Home Realty: It's All In The Planning

Six benefits of buying in a master-planned development

There are many advantages to purchasing a home that’s part of a master-planned community. Here is a rundown on the top six reasons why you may want to consider buying your next abode in one of these communities.WELL THOUGHT OUTMaster-planned developments typically incorporate amenities and retail stores, all of which make life within them more enjoyable. The developer also tends to have a longer-term commitment to these communities, so is therefore more likely to produce better-quality housing, which translates into less maintenance over the lifetime of these homes, and higher resale values if and when the time comes to sell.GOOD LOCATIONS Master-planned communities tend to be built in better areas, neighbourhoods that are located within close reach of quality schools, transportation and transit networks, shops and services and recreational options. And while these communities are situated nearby to everything, in the case of lowrise neighbourhoods, they’re also designed so that traffic within them is controlled, providing peace of mind for residents who don’t need to worry about living on a busy or noisy street.VARIETY Builders of master-planned communities ensure that these neighbourhoods have a cohesive and consistent design, while also making certain there is enough design variety that they don’t end up looking like cookie-cutter developments. Architects create a selection of product types, from detached homes to townhouses to multi-family buildings, and these homes employ a blend of building materials so the product is appealing to the eye but also works well within the development’s surroundings and context.AMENITIES GALORE Master-planned developments usually have a wide selection of amenities. In the case of midrise or highrise projects, this includes party rooms, pools, gyms, entertainment and media rooms. Many condo developments are also incorporating more outdoor amenities such as green spaces, rooftop terraces and communal gardens.SENSE OF COMMUNITY All those aforementioned amenities mean that a master-planned development tends to feel more like a real community, with the residents believing they are a part of something bigger than themselves. In the case of lowrise neighbourhoods, children playing in the parks or on the playgrounds will generally be attending the same schools, and their parents are more likely running into one another at the community centre or while shopping. This can lead to neighbourhood barbecues and get-togethers at each other’s homes. In a condo building, residents will meet in the gym or entertainment rooms and make connections there.LASTING VALUEHomes within master-planned developments typically have greater value over the long term as a result of their ample amenities and quality locations, plus the fact that the units are built with quality and cohesive design in mind.Debbie Cosic, CEO and founder of In2ition Realty, has worked in all facets of the real estate industry for over 25 years. She has sold and overseen the sale of over $15 billion worth of real estate and, with Debbie at the helm, In2ition has become one of the fastest-growing and most innovative new home and condo sales companies. In2ition has received numerous awards from the Building Industry and Land Development Association and the National Association of Home Builders.