Calgary Herald

5 UNDER $500,000

South Calgary options

- CINDY STEPHEN

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

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 ??  ?? Mattamy Homes won a BILD Award for the Berkley Corner show home in Carrington, a model that features a double-car garage at the side of the home and a full front porch.
Mattamy Homes won a BILD Award for the Berkley Corner show home in Carrington, a model that features a double-car garage at the side of the home and a full front porch.
 ??  ?? The Beckham by Trico Homes features 1,966 square feet of living space.
The Beckham by Trico Homes features 1,966 square feet of living space.
 ??  ?? The Mensa plan by Cardel Homes allows for two basement-floor bedrooms.
The Mensa plan by Cardel Homes allows for two basement-floor bedrooms.
 ??  ?? The Porter by Excel Homes is an affordable yet spacious laneway home.
The Porter by Excel Homes is an affordable yet spacious laneway home.
 ??  ?? Stepper Homes’ Legacy Town Homes boast a main floor at street level.
Stepper Homes’ Legacy Town Homes boast a main floor at street level.

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