The Benefits of Choosing a Single-Family Home in Edmonton
August 31, 2022 7:00 amFrom apartment-style condos and townhomes to semi-detached and detached homes, Edmonton home buyers have many home style options to choose from. However, single-family homes remain the most sought-after home type in Edmonton, thanks to the countless benefits they provide. So, if you’re on the hunt for a single-family home in the capital region, here are seven key advantages to look forward to.
Benefit 1= Choose Your Style
New Construction Homes – Whether you’re interested in building your dream home from the ground up or purchasing a brand-new, move-in-ready model, new construction single-family homes are the perfect option for the modern buyer. Not only do they come with the latest finishes and features, but they’re also considered extremely low maintenance. Edmonton’s new home construction market also has plenty of affordable inventory to choose from. Did we mention that brand-new homes also come with a new home warranty?
See: Should You Buy a New Construction Home or a Pre-Owned Home?
Waterfront Homes – Waterfront homes offer pristine views and an ultra-recreation-friendly lifestyle – making them some of the most desirable real estate offerings in the capital region. Single-family waterfront homes may include everything from luxury lakeside cabins to any of Edmonton’s scenic stormwater ponds and/or lakeside recreational communities.
See also: Edmonton Community Spotlight: Summerside in Southeast Edmonton
Acreage Properties – Acreage single-family homes are the perfect option for those searching for a laid-back lifestyle. Located in a rural setting, these “country” properties allow homeowners to escape from the hustle and bustle of big-city life without forgoing desirable Edmonton amenities (including schools, shops, services and more).
Character Homes – Character houses are typically defined as homes built before 1940. Located in some of Edmonton’s oldest (and most desirable) neighbourhoods, these homes offer unique architectural details and plenty of charm! Large lots, mature landscaping and recent upgrades are also standard among character properties in the city.
Check out: 10 Questions to Ask Before Buying an Older Home
Infill Properties – In short, infill is the process by which older homes in older communities are removed in favour of new construction. Many home buyers opt for single-family infill homes so they can enjoy the best of both worlds between modern living in an “old-fashioned” neighbourhood.
See also: Edmonton’s Top Infill Communities
Luxury Homes – Edmonton is home to a broad selection of luxury home communities, particularly in Southwest Edmonton. Luxury properties in our city are generally priced around the $1 M+ mark. They may include everything from sprawling estate homes along the city’s outskirts to downtown luxury condos overlooking the North Saskatchewan River Valley.
Manufactured Homes – Unlike a traditional single-family home, manufactured homes are built off-site and transported or assembled on-site. Perfect for first-time buyers, downsizers and/or any buyer on a budget, these affordable models offer many of the same benefits as a detached home at a fraction of the cost.
See: 8 Surprising Features to Expect in a Modern Manufactured Home
Benefit 2 = No Shared Walls (or Floors)
Attached and semi-detached homes share at least one wall with a neighbouring unit (often more for apartment-style condos). While being close to your neighbours certainly has benefits, such as an increased sense of security, it may result in decreased sense of privacy. In addition, multi-family home developments are often overseen by a homeowner’s association (HOA) or condo board. While HOAs offer low-maintenance perks, they may place restrictions on your ability to personalize your home.
Benefit 3 = Plenty of Room to Grow
Single-family homes are typically bigger than their multi-family counterparts – making them ideal for growing families or those simply in search of a larger living space. On average, the majority of single-family homes in our city offer a minimum of three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,700 square feet of living space. Here too, detached home floor plans are often characterized by family-friendly spaces and features, including
- Open floor plans
- 5-piece spa-like ensuites – His and hers sinks, walk-in glass showers, soaker tubs, water closets, tile surround, in-floor heating, built-ins, etc.
- Entertainer’s kitchens– Stone countertops, eat-in islands, walk-in/through pantries, high-quality cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, modern fixtures, ample storage and counter space, etc.
- Spacious master bedrooms
- Generous walk-in closets
- Upper-floor laundry
- High ceilings
- Convenient mudrooms
- Dens/flex rooms/bonus rooms
- Multi-generational suites
- Fully finished basements/rec rooms
- Heated attached or detached garages
- And more!
Benefit 4 = More Outdoor Space
Speaking of room to grow, single-family homes tend to offer larger yards than attached or semi-detached homes. As such, detached homeowners can enjoy their own private outdoor space, perfect for children, pets and outdoor entertaining. Here too, detached yards may also come equipped with plenty of family-friendly features, such as:
- Decks and patios
- Outdoor kitchens
- Entertainment spaces
- Mature landscaping
- Garden spaces
- Underground sprinkler systems
- Additional storage (i.e. shed)
- Outdoor play areas
- And more!
Benefit 5 = Ample Storage
With more square footage comes more storage. Here again, single-family homes provide more room for families in terms of finished basements, garages and/or attic space. Walk-in closets, pantries and mudrooms are also ideal, in addition to built-in cabinetry, kitchen storage, outdoor sheds and more. From holiday decorations to kids’ toys and seasonal gear, single-family homes have the space to stow it all.
See also: 20 Things to Get Rid of When Decluttering Your Home
Benefit 6 = Your Choice of Community
Whether you’re hunting for a prestigious golf course community or a historic river valley neighbourhood, single-family homes are available in nearly every area and every quadrant of the city. For more information as to what Edmonton community will best meet your unique needs and lifestyle, be sure to take advantage of any (or all) of our FREE neighbourhood resources:
- Your Ultimate Guide to Edmonton Real Estate – From north to south, this comprehensive guide offers detailed information on every quadrant in Edmonton and the communities therein.
- Your All-In-One Guide to Choosing The Right Edmonton Neighbourhood – Whether you’re searching for a brand-new home in a new community or a renovated character property in one of the city’s established areas, this guide will help you zero in on the right neighbourhood for your needs.
- The Terry Paranych Group Dream Home Finder – Make your new home dream a reality with the help of our personalized Dream Home Finder.
Benefit 7 = Fantastic Resale Value
Due to their popularity, single-family homes tend to boast better resale values than other home styles available on the market. As a result, they’re almost always guaranteed to appreciate in value, meaning you’ll likely enjoy a healthy return on your initial investment. This is especially the case when homeowners invest in value-add renovations that include modern finishes and fixtures, improved storage capacity, energy-efficient systems and appliances and more.
Check out: The 7 Worst Home Renovations You Can Spend Your Money On
6 Signs You’re Ready For a Single-Family Home
1. You’re Bursting at the Seams: If you find yourself up to your eyeballs in stuff or tripping over one another, it may be time to consider a larger home that will meet your space and storage needs. Depending on your family’s needs, the City of Edmonton recommends aiming for 500 square feet of living space per person.
2. You Plan on Growing Your Family: Sure, you may have enough room now, but what about in a few years? If your future plans include getting married, having children or bringing extended family to your home, a larger home is a must.
3. Your Neighbourhood No Longer Suits Your Needs: Just as you can outgrow a home, you can outgrow a neighbourhood. Perhaps a job change has led to a longer commute to work, or your growing family is in want of better schools, services or recreation amenities. Whatever the case may be, the right community is essential to your happiness and quality of life.
5. You Enjoy Entertaining: If you love hosting, you’ll love living in a single-family home. Holiday dinners, outdoor barbeques, and friend and family get-togethers are so much easier when you have room to accommodate your guests comfortably. A few entertainment-friendly features to look forward to may include multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, open floor plans, formal dining and seating areas, decks and patios and more.
6. You Don’t Want to Renovate: Renovations can be both stressful and time-consuming. They can also be incredibly hard on your wallet. In fact, experts recommend setting aside 25% above your original renovation budget in case of any surprise costs. In many cases, it may be simpler to purchase a new home already suited to your needs.
7. You’re Missing Out on Popular Home Features: If you dream of the ultimate spa-like ensuite, a private home office or a heated, hobby-friendly garage, an upgrade to a bigger, better space may be in order.
Helpful Single-Home Buying Tips:
Get Pre-Approved – Know how much home you can afford before beginning your new home hunt. Not only will a pre-approval help you narrow down your new home search, but it will also ensure you’re taken more seriously by home sellers.
See also: Mortgage Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval: The Differences You Need to Know
Determine Your New Home Wants and Needs – In short, new home “wants” are the items that would be nice to have but can live without. Your new home “needs,” on the other hand, are your new home “must-haves” (i.e. the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage and proximity to work). This will give both you and your Edmonton REALTOR® a starting point for your new single-family home search.
Research the Neighbourhoods – Ask your Edmonton REALTOR® about which communities will best suit your current and future needs. We recommend visiting these prospective neighbourhoods at various times throughout the day before purchasing your home to minimize potential surprises later on.
See also: 6 Questions To Ask Yourself When Choosing a Neighbourhood
Work With a REALTOR® – Purchasing a home can be challenging even for the most seasoned home buyer. That’s why we recommend partnering with an experienced Edmonton REALTOR®.
Finding the Right REALTOR®
When looking for the right single-family home, working with an expert who understands the Edmonton single-family home market is vital. As one of Edmonton’s leading single-family home real estate teams, the Terry Paranych Real Estate Group has the skills, professionalism, and experience to guide you on your home buying journey from start to finish:
- Determining your single-family home wants and needs
- Getting pre-approved for the right mortgage
- Zero-ing in on the right neighbourhood
- Finding the right single-family home
- Negotiating with single-family home sellers
- Navigating paperwork and purchase details
- And more!
For more information, see: The Top 4 Realtor Myths Debunked
Check out our latest listings for more information on single-family homes for sale in Edmonton. We also invite you to take advantage of any one of our FREE home buying resources, including:
- The Terry Paranych Real Estate Group Buyer Guide – We’ll walk you through the home buying process from start to finish.
- 20 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Home – Save money, time and stress when purchasing your next home by avoiding these common home buying mistakes.
- A Step By Step Guide For Buying Your First Home – The ultimate guide to buying your first home in Edmonton.
- Six Essential Tips That Make Home Buying More Affordable – Our best-kept secrets to making your next home more affordable.
- The Terry Paranych Real Estate Group Home Buyer Blog – From mortgage and financial tips to home buying advice and market information, we are the go-to resource for all things home buying in Edmonton.
Related:
- How to Buy Your Next Home Before Selling Your Existing One
- The Additional Costs You Need to Prepare For When Buying a Home
- 5 Simple Steps For Buying Your Next Home
Photo credits: shutterstock.com
Tags: buyingCategorised in: Buying a Home
This post was written by Terry Paranych Real Estate Group