Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663
An open discussion on... local attitudes towards condos
11/4/2008 at 10:30 AM
As most are I'm sure aware, condominiums have spread like wildfire through many Canadian cities in recent years. Not only in Vancouver (the condo capital of North America) but cities like Winnipeg and Saskatoon have seen successes with large-scale projects.
Locally we have seen mixed results. In some situations, condos such as two recent developments on Braecrest and some of J & G's projects have done well and sold quickly. In others including the Renaissance Station, going has been slower. We have another one on the way on 1st street North that is closer to the Renaissance model than anything else, although by the sounds of things it will be catering to a slightly lower segment of the market.
Those I've heard criticize them have expressed a disinterest in paying a monthly fee as well as having to share a wall with someone else. Those that support them will swear by the lower maintenance lifestyle.
Whether fair or not, I have heard our city on a few occasions described as being "behind the times" in our attitudes towards them when compared with larger centres.
It would be great to hear peoples' thoughts on any or all of the questions below...
What are your feelings towards the idea of a condo in general?
What is the difference between a condo you would consider living in and one that is not worth your investment?
How would you compare the lower-key style of condo that has two or four connected units to the single-building concept that sees dozens of units, multiple floors, etc?