Community offerings entice homebuyers

Demand sets real estate prices, but what creates the demand?

In 2021, buyers are looking for homes near green space, walking paths and family amenities, says Kirby Cox, a realtor with 35 years experience selling in Calgary.

“They're well informed on the areas they want to look at houses in and already know the type of facilities surrounding that community that will benefit them and their family,” he says.

The demand for areas with a lot of infrastructure can in turn affect house prices. Arbour Lake in northwest Calgary has, as the name suggests, a recreational lake, a high school and a train station, plus Crowfoot Centre is within walking distance with shopping, restaurants and medical services. One community over is Tuscany, another strong family-oriented community with unique green spaces, ravine trails and mountain views.

“A house in Tuscany might cost $30,000 more than the same house, by the same builder, in a neighbourhood like Citadel. I'm not saying every house is more, but it's easy to figure out when you compare one community with another,” he says.

Recognizing this demand for green spaces, most new communities in Calgary's suburban ring are mandated to allocate land for parks, ponds and pathways. Developers of new communities compete for attention with amenities like the residents' association building in Brookfield Residential's Livingston, multiple lakes and a Beach Club in Hopewell Residential's Mahogany and all-of-the above plus a golf course in Harmony, by Bordeaux Developments and Qualico Communities.