to a special assessment. It’s not always the case, but it’s important to make sure that the condo board is proactive and manages the funds well.
That’s why it’s very important to read the Condo Board meeting minutes (the summary of all of their meetings, AGM (Annual General Meeting Minutes), the Bylaws (to learn about the rules of the condo complex), the Reserve Fund Study (the document that details all the future and upcoming repairs/improvements to the condo complex), and all of the other condo documents in order to determine the state of the condo complex.
The list of the condo documents your Realtor will get from the Condo Board/Condo’s Property Management Company
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- Annual General Meeting Summary, AGM Draft Minutes + AGM Minutes
- Recent Board Meeting Minutes
- Audited Financial Statements
- Financial Statement for the most recent month, Monthly Financial Statements
- Budget and Condo fee schedule for next year
- Bylaws
- Condo Plan + CAD Sheet (Condominium Additional Plan Sheet)
- Reserve Fund Study
- Owner Occupancy (not required, but some Realtors provide that).
- Building Owner Guide/Building Policies
- Management Disclosure (needs to be “fresh” ideally. Ordered from the property management company within 30 days)
- Building Insurance Information (SIUD – Standard Insurable Unit Description), Insurance Certificate, and the Insurance Policy
- Property Management Agreement (the agreement between the condo board and the property management company to manage the condo complex and its common areas).
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1.16 Read the Bylaws
It’s important to read the book of rules, guidelines, restrictions, policies, and regulations for the condo complex that you want to live in. The book of rules and regulations is called “Bylaws”, and it includes all the rules and regulations and expectations for the owners and renters of the condo complex.
This document will provide information about the short-term/long-term rental policy, renovations, the use of your balcony, Christmas/Holiday decorations, Pet rules, parking rules, and many other useful things that the property owners are responsible for.
1.17 Read the Renovation policy
If you want to renovate your condo, you will need to let the condo board know in advance, ask for their permission, and provide architectural drawings (for major renovations). You cannot renovate anything without the permission of the condo board. Some condo complexes do not allow hardwood/luxury vinyl plank flooring installation as that could increase the noise from your condo (vs installing a carpet).
Some apartment complexes also prohibit the installation of an air conditioner, so that means that you will have to buy a portable air conditioner unit. Air conditioning is usually installed ONLY during the construction phase of the apartment complex and cannot be installed after that due to the rules and regulations of the condo complex.
If you are handy and like DYI renovations, you will also not be able to renovate your unit unless you have a business that specializes in this trade.
All renovations have to be done by certified trades and licensed technicians and they must hold business insurance. So if your relative/friend is good at flooring, that’s not going to work for the condo board. You will need to hire a professional.
Also, please note that you cannot build a separate entrance to a condo or a townhouse and rent the basement out. There could also be strict architectural controls meaning that you cannot paint your townhouse a certain colour that wouldn’t match the rest of the homes, etc. In summary, if you ever want to do any work on your condo, please get permission first.
1.18 The amount of the reserve fund and future scheduled repairs
The reserve fund study is a study that’s done every 5 years in Alberta. It showcases all the future repairs that will be done for the condo complex. It helps the condo board estimate and forecast their budget numbers.
It is required to regularly carry out reserve fund studies to assess whether the reserve fund’s balance, along with the contributions from owners, is sufficient to cover the anticipated expenses for major repairs and replacements of common elements and assets in the condo complex.
It is important to make sure that the reserve fund has enough funds to cover all the future repairs. The Condo Document Review companies that you can hire will analyze all the statements and determine if the reserve fund is adequate.
1.19 Any past or future special assessments
It is important to find out if there were any past or future special assessments. Special assessments are cash calls from the unit owners. This is done because the reserve fund does not have enough funds to cover the repairs.
Sometimes special assessments or cash calls are done in order to avoid increasing the condo fee (one payment vs increased condo fee every single month). They can range from $1,000 to $20,000 per unit, meaning the owner has to come up with that money, otherwise they will be legal issues.
1.20 Parking and storage – included or an extra fee
Not every single condo unit includes parking and/or storage. Sometimes that unit has NO parking at all an NO storage. Sometimes it’s available but you will need to pay a monthly fee.
If this is important for you, make sure that you ask your Realtor to double check that the unit includes parking or storage. That information is usually provided in a document called “Management Disclosure”.
1.21 Airbnb or short-term rentals – allowed or not
Very few condos in Calgary allow Airbnb or short-term rentals. Make sure that you find out from the condo board if short-term rentals or Airbnb are allowed. Sometimes short-term rentals are allowed but don’t be surprised if one year later the condo board votes on banning Airbnb in the building. That happened before and be aware of that.
1.22 Occupancy – 3 people cannot live in a 1-bedroom condo
There is a Calgary bylaw that has a limit on how many people can live in the apartment (for example, a maximum of 2 children per room). According to the National Occupancy Standard (NOS),
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- Children under 5 years, either of the same gender or the opposite gender may share a bedroom
- Children under 18 years of the same gender can share a bedroom
- A child aged 5 – 17 years should NOT share a bedroom with a child under 5 of the opposite gender
- Any other household member over 18 years needs to have a separate bedroom
- A person can share a bedroom with their spouse or common-law partner
If you are a husband and wife and a baby, you will need a 2-bedroom condo as your child will need their own room. If you have 4 members in your family, please make sure you have enough rooms for each child (based on their age/gender). If someone finds out how many people are actually living in your condo unit, you will be having problems with the condo board, which could result in major fines and potentially legal action.
1.23 Resale value
If you are hoping for rapid growth in the value of your condo, please be careful. Until 2020, it was common to see the value of your condo decrease. Calgary is NOT like Toronto, so our growth patterns are different and we don’t have the same level of appreciation of real estate prices.
However, the situation has changed due to COVID-19 and the resulting interprovincial migration, a surge of remote work options, a desire for more space while working from home, and a renewed interest in moving to Alberta. We don’t know how long the growth will continue.
As general advice, look for condo units with average condo fees, good management, good views, nicer interior features and more modern/updated design in a good location. Put yourself in the shoes of the future buyer and buy something that could work for the majority of the buyers.

Credit: Nesto.ca (https://www.nesto.ca/mortgage-basics/calgary-housing-market-outlook/)
1.24 Sound/neighbours
If you are a light sleeper and are bothered by the sounds of other neighbours, I highly recommend that you go for high-rise condos or any condos built with 100% concrete (no wood framing!!). The sound insulation is much better in all-concrete buildings. If your budget allows it, I’d definitely go for townhouses, duplexes or detached homes if the sound insulation is important for you (NOT apartments).
If you have young children, please be aware that you will most likely receive complaints from your neighbours and the condo board about your kids running or playing in your APARTMENT condo (if you are located on any floor other than the ground floor). The complaints can escalate into hefty fines ($250 for another noise complaint, and the fines go up from there).
The best way to escape that situation that is to avoid apartment condos all together and focus on townhouses, duplexes and detached homes. If you cannot avoid that due to budget restrictions, then choose a GROUND FLOOR condo in the apartment complex. At least when your children have fun, play and jump, they will not be bothering anyone as it’s the ground/main floor.
1.25 Repairs (who is responsible for what)
It’s important to read the Bylaws to determine who is responsible for the repairs in your condo unit – it’s either the owner (meaning you) or the condo board. Some repairs are handled by the condo board.
For example, some condo boards are responsible for baseboard heating repairs. There are different rules for each condo complex.
Usually, condo complexes handle everything that’s on the outside of your unit but it’s important to double-check with your condo complex.
2. Buying a resale condo vs buying a condo from a builder
RMS Size Surprise
RMS size (Residential Measurement Standard) and builder size are two different ways of measuring a home’s square footage. RMS size, regulated in Alberta by the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA), calculates the interior living space by measuring from the inside walls, only including finished, above-grade areas like rooms on the main and upper floors, excluding basements, garages, and exterior wall thicknesses.
If you want to list your property on the market in Calgary, your Realtor will be required to get the RMS measurements for your condo as per our RECA real estate regulations.
This means that every resale property has been measured using the RMS standards. The builder’s unit showcases a certain square footage but it is NOT the measurement that you will be using to sell your condo, so try to buy the largest condo you can from the builder because the size of this condo will be reduced when you are selling this condo 5 years later on the market/MLS.
On the other hand, builder size typically refers to the exterior dimensions of the home, which means it includes the thickness of exterior walls and may also account for unfinished spaces like basements or garages or patios/balconies. This results in a larger overall square footage than the RMS size.
RMS size offers a more accurate representation of the actual usable living space within the home, while builder size is often used in marketing to showcase the total footprint of the property.
In Alberta, agents are required to use RMS measurements in listings to ensure consistency, while builders often rely on their own measurements, which can sometimes cause confusion for buyers and sellers. Understanding these differences helps ensure a clear comparison of properties.
RMS measurements will ALWAYS be SMALLER than builder’s measurements, so when you list your condo for sale, don’t be surprised that you bought a condo 960 sf as per your builder plan but actually, it’s only 943 sf as per the RMS measurements.
Final Thoughts on Calgary New Builds
- When buying a new build, make sure you research the builder, the quality of their construction and workmanship, their reviews, and their previous projects. Be prepared to not get all the money back from your purchase. The Calgary condo market doesn’t grow as fast as Ontario or BC, so you might not get your investment back.
- Make sure to see what’s around your building. Is there any new potential construction coming up around your building that will block your views?
- If you decide to sell your condo in 2 years, there is a good chance that you won’t get your money back, so be prepared to lose the money or keep the condo for at least 5-7 years. Some condo builders are known for their shoddy construction and are blacklisted by some lenders. Make sure to double check with your lender that your building is not on the blacklist.
- It is hard to find a building that allows short-term rentals or AirBnb, so do not assume that your new build will allow it. Most likely that will not be allowed, so please be prepared for long-term rentals.
- If soundproofing and noise reduction are important for you, then go for high-rise buildings (anything over 5 floors) made out of concrete (not wood-frame and not low-rise (1-4 floors).
3. Making an offer on a condo – what conditions to have?
I always recommend having the following 4 conditions in your real estate contract when you are buying a condo:
- a condo document review condition
- property inspection condition
- financing condition (if needed)
- acceptance of your pet by the condo board condition (if you have a pet)
- confirmation from the condo board that AirBnB is allowed in this building
Please note that typically your Realtor will get access to the condo documents only when the offer is submitted and accepted (when the offer is conditional).
You typically do NOT get the condo documents in advance (before making an offer). In rare cases, the seller’s Realtor provides the documents in advance when there are multiple offers on the table or if they are expecting multiple offers.
4. Should you do a property inspection for a Calgary condo and Condo Documents Review?
I always recommend getting a property inspection, even if the condo is relatively new, because hidden issues can still arise. Additionally, I suggest using a professional Condo Document Review service, which typically costs between $400 and $500. However, the choice is yours.
Some buyers feel confident reviewing the condo documents themselves and making an informed decision based on their research, while others prefer to have a professional carefully review the documents to ensure everything is in order.
5. Quick tips of buying the best Calgary condo for your lifestyle
Here are some quick tips that will help you choose the right condo that works for your lifestyle and your family:
- Don’t buy the first condo you see. Look at least 3-8 condo units in person or online (ideally in person).
- Visit the condo in the evening (you will hear a lot more noises and you will see if that works for you or not).
- Don’t buy a condo with a low reserve fund and carefully read the condo docs (low reserve fund = future special assessments).
- Make sure the condo lifestyle is right for you. What if you get married or have a kid? Make sure your condo allows children if you are planning to have them in the future (no age restrictions). Are you okay with noises from your neighbours or do you want complete privacy? Do you have a home business? Most condos do not allow commercial activity in the condo unit (no clients coming in and out). Make sure to read the Bylaws to make sure that your business is allowed.
- Don’t buy from an unreliable builder with a shady reputation. Make sure the builder is reliable with a good reputation and google their reviews.
- Don’t buy a condo without knowing the condo fee amount and all the details.
- Don’t buy it an apartment if you have kids or you might have issues with the neighbours-consider ground floor if you need to buy an apartment
- Make sure your pet is pre-approved before you buy it; don’t assume that your sweet pet will be approved just based on the bylaws.
- Choose condos in good locations but away from main roads or highways (noise). Choose condos near amenities – Universities, Hospitals, Shopping Centres, Ctrain stations, and city attractions.
- If you want a condo with a pool, be prepared for repairs and higher condo fees.
- Make sure to book your move-in with the property management company that manages your condo in order to avoid their fines.
- If you have the time, participate in the condo board meetings and condo board governance. They are always looking for volunteers and board members.
- Always buy condo unit insurance to protect yourself (unit insurance is DIFFERENT from the insurance that the condo complex has already).
- If you are looking to buy a rental in the building, check Rentfaster.ca and see what the other units are being rented out for.
- Do not hold on to a condo for more than 7-10 years (unless you just LOVE IT). Sell it and buy something newer.
Continue Reading…
Part 2: Read here: What’s the difference between buying a Calgary Apartment Condo vs a Townhouse vs Calgary Detached House?
Need help with buying or selling your condo in Calgary?
I am a licensed real estate agent/Realtor with CIR REALTY in Calgary, Alberta. I’ve been in Calgary real estate since 2011. Learn about me here.
If you want to get more information quickly and save yourself some time and effort, just send me a message, book an appointment with me (office or Zoom) or send me a text message – 403.835.6913 (I do not always pick up my phone as I am busy with clients, so for the fastest response, it’s better to text me or schedule an appointment online), and I’d be happy to help you figure out the best type of property in Calgary for you and your family.
If you are curious about what’s on the Calgary real estate market right now and want to know about interesting and fun Calgary events, sign up for my “Calgary Weekly Events in Your Inbox” here: http://bit.ly/yyceventslist

