A recent change to the Condominium Property Act in Alberta could be good news for condo owners who might otherwise face a huge expense thanks to building damage caused by a problem in their unit.

Development standard finds its way back into the Calgary region

When is a detached home still a condo? When it's a bare land condo, an under-utilized development standard that is once again sprouting up in the Calgary region.

Developers in new areas such as Watermark in Bearspaw and Shawnee Park are designating some or all of their respective developments as bare land condos as part of a more collective approach to building and maintaining communities.

Bare land condos have previously popped up in other area communities such as Tanglewood Estates, The Lake at Heritage Pointe, Okotoks Air Ranch, Elmont Green and Lott Creek Grove.

Province to end public consultation of first phase Oct. 30

Albertans still have time to provide input on amendments to the province's condo property act, which is seeking to provide condo owners with easier access to information and quicker dispute resolutions.

Leading up to Oct. 30, Albertans are being invited to review and weigh in on updates to the Condominium Property Act by clicking here.

To review a draft copy of the first phase of regulations, click here.

Bill 13 to enhance protection for owners, improve condo communities

Alberta condo owners can expect easier access to information and quicker dispute resolutions thanks to new amendments to the province's condo property act.

Improved disclosure and governance were among the amendments tabled after the Alberta Government introduced Bill 13: The Condominium Property Act.

In a release from the Alberta Government, condo owners will soon have more protection with the introduction of Bill 13: The Condominium Property Amendment Act.

"Buying a condo is an affordable option for Albertans entering the housing market and is often their first real estate experience," said Doug Griffiths, minister of Service Alberta. "After careful review and discussion with stakeholders and Albertans, our government will update the Condominium Property Act to make it easier for owners and builders to understand their responsibilities on the sale of condos."

As part of a greater review of the province's Condominium Property Act, the Redford government is making it mandatory for developers to be more transparent about condo fees.

With some condo buyers expressing concern about higher fees than were initially disclosed, the move will provide buyers with a standardized disclosure package, including an operating budget, at the time of purchase.