Calgary developers are getting creative in tough condo market

Like much in life, the only constant in the housing market is change. Buyer tastes are ever evolving, and developers of new-build condo projects in Calgary must keep pace.

"Homebuyers today know what they want and need in a new home," said Nicole McLaws, marketing manager at Hopewell Residential. "They want excellent quality, timeless style, affordable pricing and a location that works for their lifestyle."

To meet those needs, developers offer a range of floor plan layouts and sizes, with stylish finishings and long-lasting materials. At the same time, they are keeping one eye squarely on the big picture.

Five simple tips for new-home horticulture

What makes a new home your new home? When you plant petunias, of course – or tomatoes, or your grandma's old peony...

This month, we celebrate your new home garden with five simple tips for success:

Bucci Developments continues commitment to the community with Radius

Radius has risen in Bridgeland, with less than a year remaining before homeowner occupancy.

And demonstrating its continued faith in the inner-city neighbourhood, builder Bucci Developments is already at work on another proposed mixed-use project.

The roof has been placed on the seven-storey, 201-unit Radius, and cabinets and floorings are now going in, says company vice-president Mike Bucci.

"We took a risk pulling the trigger on construction" during the downturn, he says, but it will be worth it at the end of the day.

Home trends from Calgary's new-build market

Cultural and economic shifts are pushing this year's housing trend line into both large and small homes in Calgary's new-build market.

Large-volume builders Homes by Avi and Mattamy Homes are seeing demand for four-bedroom homes in their northern neighbourhoods, as many customers – particularly from Asian or Indo-Canadian backgrounds – seek multi-generational homes.

And where price is key, the shift continues towards attached units like duplexes and townhomes that come without condo fees, as well as smaller, single-family homes without past years' glitzy upgrades.

For many people, buying a first home is an exciting, but stressful, experience. CREB®Now spoke with a few members of Calgary's business community to find out what it was like making that first big investment in their lives.

Given our climate, it's no surprise that Calgarians spend a lot of time indoors. Fortunately, the latest design trends offer some exciting ways spice up your home's interior. From colours to curves, let Alykhan Velji of Alykhan Velji Designs and LeAnne Bunnell of LeAnne Bunnell Interiors walk you through a range of options to keep you on the cutting edge.

Ashley McCallum found a home with character in the Beltline

Ashley McCallum loves history and character-filled older homes. So when it came time for this 35-year-old to find her first home, she immediately gravitated towards inner-city areas with more than a century of history. Although her first preference was a single-family home with a yard – her beloved eight-year-old bichon, Molly, loves playing outside – it wasn't in her budget. After months of searching, she found a lovely one-bedroom apartment in the Beltline on the second floor of a four-storey walk-up. The light-filled space features crown mouldings, century-old hardwood flooring, big windows and all the interesting nooks and crannies that come with an older home.

Redevelopment projects lead to new communities in established areas

Most people think of new communities as being on the outskirts of the city, often in areas where amenities like shopping and schools are still lacking.

But there are a growing number of new communities springing up in well-established areas of Calgary, as redevelopment occurs on lands once used for non-residential purposes.

As Airdrie grows, new communities flourish

Airdrie's new communities are looking forward to renewed expansion in 2018, as more buyers are looking to the city, fuelling a boom that has put residential housing sales at their highest point since 2013.

According to the city of Airdrie, nearly 2,000 houses were sold in 2017 for an average price of $394,046, up from 1,336 the previous year. The housing boom has not only led to a population increase, but has helped Airdrie grow its young, vibrant demographic. The city's statistics now show that 35 per cent of residents are between the ages of 25 and 44, with children under 15 accounting for the second largest demographic.