How building a garage can dramatically increase your home value
Driving has always been a way of life for Calgarians, and given the ubiquity of cars in in the city, garages are a must for almost every home.
Whether looking to build a home for the first time or renovating an old one, detached or attached garages are the options most builders choose. However, special builds also exist and can even include underground parking or tunnels, at costs upwards of $35,000 for a triple-detached unit.
Many Canadian energy-related municipalities within Alberta and Saskatchewan have seen housing markets struggle over the past few years, resulting in price declines.
The recent mortgage rule changes and higher lending rates are factors weighing on demand and prices across some of those areas.
Limited budget need not limit buyer options
A dollar may not go as far as it used to, but $300,000 can still take Calgary homebuyers a long way.
“At that price, you could look at a one- or two-bedroom apartment with underground or outside parking, and an elevator if you want a high-rise,” said Monique Windrem, a REALTOR® and leasing agent with Hope Street Real Estate Corp. “You might get extra storage, and if you opted for a one-bedroom, you may also have a gym, concierge and security if you’re not set on living downtown.”
As expected, Calgary sales activity similar to last year
The new year opened predictably, with monthly figures close to the Januarys of the past three years.
With new mortgage rules and rates officially in effect, sales activity in January remained comparable to last year, as rising sales for attached properties were not enough to offset declines in both the apartment and detached sector.
Inventory increases and sales drop in September, but overall sales for the year remain higher than last year
Strong gains in the first half of 2017 have put Calgary year-to-date sales at seven per cent above last years’ levels and 11 per cent below long-term averages, but challenges remain with easing sales and rising new listings.
Inventories rose across all property types to 6,861 units, while both apartment- and attached-style properties saw the highest inventory on record for the month of September.