What to look for in a Modern Condo

The appeal of living downtown is easy to understand. With plenty of buzz-worthy restaurants, cafes, shops, nightlife, and parks—not to mention access to public transit—the city’s core is where many people want to be.

While owning a home downtown isn’t something everyone is able to budget for, modern condo developments offer a fantastic compromise between accessibility and liveability. However, not all units are created equal.

If you’re interested in buying a condo in Toronto, it pays to be informed before you start your search. Here are our top features to look out for when choosing your next property.

The Developer’s Reputation

While you’re out hunting for your dream condo development, it’s crucially important to do a bit of homework on the buildings you’re planning to view.

This may not be the most glamorous part of your search, but doing some research on the reputation of each building’s developer is well worth your time. Oftentimes, if the development company has their own construction team, they’ll take greater ownership of the overall quality of their finished project.

If the construction company is outsourced by the development company, lines of communication can be compromised. Standards of quality can also sometimes be sacrificed in favour of cheaper alternatives.

Finishes

From granite countertops to stainless steel appliances, there’s a wide variety of finishes that condo developers tout as ‘high-end’. However, these descriptors are subjective—and they can be used to help sell units.

Make sure you have clear definitions of what your unit’s finishes include. Getting as much detail as possible can help you avoid paying marble prices for imitation stone. This information should be freely provided by each development representative and real estate agent upon your request.

Amenities

From swimming pools and spas to gyms and rooftop patios, most modern condo developments include enticing amenities. Maintenance fees often include management’s cost to care for them.

That’s worth keeping in mind if you’re considering a building, but don’t see yourself using its amenities. When that’s the case, you may want to consider a different development.

One key set of amenities that condo buyers should consider, especially downtown, has to do with safety. A concierge desk, night guard, or high-end security system could mean greater confidence in your personal safety.

Neighbourhood Forecasting

As a condo buyer, you may naturally be drawn to looking for available listings in some of your ideal neighbourhoods. Being close to your favourite restaurants and hangout spots is one of the perks of living downtown.

However, it’s always important to consider your next property as an investment as well as a place to live. While trendy neighbourhoods may be the most desirable areas to live for most buyers right now, it’s important to think about the future, too.

Choose your neighbourhood wisely, and you could be looking at a significant return years down the line when you’re ready to sell.

Maintenance and Management

Having a helpful and attentive maintenance and property management team isn’t one of the most exciting aspects of a condo development, but it can prove vital over the years.

In times of emergency or when maintenance issues arise in your building or unit, having a reliable team to call on provides peace of mind—and saves you a lot of headaches. It’s just one more thing to consider when you’re setting the criteria for your ideal unit!

Are you on the search for the perfect modern condo? It might already be up for sale – check out our featured listings page to see the condos we’re excited about now!