Seton Townhomes offer modern design and spacious floor plans in the heart of the action

With no condo fees, large backyards and curb appeal galore, it's no wonder that Jayman BUILT's Seton Townhomes are turning heads.

"We really wanted to explore a less-is-more influence of clean lines with simple massing and design, while keeping the architecture as modern and eye-catching as possible," said Duane Addy, creative director for Jayman BUILT.

Courtyard homes in Cornerstone offer buyers their own private oasis

For those homebuyers seeking privacy when it comes to their outdoor living spaces, Jayman BUILT's Courtyard homes in the northeast community of Cornerstone offer just that. What makes these homes unique is their rear-facing, double-attached garages, and yards at the side of the home.

"When you have a backyard, you often lose your privacy," said Nishi Saraswat, area sales manager for Jayman BUILT, describing the Courtyard's side yards as "verandas" between dwellings that allow residents to garden, entertain and play with increased privacy.

Stunning scenery and affordable homes make Cochrane a perfect fit for discerning homebuyers

As the warm spring sun crests the eastern horizon, its dazzling rays cast a purple light on the foothills circling Cochrane's western fringe. Below this stunning backdrop, the Bow River sparkles, as it winds its way through the town's core.

The beauty of this quaint town of 30,000 people is one of the things that attracted South African expats Heidi and Allan Lester-Olivier. The couple has lived all over the world, but Canada has always called out to them. In 2012, after spending two years in Houston, they made the trek north to Calgary with three young children in tow, settling in Tuscany.

Carnaby Heights offers sustainable townhomes in a tranquil setting

Nestled within the northwest community of Nolan Hill is Carnaby Heights, a collection of urban and estate townhomes that mesh seamlessly with the softness of the rolling prairie landscape.

"It's a very lovely place to come home to, said Hal Pike, area sales manager for Jayman BUILT, the builder behind the townhomes. "The architecture is very quaint, and it is so quiet."

Builders and the City work together to rein in urban sprawl

It used to be that mentioning the word "density" would get some Calgarians riled up over plans for a new community they felt had too many homes per hectare, or a condominium project with too many units.
But faced with the alternative of urban sprawl, increasing density is now an established policy for residential development.

In 2009, city council approved a new Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and Calgary Transportation Plan (CTP) that address density in both new communities and established areas.

The shifting popularity of new-build home upgrades

Home command centres, extra-large closets, gyms, secondary suites, energy efficiencies and more – the new-build bells and whistles homebuyers are choosing today are all about convenience.

No matter the size of the home, buyers want products that support a busy lifestyle, says Michelle Jakeman, director of sales and marketing for Calbridge Homes.

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.

New developments on Calgary's western edge hope to raise the bar for active, outdoor living

Two major developments in Calgary's northwest will soon solidify the area's reputation as the gateway to Rocky Mountain recreation and winter adventure.

While the nearby Trans-Canada Highway will guide future residents towards mountain playgrounds in Canmore and Banff, the communities of Rowan Park and Medicine Hill will offer their own built-in recreational amenities.

2017 brought positive news for the new-home market, but there's still room to improve

Will 2018 bring good news or bad news for Calgary's new-home market? As with many aspects of the real estate market, it depends on your focus.

"Looking at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. data, we saw an improvement in starts in both the single- and multi-family sectors in 2017," said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie.

Innovative University District set to fill area housing gap

The concept of an all-in-one community where residents can live, work and play was the inspiration for Calgary's University District, a comprehensive 200-acre community featuring a mix of residential housing, office space, retail developments, parks and green space.

Under development in northwest Calgary, University District is a community that typifies shifting attitudes about the city's expansion, says James Robertson, president and CEO of West Campus Development Trust.