5 UNDER $500,000
South Calgary options
If you’re an average homebuyer, your budget for a new home is likely just under $500,000. Average home prices in the last two years have hovered between $479,460 and $491,318, according to the Calgary Real Estate Board.
But in the competitive new home market, builders must look beyond average when it comes to creating homes in this price bracket.
Here are five examples of new homes under $500,000 in Calgary’s south end that are anything but average.
BIG LIVING ON A ZERO LOT
Cranston’s Riverstone
It’s possible to build a home in the lush Bow River Valley for under half a million. Trico Homes has creatively designed its two-storey, three-bedroom, 2.5-bath Beckham front-drive garage model on a smaller lot without compromising space.
At 1,966 square feet, the Beckham has a 10-foot island in a gallery-style kitchen with stainless appliances, ensuite and walk-in closet in the master plus upstairs bonus room. High efficiency appliances, nine-foot ceilings and a rear deck are included, with options for a walkout basement.
Trico area sales manager Carter Madsen says home buyers will save about $60,000 with the Beckham’s unique footprint, which includes a single-car front-drive garage.
“We’ve fit the home on a smaller lot for buyers looking for a low maintenance yard. Who needs a massive yard with Fish Creek Park running through the heart of Riverstone?” he says of the community under development by Brookfield Residential.
Price: From $471,870 (lot dependant)
STREET TOWN CONVENIENCE
Legacy
Townhomes are a good option in that sub-$500,000 price range. Stepper Homes’ Legacy Town Homes offer the affordability of multi-family living with streetfront convenience.
“Many townhomes are built above a garage with lots of stairs. With our townhomes, you can walk up the front sidewalk into the main level of your home,” says area sales manager Jeff Cryderman.
“Plus, fee simple ownership means there are no condo fees.’
The Edwards’ three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom floor plan boasts 654 square feet on the open-concept main floor with 643 square feet upstairs.
Legacy Towns have a double garage, a good-size deck off the kitchen and landscaping.
The community by WestCreek Developments continues to evolve with shopping, a new Catholic high school opening this fall, and an ever-expanding pathway system.
Price: From $339,000 (includes $5,000 summer discount)
LANED HOMES WITH GARAGE
Walden
The average laned home may or may not have a garage, but Cardel Homes felt it was important to include a finished garage with the Mensa model home in Walden. It also comes with front yard landscaping and an irrigation system.
The Mensa is also one of the few on the market with a main floor den and two egress-compliant windows in the basement, rather than the standard one. That allows for two bedrooms, or one and a basement rec room, with natural light.
Cardel community sales manager Paul King says that at 1,538 square feet, which includes three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, the Mensa provides “unparalleled value.”
Walden, by Genstar Development Co., offers new home buyers established parks and pathways, with shopping at the Gates of Walden and quick access to Macleod and Stoney Trails. Price: $487,000
LIFE ON A CORNER LOT
Yorkville
As both developer and builder in Yorkville, Mattamy Homes can create both the lot and the best home for it.
Hence, the Berkley Corner, perfectly placed for optimal curb appeal and abundant windows. At 1,955 square feet (Prairie elevation), the Berkley has a gourmet kitchen and a practical upper floor with loft, spacious laundry room and owner’s retreat.
Community sales manager Mike Luciuk says the double car garage is at the side of the home, with ample room for a large and inviting porch.
“We are also proud that each home in Yorkville will be clad with durable Hardie Board, a cement fibre board that’s fire and hail resistant,” he explains.
Yorkville is west of Macleod Trail, adjacent to already established communities.
Price: From $469,990 (Prairie elevation)
THREE-STOREY LANED HOMES
Mahogany
Excel Homes is best known for affordable, attainable homes, so it’s not a surprise they’ve got a sub-$500,000 single-family offering in the exclusive lake community of Mahogany.
The Porter laned home is an impressive 1,949-square-foot home with not two, but three storeys.
“There’s almost 500 square feet of extra living space on the third level, perfect for a fourth bedroom or a small bedroom and living area,” says area manager Marika Tessier.
Another unique twist is the kitchen, which is in the middle of the main floor rather than the rear.
“It’s the centrepiece — people love that.”
Tessier says there’s a perception that homes in the Mahogany community cost more, however Excel has several newly released models under half a million in the newest phase of the community by Hopewell Residential.
Price: From $429,900 including GST and legal fees