6 Key Benefits of Purchasing an Infill Home in Edmonton

August 17, 2022 7:00 am Published by Terry Paranych Real Estate Group

Simply put, infill refers to the process of building brand new homes on vacant or under-used land within an already established neighbourhood. This typically involves either buying an existing, older home and demolishing it to build a brand new one OR buying a vacant lot (in which the home has already been removed) for the same purpose.

For Edmonton home buyers seeking both a contemporary new home and a mature community characterized by tree-lined streets, walkability, established amenities, and endless charm, infill homes represent the best of both worlds.

Could an infill home be the right decision for you and your family? Here are six key benefits to consider:

1. Fantastic Locations

Edmonton is home to an amazing array of diverse, family-friendly infill neighbourhoods. Located in nearly every quadrant of the city, these one-of-a-kind communities have become a popular choice for infill of all sizes and styles. This is due to their unbeatable location(s), accessibility, and in many cases, proximity to some of the best natural amenities (and views) the city has to offer (i.e. the North Saskatchewan River Valley, MacKinnon Ravine, The Highlands Golf Club, and more).

No matter where you’re looking to set down roots in Edmonton, you’re sure to find an infill community to meet your needs. Some of the city’s most highly-sought after infill neighbourhoods include:

Southwest Edmonton:

Southwest Edmonton is defined by Edmonton city limits to the west and south, the North Saskatchewan River to the north and Gateway Boulevard to the east. A handful of established neighbourhoods located near the University of Alberta (including Windsor Park, Garneau, McKernan, etc.) may also be referred to as Southwest Central but are still encompassed by greater Southwest Edmonton boundaries.

Many of these older neighbourhoods were a part of the former City of Strathcona, which amalgamated with Edmonton in 1912. As such, they represent some of Southwest Edmonton’s most mature communities, noted for their rich history and old-world charm.

Over the years, Southwest Edmonton has expanded to include over four dozen neighbourhoods, each of which remain truly distinct in terms of character, home styles, location and amenities.

Southeast Edmonton

Southeast Edmonton encompasses all neighbourhoods located west of city limits, south of Whyte Ave and east of Gateway Boulevard. A handful of communities situated directly south of the North Saskatchewan River, north of Whyte Ave and east of 85th Street are also considered part of Southeast Edmonton.

Southeast Edmonton is a diverse section of the city, offering Edmonton home buyers the best of both worlds when it comes to developing communities and mature neighbourhoods. While some neighbourhoods date back to Edmonton’s humble beginnings in the early 1900s, other areas have yet to be completed, especially in the quadrant’s far southern regions.

Home to over three dozen unique neighbourhoods, offering residential, rural and industrial real estate opportunities, Southeast Edmonton is defined by various “super communities,” including Mill Woods, The Meadows and Ellerslie. From affordable apartment-style condos to lavish luxury properties, this all-in-one area offers an excellent mix of home styles paired with fantastic amenities and ultra-accessibility.

West Edmonton

West Edmonton encompasses all communities within city limits to the west, 111th Avenue to the north, 124th Street to the east and the North Saskatchewan River to the south. Over the years, West Edmonton has rapidly become one of the most highly sought-after quadrants in the city due to its many desirable neighbourhoods and ultra-popular amenities.

Incredibly diverse, approximately 70% of all West Edmonton residences were constructed in and around the 1960s, while the remaining 30% were built after the year 2000. As a result, West Edmonton offers prospective home buyers a vast array of both established and developing communities to choose from. In addition, home styles across the area are equally as varied, including everything from affordable starter homes to expansive luxury estates, making West Edmonton ideal for every taste, lifestyle and budget.

Northwest Edmonton

Grovenor

The majority of Northwest Edmonton is defined by Parkland County to the west, Sturgeon County to the north, 97th Street to the east and Yellowhead Trail to the south. A small area located just south of the Yellowhead (north of 111th Ave, east of 170^th Street and west of 121st Street) also makes up this vast quadrant.

Northwest Edmonton is also comprised of numerous communities that were once standalone towns, villages or hamlets. Established neighbourhoods such Britannia-Youngstown, High Park and Canora, for instance, were once a part of Jasper Place – a town that amalgamated with the greater City of Edmonton after the Second World War.

Northwest Edmonton has since expanded to include countless distinct and trendy residential neighbourhoods, many of which are brand new and/or still undergoing development.

Northeast Edmonton

Northeast Edmonton is defined by 97th Street to the west, Edmonton city limits to the north and east and Yellowhead Trail to the south. A handful of neighbourhoods south of Yellowhead Trail and north of the North Saskatchewan River are also part of greater Northeast Edmonton.

Many of Northeast Edmonton’s more mature neighbourhoods, such as those closest to the North Saskatchewan River Valley, started as separate towns or villages before amalgamating with the Greater City of Edmonton. For instance, what we now know to be the Beverly area, was once the Town of Beverly, (whose sign still marks the entrance to this vibrant community).

Since its humble beginnings, Northeast Edmonton has expanded to include over fifty fantastic neighbourhoods, including many brand-new communities in the area’s far northeast. Highlighted by incredible amenities, affordable home styles and excellent access to downtown (and the greater capital region), it’s no wonder so many Edmontonians love to call Northeast Edmonton home.

Central Edmonton

Central Edmonton is defined (approximately) as including all real estate and homes for sale south of the Yellowhead, east of 121st Street, west of the Capital LRT line and north of 111th Street. Often referred to as Downtown Edmonton, Central Edmonton is home to many of the city’s oldest communities and remains the historic centre of the Edmonton real estate market.

Despite the area’s established status, most neighbourhoods within Central Edmonton have a low population density. This is rapidly changing, however, due to recent revitalization initiatives, combined with location, affordable home prices and an increasing number of infill properties.

With beginnings dating back to 1795 with the establishment of Fort Edmonton, Central Edmonton offers an unparalleled sense of old-world charm. As a result, Edmonton home buyers enjoy having their pick of heritage homes, modern properties and everything in between, while enjoying many of the city’s best amenities.

2. High-End Custom Features and Finishes

As we mentioned, infill neighbourhoods have become an increasingly favoured choice among Edmonton home buyers seeking the best of both worlds: a contemporary new home in a mature community setting.

Whether you’re looking for a move-in ready (quick possession) property already outfitted with the latest finishes, or a vacant lot on which you can custom build from the ground up, your new infill home will come equipped with the features and amenities you’ve come to expect as a modern buyer.

These may include:

Generous square footage and roomy, open floor plans
Oversized secondary bedrooms
Custom fixtures
Chef’s inspired kitchens
High-grade appliances
Quartz countertops
Master retreat featuring spa-like ensuite and walk-in closet
Ample cupboard, counter and storage space
Smart technology
Generous yard space
Additional income potential
And more!

Note: Depending on the builder, you may also benefit from a variety of infill purchase incentives, including free upgrades, fully completed landscaping, appliance credits, discounts on quick possession models, and more. Your new home will also come backed by a fully comprehensive 10-year home warranty.

3. Top-Notch Amenities

Beautifully crafted homes, ultra-accessibility and breathtaking views aren’t the only perks accompanying infill properties. Thanks to their mature status, these communities also boast an invaluable number of established amenities ranging from reputable local schools, shops and services to parks, walking trails and expansive open green spaces.

Infill neighbourhoods are also noted for their maximum walkability, proximity to arterial roads and well-integrated transit options (ample bus stops, routes and LRT accessibility), making them extremely commute-friendly.

Even better, many of Edmonton’s most in-demand infill neighbourhoods are located within a short distance of downtown, providing residents quick and convenient access to the city’s vibrant central core (and the many shops, services, restaurants, cafes, bars and recreation venues it has to offer).

Check out our previous post: 7 Amenities to Look For In Your Next Neighbourhood

4. Investment Property Potential

Here again, thanks to their high-end designs, beautiful locations and inclusion of envy-worthy amenities, infill homes make an ideal choice for both seasoned and first-time investors alike.

In fact, many builders make a point to incorporate separate, revenue-generating suites into their builds, making them an ideal option not just for real-estate investors but for first-time buyers looking to make their home purchase more affordable. They’re also a great fit for multigenerational families wanting to remain close yet maintain a sense of privacy.

See our previous post: The 5 Key Benefits of Investing in Real Estate

5. Financial Sustainability

According to the Infill Development in Edmonton Association, quality infill homes can result in significant savings for taxpayers. This is because infill utilizes the current infrastructure, bypassing the need for further community development (i.e., new roads, sewers, sidewalks and city services).

Due to their highly desirable locations and highly-regarded amenities, infill homes are also famous for retaining their value and delivering a healthy return on investment come sale time. Even if you opt to purchase an older home, buying into an infill-rich neighbourhood will allow you to benefit from increased property value as new construction homes crop up in the community.

6. Environmentally Friendly and Prevents Urban Sprawl

Lastly, infill homes aren’t just a great option for Edmonton home buyers – they’re also incredibly beneficial to the environment:

Older, inefficient homes are replaced with new (larger) energy-efficient designs (including smart technology, appliances, mechanical systems, lighting and the latest in sustainable building materials).
Infill neighbourhoods encourage walkability and transit, reducing vehicle emissions.
Community revitalization and infill promote city growth and development without expanding into outlying natural areas.

Talk to a REALTOR®

If you’re interested in purchasing an infill home in Edmonton, we recommend working with an expert. Not only will an experienced Edmonton REALTOR® help you zero-in on the right community for your unique wants and needs, but they’ll also provide invaluable insight into the infill development process, reputable builders, design options and much more.

Find the right real estate expert to meet your needs by checking out our previous post: What to Look For When Choosing the Right REALTOR®

Beautiful homes, mature trees and established amenities are just a few of the many great reasons to choose life in an infill community. Whether you’re looking for an older character home ripe with charm or a sleek and modern new build, Edmonton’s infill neighbourhoods have everything you’re looking for and more.

Learn more about the many highly desirable infill communities available in our city and what they have to offer by downloading your free copy of our Edmonton’s Top Infill Communities Guide – now featuring over 17 unique neighbourhoods!

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Originally published Jan 22, 2021, updated Aug 17, 2022

Photo credits: shutterstock.com

Tags: buying

Categorised in: Buying a Home, Home Styles, Infill Homes

This post was written by Terry Paranych Real Estate Group