A condo can take several forms in St. Catharines and Niagara. At McGarr Realty, our experts have helped families purchase and sell a variety of condominium units such as apartment-type suites in high-rise and low-rise buildings, townhouse units, and linked row-house units.
For some, condo living may present some drawbacks. But for those who love owning a home without the exterior maintenance involved, they’re perfect!
For people who dislike yard work, living in a condominium is an attractive idea.
Think about it: if you’re a homeowner who detests yard work, there’s a good chance you already pay someone else to do it. In a condo complex, residents enjoy the benefits that come with home ownership, without worrying about outdoor maintenance or in the development’s common spaces.
From cutting grass, tending the garden, watering plants, fertilizing, cleaning eavestroughs and windows, and painting, the list of outdoor maintenance most homeowners have to deal with every year is endless.
With condo living, the fees you pay to your board or association cover most maintenance issues on your common and outdoor spaces. To some families, it’s the perfect living arrangement.
Of course, there are more condo developments available in Niagara now than ever before; the choice of where to purchase has never been better with a variety of options available throughout Niagara Falls, Thorold, Port Dalhousie or downtown St. Catharines.
In August 2018, the sale of condo units rose 52.4 per cent over the same period in 2017, with an average sale price of $329,394, an increase of 7.1 per cent (Source: Niagara Association of Realtors).
It’s buyer’s choice, baby. Depending on the types of services you require, there’s sure to be a condo nearby in your chosen community.
At McGarr Realty, we like to remind house-hunters that each type of condo unit offers its own pros and cons, beginning with the list of rules the association or board has put into play. Condo rules at some townhouse units may prohibit children’s play equipment; some units don’t allow barbecues or clotheslines – or in apartment-type units, seasonal decorations on balconies may be discouraged.
Most of the rules are in place to protect the condo community; rules may be renegotiated at board meetings but may require a lot of legwork by the resident seeking changes.
High-rise units offer great views of beautiful Niagara, while lower-rise units offer ease of access for families or for residents affected with mobility issues. Townhouse or row-house units offer families privacy and storage space, with direct-access parking.
No matter the type of unit you are seeking, McGarr Realty teams can help you navigate the pros and cons of each. If you see something you like, we’ll take the time to go over the association’s handbook with you, finding answers to all your questions about living in that development.
Whether you are a young family just starting out, a commuter who doesn’t have time for yard work, a single professional who wants privacy without the worry of exterior home maintenance, or a couple downsizing to begin their retirement years … condo living has something to offer everyone.
McGarr Realty’s team of experts is standing by to help you find exactly what you are looking for.
Reach our staff by calling the McGarr Realty office at 905-468-9229 in Niagara-on-the-Lake, or 905-687-9229 in St. Catharines. Alternatively, send us a message via the contact page on our website, HERE.
The Latest