This First-Time Condo Buyer’s guide is divided into 3 Parts for easier reading. This is Part 2. 

1. What’s the difference between a Calgary condo versus Calgary detached house?
2. What’s the difference between a Calgary apartment condo vs a townhouse?

Part 1: Read here: How to Buy a Condo in Calgary: Insider Tips for First-Time Buyers

This is what’s covered in Part 1:

1. 1. First of all, what is a condominium or a condo?
   2. What type of condo can you buy in Calgary?
   3. What types of condo sizes are available in Calgary, Alberta?
   4. Condo Maintenance Fees (what do they include, what are the average fees, can you negotiate condo fees)

Part 3: Read here: What Every First-Time Buyer Should Know Before Buying a Condo, Apartment, or Townhouse in Calgary

This is what’s covered in Part 3.

1. 1. What to look at when you are buying a condo in Calgary?
   2. Buying a resale condo vs buying a condo from a builder – what to look for?
   3. Making an offer on a condo – what conditions to have?
   4. Should you do a property inspection for a condo and Condo Documents Review?
   5. Quick tips for buying the best condo for your lifestyle

1. What’s the difference between a Calgary condo vs Calgary detached single-family home? 

Here are the main differences between a Calgary condominium versus Calgary detached single-family home:

1.1 Price and Size  + Condo Fee in Calgary

Single-family homes in Calgary are more expensive than condominiums and are typically much larger in size. Condos are generally much more affordable, but smaller in size and you will have to watch out for the condo fee. Condos that are older and condos with more amenities have higher condo fees. Condos located in the downtown and Beltline areas have condo fees from $500/month and up.

Keep in mind that a $500/month condo fee is considered quite high for Calgary. Over the years, condo fees have seen significant increases, particularly in the downtown core.

I’d recommend avoiding average-sized condos (under 1,000 sq. ft.) with fees over $650/month unless the complex offers exceptional amenities, like Westman Village in Mahogany, or if the building is older and has unique features.

In Calgary’s suburbs, condo fees are generally more reasonable, starting around $275/month. Newer condos tend to have lower fees, but keep in mind that these fees usually increase over time. While this rise isn’t typically drastic, it’s common to see fees climb from $275/month to $350-$450/month within 4-10 years, depending on the property.

1.2 Less Square Footage

It’s important to recognize that apartments and townhouses in Calgary usually offer less square footage compared to a duplex or detached home, meaning there’s generally less interior space. This can make condos less suitable for large families or those with children who need more room to spread out.

If outdoor space is essential for your well-being, pets, or children, a condo may not be the best fit. Apartments often come with just a balcony, while townhouses might have a small yard or no yard at all. However, if you’re seeking a condo with more expansive outdoor options, consider a penthouse unit, which often features a rooftop patio for additional space and privacy.

1.3 Less Privacy

Condos share common areas and walls, fostering a sense of community through close proximity to neighbours. This can be a great advantage for those who enjoy a social environment, as it encourages interaction and connection among residents. However, this shared space also can bring potential downsides, particularly when it comes to privacy.

With walls often separating units, noise can easily travel between them, leading to disturbances from neighbours’ activities, whether it’s loud music, conversations,  children playing or footsteps.

Additionally, common areas like hallways, lobbies, and recreational spaces are accessible to all residents, which might make it difficult to enjoy personal solitude.

This blend of communal living and reduced privacy can be a challenge for those who prefer quiet and seclusion in their home environment.

• See also: What Every First-Time Buyer Should Know Before Buying a Condo or Townhouse in Calgary
• 8 Tips on How to Choose a Calgary Community when Moving to Calgary
• How to Buy a Condo in Calgary: Insider Tips for First-Time Buyers
• Buying a Condo in Calgary: Different Types of Condominiums in Alberta

1.4 Maintenance Level

Single-family homes require more maintenance as you own the property itself and the lot, and are responsible for maintaining the roof, windows, lawn mowing, snow removal, backyard upkeep, etc. When you live in a condo, you don’t need to worry about a leaky roof or an older furnace or windows.

The condo board takes care of it by collecting condo fees and putting a part of the condo fee into something called a reserve fund that takes care of all the future maintenance costs and repairs of the condo complex. The property taxes are also much higher for single-family homes vs. condos.

1.5 Amenities

Calgary condos can offer more amenities than a single-detached home. There may be a park, a courtyard, a gym, a library, a social room with various weekly events, a concierge, 24-hour security, a clubhouse, underground parking lot, car wash, lounge area, a hot tub or a pool for the use of the unit owners only. But, of course, these amenities are covered by your condo fees.

But you don’t need to worry about the maintenance of those amenities or purchase your own hot tub when you can share one with all of the unit owners of the complex. The condo board takes care of all the maintenance and cleaning of the amenities and the common areas that you share with the other unit owners.

1.6 Level of Freedom

Minimal Restrictions in Single-Detached Homes

Single-family homes offer the most amount of freedom as you are able to do a lot more with your property vs your condo.

You can paint the exterior of your home and do renovations that fit your taste and style without asking anyone for permission. You can have as many pets as you want as long as you follow the local bylaws (pet ownership is limited to six dogs and six cats per household in Calgary, Alberta).

Some detached homes outside of the Calgary area even have an allowance for livestock (depending on the size of your lot, location, and zoning). You can design your backyard, plant flowers or plants, design your landscaping, and keep/store whatever you want on your property (of course, I am talking about reasonable things). With a single-detached home you can do whatever you want that’s within reasonable legal limits.

Extensive Restrictions in Calgary Condos

With condos in Calgary, there may be a list of restrictions that you have to follow that are listed in your bylaws (the rule book for your condo complex).

For example, you can only have one dog that weighs 20-30 pounds maximum, or you can only have one dog and one cat, OR two dogs only, OR two cats only, OR no pets at all, OR just cats only.

Some condos do not allow large dogs at all and even if they do, it’s all based on the board’s approval (so there is no guarantee that your pitbull would be approved).

You will need to get permission to do certain renovations, and you can’t paint the exterior of your unit (for e.g., your unit door) with just any colour (you might not be allowed to paint anything at all, except for the interior of your own unit).

Even when it comes to holiday decorating, there are restrictions for condos too. You may also have limits as to what you can plant outside and what you can store outside of your unit (some condo complexes do not want you to store your children’s toys/equipment on your balcony/patio as it “tarnishes” the overall aesthetic of the condo complex).

Condos follow strict architectural guidelines and bylaws and you need to make sure that you are following all of their rules. There might be also restrictions on how many people can stay/live in your unit, and how many and what type of pets are allowed to visit your unit (for example, a dog’s max size has to be under 30lb).

Age Restrictions

Some Calgary condos have age restrictions – for example, 18+ only (no kids, so if you have a child in the future, you need to sell your place and move out or rent it out), 40+ (anyone over 40 years can live there), 55+ (anyone over 55 years old can live there), etc. These are the specific condos that work for some people and not others.

There are also condos in Calgary with NO AGE restrictions that are perfect for families and people of all ages. You just need to be aware of what you are buying, so that you are not stuck with a condo that doesn’t allow your child to live there due to strict bylaws and restrictions.

1.7 So why do people buy condos in Calgary?

Enhanced amenities, reduced upkeep, and affordable prices are key benefits of condo ownership compared to single-family homes. Condominiums cater to empty nesters seeking downsizing options, renters who want to stop renting and buy their first property, retirees desiring low-maintenance living without stairs, and first-time buyers seeking starter properties with convenient access to entertainment, amenities, and workplaces.

Condos are perfect for people who enjoy being around other people. There is less privacy but you are never alone, and for some people, it is a comforting thought that there is always someone near them. If you are sensitive to sounds, it might not be the best type of property for you.

Condominiums appeal to individuals seeking property ownership flexibility without the maintenance obligations of a single-family home. Opting for a condo could be advantageous if you prefer homeownership without the tasks of lawn care, snow shovelling, or roof repairs.

2. What’s the difference between a Calgary apartment condo vs a townhouse?

Calgary apartment condos are typically smaller in size than townhouses and have less privacy. Townhouses are typically larger, have more privacy and can also have a small backyard or a patio/deck vs. an apartment (only a balcony or a ground floor patio).

Townhouses typically have multiple floors (2 storeys + ground level garage). One of the differences between them is that townhouses have less restrictions. You have a bit more freedom with townhouses vs apartments.

Some townhouses have no pet restrictions. Many of them also have a single or a double attached private garage versus apartments that have underground shared parking or surface parking.

Cost of Utilities in Calgary Townhouses

Townhouses are more expensive though and you will have to cover a condo fee (approximately $245-$350/month) + ALL the utilities (gas/heat, water and electricity). It all depends on your usage and how many people live in the townhouse. The condo fee covers the snow removal and lawn mowing around your townhouse complex.

If you have an apartment, you will be responsible for a condo fee that INCLUDES heat/gas and water costs ALREADY. You will need to pay for the electricity cost + condo fee if you have an apartment.

For example, you have a 2-bedroom  (923 sf) apartment condo in Legacy. The condo fee is $400/month and already includes heat and water. You will need to cover electricity ($70). Your total cost is $470.

You have a 1,400 sf townhouse with a condo fee of $245. Your gas/heat, water and electricity costs are roughly $400 in the middle of winter. You will need to pay $645 in total per month. In the summer, you will need to pay around $300 for the utility costs + $245 condo fee, which equals $545/month.

Continue Reading…

Part 3: Read here: What Every First-Time Buyer Should Know Before Buying a Condo, Apartment, or Townhouse in Calgary

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

Summary

Article Name

What's the difference between buying a Calgary Apartment Condo vs a Townhouse vs Calgary Detached House?

Description

Discover the key differences between buying a Calgary apartment condo, townhouse, or detached house, including costs, space, and lifestyle factors in this detailed guide.

Author

Anastasia Dvorak

Publisher Name

Calgary Lifestyle Guide

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