Many looking to purchase their first home do not even consider condo life. Ottawa offers many ideal condos for first time buyers, even within the The ByWard Market Area. With winter fast approaching now is the time to cozy into a new home. Check out below why you, as a first time buyer, should buy a condo and what condos are available convenient to The ByWard Market.
- Pros of Condo Living – Why Should First Time Buyers Consider Condos
- Ottawa Options for First Time Buyers
Condo Living for First Time
There are plenty of unknowns when purchasing a condo for the first time. Who has ownership? Why live in a condo instead of a house?
Maintenance Free
Condominiums often have live in superintendents, who look after maintenance and security on site. Everything from cleaning communal areas to in unit repairs are fully taken care of.
Security Features of Condo Living
Most condos are far more secure than a ground level entry home. Similar to an apartment, condos usually have a front door key as well as an individual unit key. Additional security is often found through a reception desk or security guard, not to mention your condo community.
Condo Community
Unlike an individual home or unit, condos have many shared spaces. These include fitness centres, pools, commercial space, terraces with barbeques, and even party or billiard rooms. Gathering in communal areas allows one to meet their neighbours and form a sense of community within the building.
In-House Amenities
Not only do condominiums have shared spaces, but most also have parking stalls, spas, and restaurants. Luxury condos even have valet, personal trainers, and doormen. Some condominiums have fewer amenities within the building, as their location makes some amenities unnecessary.
Ideal Location of Condos
Often as high rises, condos are located in highly populated areas making them close to grocery stores, schools, and even public transit. As high rises are often up to nineteen stories, plenty of homes can be built in highly dense communities, which are coveted in the housing market.
Condo Options in The ByWard Market for First Time Buyers
Many first time buyers are considering downtown condos for their first home. In the centre of the party district and neighbouring the business district, or even simply accessible via transit, this is an ideal location to purchase an inexpensive condo as a first time buyer.
383 Cumberland
In the heart of The ByWard Market, this inexpensive condo is directly across from two 24-hour grocery stores.
Built By |
Claridge Homes |
Size |
601 sqft | ||
Amenities |
fitness centre, ensuite laundry, party room, billiard room, communal barbeque | ||||
Features |
High ceilings, hardwood floor, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances | ||||
Purchase |
$274,900 |
Monthly Condo Fees |
$360 |
Estimated Property Tax |
$3,143 |
205 Bolton
A bit of a larger option for the first time ByWard Market buyer.
Built By |
Claridge Homes |
Size |
730 sq ft | ||
Amenities |
heated parking, fitness centre, party room, terrace with barbeque | ||||
Features |
high ceilings, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floor | ||||
Purchase |
$333,900 |
Monthly Condo Fees |
$287 |
Estimated Property Tax |
$3,035 |
Lebreton Flats
Close to the transit way and only a twenty minute walk from the Rideau Centre along the Ottawa River, this condo is great for those who don’t want to be in the hustle and bustle of it all, while maintaining a convenient location.
Built By |
Claridge Homes |
Size |
600 sq ft | ||
Amenities |
outdoor pool, community room, fitness centre, rooftop terrace, garden terrace | ||||
Features |
LEED Certified Silver, granite countertops, hardwood flooring | ||||
Purchase |
$258,000 |
Monthly Condo Fees |
$200 |
Estimated Property Tax |
$2,390 |
Many other condos are available in Ottawa, but even more are both suitable and available in Gatineau. With lower property tax and condo fees, many first time buyers consider Gatineau condos as alternatives; however, living in Gatineau does have downsides such as reduced public transit, and further travel distance to work and play.