From one strong year to another
By NextHome Staff
January 15, 2020
January 15, 2020
The days are shorter, we wake up and go home in the dark, snow is often on the horizon, and the holiday season is now behind us. And, yet again, the seven-year cycle is defied; year 22 of the real estate cycle has come and gone. The market remains great for buyers, as the choices are out there and buying remains the right choice for those who can.Indeed, 2019 was another strong year for the condo market. Even as new condos have increased in price in recent years, they still remain a more affordable option than detached homes, which remain somewhat scarce and pricey.
However, navigating throughout the GTA remains a challenge, given traffic and transit issues, and looks like it will for a while. New subway lines and public transit – both very necessary – are great, but these infrastructure improvements can't come fast enough to keep pace with the new home and condo demand.Despite these challenges, 2019 is highlighted by stories of very strong sales in the condo world. Downtown Toronto, Vaughan, midtown and some impressive new projects throughout the 905 region and beyond are set to rise soon. The market keeps growing.In 2019, the housing market overall continued to rebound, as prices settled into place and buyers took advantage. Townhomes and urban (stacked) townhomes became a more prevalent housing type, as they appeared throughout parts of the GTA and were well received by new-home buyers.One particular success story in this market segment, in a neighbourhood close to my North York roots, is Sheppard West. Steps from the Sheppard subway, a new community known as Greenwich Village will be taking shape next year. A dozen or so bungalows that front onto Sheppard will soon be demolished, welcoming approximately 150 new urban and traditional townhomes offering top-of-the-line finishes, two- and three-storey homes offering two- and three-bedroom variations, starting in the $700,000 range, a fraction of what it costs to buy a resale home in this established neighbourhood.Concrete construction, flexible home designs and clever architecture make this new community a very special place to be, and what will undoubtedly be an important addition to a neighbourhood that should continue to appreciate. Just the right opportunity at the right time, something that allows people to stay in or come to a valuable neighbourhood at an attractive price. Something we dearly need throughout our desirable city.
However, navigating throughout the GTA remains a challenge, given traffic and transit issues, and looks like it will for a while. New subway lines and public transit – both very necessary – are great, but these infrastructure improvements can't come fast enough to keep pace with the new home and condo demand.Despite these challenges, 2019 is highlighted by stories of very strong sales in the condo world. Downtown Toronto, Vaughan, midtown and some impressive new projects throughout the 905 region and beyond are set to rise soon. The market keeps growing.In 2019, the housing market overall continued to rebound, as prices settled into place and buyers took advantage. Townhomes and urban (stacked) townhomes became a more prevalent housing type, as they appeared throughout parts of the GTA and were well received by new-home buyers.One particular success story in this market segment, in a neighbourhood close to my North York roots, is Sheppard West. Steps from the Sheppard subway, a new community known as Greenwich Village will be taking shape next year. A dozen or so bungalows that front onto Sheppard will soon be demolished, welcoming approximately 150 new urban and traditional townhomes offering top-of-the-line finishes, two- and three-storey homes offering two- and three-bedroom variations, starting in the $700,000 range, a fraction of what it costs to buy a resale home in this established neighbourhood.Concrete construction, flexible home designs and clever architecture make this new community a very special place to be, and what will undoubtedly be an important addition to a neighbourhood that should continue to appreciate. Just the right opportunity at the right time, something that allows people to stay in or come to a valuable neighbourhood at an attractive price. Something we dearly need throughout our desirable city. | Mark Cohen is a founding partner of The Condo Store Marketing Systems, a firm specializing in the design, marketing and sales of condo and new home communities in and outside of the GTA. |