Condos

SoBa Ottawa - Live Stream of Construction Progress

**For updated information about SoBa Condos, check out the dedicated section with regularly updated construction and sales information. CLICK HERE to view.**

Soba Condos Ottawa Livestream Construction

For those unable to drive by to see the progress of the construction at SoBa on Catherine Street, Jimmy Joners currently has set up a live stream of the site. 

Questions about SoBA or Lamb Development? I would love to help get you an answer.

Selling Downtown Lifestyle - Candlelight Yoga

candlelight yoga ottawa condo

In an attempt to show just how relaxing a space can be, we held a candlelight yoga session at dusk inside the sub penthouse listing inside Mondrian. It was such a great experience and helped us bring more attention to this beautiful Ottawa Condo. We focus on selling lifestyle, but more specifically the lifestyle that a person would have by living in that building, or that unit.

Want to chat about selling your space? I would love to help, contact Matt.

When Do I Have To Pay The Deposit?

Deposit structure ottawa condos.jpg

Question: When do I have to pay the deposit when I am purchasing a pre-construction condo through the developer?

Every condominium project in Ottawa will have a different deposit structure, however the typical deposit required is 20% paid in four instalments.

Example based on a $350,000 purchase price:

At time of signing - $5,000 
30 days from signing - Balance up to 5% - $12,500
90 days from signing - Another 5% - $17,500
180 days from signing - Another 5% - $17,500
Occupancy - Another 5% - $17,500

Total paid is the 20% deposit which (based on $350,000 purchase price) is $70,000.

Keep in mind that every condo development is different, and the deposit structure even might change from initial launch to nearing completion. Builders typically require higher deposits at the beginning of a project, as the bank that is financing the building will have set out requirements in order to start construction. As the project gets underway, the developer typically has more room to negotiate amounts and dates, with extensions or even reducing the amounts. 

Have a question about deposits or purchasing a pre construction condo here in Ottawa? I would love to chat!

What Is The Ten Day Cooling Off Period?

pre construction cooling off period Ottawa

As per the Ontario Condominium Act, each developer has certain restrictions and rules to follow that are in place protect you, the consumer. When you buy a newly-built condo direct from the developer, you have the right to cancel the purchase within a 10 calendar day cooling-off period. This was put in place so when on launch day you get all caught up in the hype and excitement, you are still able to make sure you don't have any buyers remorse. Just remember that there is no cooling off period on re-sale condominiums.

Things to be aware of:
- The clock on the 10 day period starts from the time you receive a copy of the fully signed purchase and sale agreement OR the disclosure statement, which ever comes later.
- You also have the right to cancel a sales agreement within 10 days after any "material change" (significant change) to the disclosure statement.
- If you decide to cancel, the developer must refund any deposit plus any interest that may be payable.
- A developer is not able to terminate your purchase and sale agreement without your consent or a court order.

During the 10 day cooling off period we highly suggest that you:
- Have your lawyer to review the agreement and discuss any concerns that you might have about the purchase or the agreement. This is the time to request any changes to the agreement, not once the cooling off period is over.
- Speak to your mortgage broker and ensure you are pre-approved for the purchase. Keep in mind the closing date and get in writing that they are able to do a rate hold till your closing. Not all mortgage brokers and banks are able to do long rate holds for pre-construction condos in Ottawa.

More questions? I would love to help you find the answer! Contact Matt.

Genworth's Metropolitan Condo Outlook - Winter 2015

Screen Shot 2015-03-27 at 3.25.52 PM.png

Genworth and the Conference Board of Canada has released the 2015 winter edition of its apartment condominium study that looks at eight metropolitan areas, including Ottawa.

For the full report and in depth look into Ottawa and the other areas, click here.

"Although inventories remained high in 2014, Ottawa apartment building permits nearly doubled during the six months to December 2014 compared with their year-earlier levels. As a result, the new apartment condominium market is set to pick up again in 2015, with starts forecast to increase by 9.9 per cent. In fact, construction is already under way on a number of new buildings this year, including The Bowery condominiums and Claridge’s Icon condominiums in Little Italy. The Icon condominium building will be Ottawa’s tallest. But this title may not last long. A new development proposed by Richcraft Homes, also in the Little Italy neighbourhood, would see the construction of three new towers, the biggest of which would be 55 storeys tall. Starts are expected to keep rising from 2016 to 2019, growing by a forecast average of 1.2 per cent per year. Absorptions are set to decline this year and next, albeit from a 2014 record high, and then begin to rise through the next few years, helping to whittle down inventories." - taken from the report.

Gotham Showcases Modern Industrial In Four Models - Ottawa Citizen

Gotham-exterior-2.jpg

The Ottawa Citizen looks at the four models that are opening to the public tomorrow March 14th, inside the Gotham Condos. Of the 240 units in the building, only 40 suites remain, with pricing starting at $262,900 up to $451,900. Built by Lamb Development, the building is starting occupancy March 24th, 2015. Questions about Gotham? I would love to help.


Gotham Showcases Modern Industrual In Four Models
Patrick Langston - Ottawa Citizen
March 13, 2015 

Condo buyers anxious for a taste of life at Lamb Development’s much-anticipated Gotham — a name that evokes robust images of both New York City and Batman — can do so Saturday when four model suites open to the public.

The models, ranging from 497 to 922 square feet, feature strong industrial accents such as exposed concrete as well as generous glazing and contemporary decor.

The 17-storey building of glass, steel and black brick towers over a mostly low-rise neighbourhood at the corner of Gloucester and Lyon streets.

The project has sold well since it launched four years ago: only 40 of its 240 units remain available, and the builder may keep some of those unsold condos as rentals. Penthouses and “glasshouses” (spectacular, glass-enclosed units) have all sold.

Construction was slowed by this winter’s extreme cold, but company president Brad Lamb says buyers are expected to take occupancy by March 24.

The remaining units will be sold four at a time, and there will always be a quartet of model suites for viewing. Lamb calls the approach a “patient” way of selling. Keeping your customers a little hungry is also a smart way of selling.

Available suites at the time of writing range from $262,900 to $451,900.

The model suites embody the company’s fondness for contemporary, industrial-tinged design, according to Lamb.

“We want to be edgier in all our units: we use exposed concrete; nine-foot ceilings, sometimes higher; modern, clean finishes. We don’t want anything historically oriented; it’s always to the future.”

Lamb says the models target Ottawa’s main condo market: young singles, young couples, the occasional 50-plus pair without children. 

“Our goal is to deliver in every market the best units in the middle-class range.”

The project will include seven condo townhomes with private patios and 20-foot-plus ceilings in the living/dining rooms. Five of the seven homes have sold.

The models

Loft 08/09: The one-bedroom, 497-square-foot unit may be the smallest of the four models but, like all the condos at Gotham, the shotgun-style layout captures some of the great outdoors thanks to the wall of glass in the living/dining/kitchen area. The expanse of glazing includes a patio door leading to the standard-issue balcony with its gas barbecue hookup.

The kitchen features stainless-steel appliances including a gas stove, and the sleek, white Euro-style cabinetry matches the quartz countertop. The finishes in the models are all standard features, says Lamb.

The bath and bedroom, the latter with three walls only and simply decorated to reduce clutter, sit between the entry and the main living area.

An exposed concrete wall runs the length of the model, which is priced at $262,900.

Loft 10: With both a den and a bedroom, this unit maxes out its modest 648 square feet.

The den, just off the entry, sets the contemporary tone with its exposed concrete wall, black-and-white photo of a manual typewriter, and a metal-and-glass floor lamp.

A round wooden table set with white candles and surrounded by wood and-blue fabric chairs lends warmth to the living area with its one concrete wall and ceiling that are Lamb standards.

The bedroom’s sliding, frosted-glass door would provide privacy if you had a guest sleeping on a pull-out couch in the adjacent living room.

This unit is $317,900.

Loft 11/12: Another bedroom-plus-den unit, but at 751 square feet, this one has extras such as a four-piece bath with access from both the bedroom and den.

The kitchen, which is just off the foyer, has an elegant feel thanks to the blend of charcoal grey cabinetry and white countertops.

“I think we build the most beautiful washrooms and kitchens in any market,” says Lamb. “They’re like art.”

The suite, which sells for $357,900, features dark wood flooring and striking furniture, like a metal and timber credenza.

Loft 07: At 922 square feet, this unit has room for a den, a bedroom large enough for a compact tub chair in one corner, a four-piece ensuite with an undermount sink, and, just off the foyer, a powder room.

Contemporary reigns in the living area with metal basket dining chairs, a gleaming white laminate credenza, and low-slung steel and fabric easy chairs.

The kitchen sports a large island with a double, undermount sink and contemporary fixtures. The backsplash is light grey subway tile.

The unit costs $451,900.

In the area

It’s a short walk to everything from Bank Street’s restaurants and stores to parks like the one overlooking the National Library of Canada. For those with a green thumb, there are a couple of nearby community gardens, including one at Nanny Goat Hill at Laurier and Bronson.

Gotham

What: 240 condo units in a 17-storey downtown tower. Also an adjacent seven-unit townhome condo development.

Builder: Lamb Development Corporation

Prices: Apartments that will be available as of Saturday start at $262,900. Condo fees: 42 cents a square foot. Parking, $35,900.

Sales centre: 224 Lyon St.

Hours: Monday to Wednesday, noon to 6 p.m.; Thursday, 3 to 8 p.m.; weekends, noon to 5 p.m. Closed Fridays. (Model viewings by appointment only.)

Information: 613-257-8887gothamottawa.com

Ottawa Citizen Feature - Perks Help New Centretown Condo Sell Quickly

Ottawa Citizen Condo sold

This past weekends Ottawa Citizen that profiled a recent sale. Click here for the online version. 

Perks Help New Centretown Condo Sell Quickly
Jennifer Campbell - Ottawa Citizen - March 3rd 2015

Location: Tribeca, 179 Metcalfe St., Unit 1607
Features: Large and stylish one-bedroom, one-bathroom. Price included parking, hardwood floors and storage locker.
Asking price: $354,900
Selling price: $348,000
Days on market: 25

Word from the sales rep: “This is a unit that shows beautifully, with stunning views looking south over the city, and we priced it competitively,” says Matt Richling, a condo sales rep at Re/Max Metro-City Realty. “The Tribeca (built by Claridge) is brand new, with some of the best amenities in the city, and the perfect location. Add this all up, and it’s no wonder the buyer fell in love.” (The buyer was represented by David O’Reilly at Keller Williams Ottawa.)

What’s good about the ’hood: Walking distance to the ByWard Market, Elgin Street, Rideau Canal, Glebe, Chinatown and Parliament Hill.

Minto Vibe at Lansdowne Now SOLD Out!

The Vibe, located at 118 Holmwood and Bank, is officially sold out. The Vibe is the first of two towers for Minto's Lansdowne project. The Vibe was a 13 storey, 125 unit, building with commercial space in the lower levels. Minto has a good history of building condos with The Metropole and Ampersand here in Ottawa, among others (in Ottawa, Toronto, and Florida). 

There are only twelve units available out of the 280 from both towers. Most of these condos are one plus dens, two plus dens, and some penthouse units that remain. Prices range from $424,900 for a 764sqft west facing unit, up to $1.3M for the 2002sqft northwest facing penthouse.

Fortress Real Developments - Market Manuscript Spring 2015

Fortress Real Estate Manuscript Spring 2015

Fortress Real Developments, has now released the third edition of their semi-annual Market Manuscript. This is the third edition which is an in-depth analysis of available real estate data and projections, delineated by market, and grounded in solid research. It profiles the Canadian Market as a whole along with individual markets such as Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg, along with local and national trends.

The 50 page report is written by analyst Ben Myers, a 15 year veteran of researching real estate markets across North America. "There are a lot of conflicting reports on the real estate market. These studies rely on oversimplified calculations, which lead to misleading results. It is important for both buyers and sellers to know who to trust," says Myers. "That's why we put this Manuscript together: to promote the best analysts, and dispel common misconceptions."

Highlights include:

  • No one thinks there will be a national crash: Despite the predictions of doomsayers, nearly two-thirds of analysts now believe that there is less than a five per cent chance of a housing correction over the next five years. Indeed, RBC Global Asset Management even believes that Canadian house prices are undervalued by four per cent.
  • Analysts disagree on the definition of a housing bubble: Survey results indicate no consensus on the level of price growth that suggests a bubble, with a need for speculative buyers to be included in that definition. Foreign condominium buyers are not bad for Canada, and analysts concur that they will not immediately flee the market should house prices decline drastically.
  • Ottawa is expected to rebalance in 2015:  Although data providers have reported divergent results of year-over-year price growth, the fundamentals – employment growth – are still positive. Condominium apartment prices and absorption should improve, following a rare period of overbuilding and over exuberance in the typically staid market in the nation's capital.

Download the full report HERE.

Note* Fortress Real Developments is involved with Gotham Ottawa, SoBa Condos, the upcoming Bronson, among others outside of Ottawa.

*taken from the Market Manuscript Spring 2015

*taken from the Market Manuscript Spring 2015

Domicile Names Main Street Project: The Corners On Main

The Corners On Main Domicile Condos Ottawa

Domicile has announced that the project located at 141 Main Street will officially be called "The Corners On Main". Announced through Facebook and on Twitter, the local Ottawa builder also linked to the promotional page which includes some history on the location. See the Domicile page here, or check out our write up.

The Corners On Main Logo Condos

The Corners On Main is/was planned to start selling early 2015, with occupancy planned for 2017. Phase one and phase two each plan to include 70 units ranging from 600 to 1250sqft, 140 total units plus commercial space.

Domicile Ottawa The Corners On Main Condos

Tamarack Wellington - Construction Update

Tamarack Wellington Ottawa Condo Construction

Tamarack Home's newest building Tamarack Wellington, a 52 unit, six floor building, designed by Barry J. Hobin, will be starting construction this Monday, March 9th. Located at 1140 Wellington Street West, the building is set for completion mid 2016. Currently 37% sold out, with floor plans across every floor still available.

Here is the full memo released by Tamarack:

WEEK OF MARCH 2ND, 2015 - BREAKING GROUND

Overview:
After overcoming some final hurdles to obtain our Building Permit, we are now officially ready to start Construction! Taggart Construction has mobilized on site and are completing some exploratory work in preparation to commence shoring and excavation work next week.

On Monday March 9th, our shoring contractor will begin to drill and install piles along the perimeter of the site. You will see a large drill rig on site that will be used to drill and drive the piles into the earth. As we install the piles, we will be removing earth and installing lagging to support the extent of the excavation. This portion of the work will take roughly 2-3 weeks to complete.

What to expect during this stage of construction?

-Increased site activity. You will see delivery trucks, equipment being delivered, and increased activity of individual workers on Site. Safety is our number one priority. We will ensure that every truck entering and leaving the site does so with traffic control present.

-Noise caused by drilling and driving piles into the earth will be evident. This is typical construction practice and should not disrupt daily activity for nearby residents and businesses. Noise will only be heard during conventional hours of Construction (7am-5pm).

-Removal of earth will be ongoing but infrequent. Due to the infrequency of loads traffic should not be impacted.

-Removal of trees – We are required to remove four existing trees at the east end of our property, bordering the Grace Hospital. We will be replacing these trees with a mix of new species that will enhance the natural landscape of the area.

What’s next?

-Installation of Site Servicing at the east end of our Site is schedule to commence on March 23rd. We will update the blog as dates become firm.

-Line drilling and rock blasting is scheduled to commence on March 30th. We will be sharing a detailed blasting schedule and blasting protocol as we approach this stage of the work.

Thank you all for your ongoing patience and support!

Sincerely,
Tamarack Wellington Construction Team

SoBa Condos - Model Suite Furniture Sale - This Saturday

SoBa Furniture Sale Ottawa Condos

**For updated information about SoBa Condos, check out the dedicated section with regularly updated construction and sales information. CLICK HERE to view.**

In preparation for the start of construction, Lamb Development Corp. is selling off the furniture in the model suite at SoBa (203 Catherine St). The sale will take place this Saturday from 12noon till 4pm. They are offering up to 65% off retail price for furniture, kitchen cabinetry, fixtures, appliances, as well as the bathroom fixtures and lighting. Brands include UpCountry, italinteriors, klaus, Teknion, Visitor Parking, Home Atelier, and plan b. Note: Cash only, and all sales are final.

This sale will allow the construction crew to move the sales centre on March 1st, so that construction can begin.

Pets In Ottawa Condos

A renovated condo at 324 Laurier Ave by Kariouk Associates featuring dog bowl (repurposed urinal).

A renovated condo at 324 Laurier Ave by Kariouk Associates featuring dog bowl (repurposed urinal).

When working with a client, one of the common questions I receive about a building or a property is regarding pets, and are they allowed in the building. While most buildings in Ottawa allow pets, there are a few condo buildings that have pet restrictions. If you are looking to buy and have a four legged friend, there are a few things to note before you sign on the dotted line.

Tell your agent. Before you head out looking, make sure to express to your agent that you have a pet, and that you will be taking the pet with you. While most buildings will be okay with pets, some are not, and it would be best to know before falling in love with a unit. Your agent will know, or be able to find out what the stance of the building is on pets. 

Tell your lawyer. While the lawyer is reviewing the status certificate, they will review the bylaws of the building. This is when they would be able to tell you that there are certain bylaws that restrict pets, certain pets, or not at all. Even if your agent has given the go ahead, a second set of eyes that can ensure the building is okay with pets, never hurts. 

Matt and his partner with their Weim "Ella"

Matt and his partner with their Weim "Ella"

Keep in mind - you might see an owner with a dog in the lobby, but that doesn't mean pets are allowed. Rules are constantly changing, and it is always best to consult the building bylaws for the correct and up to date rules. EXAMPLE: 199 Kent Street or Kent Towers, has recently changed the ruling for dogs in the building. However a number of owners had pets already, so they were "grandfathered" which would allow them to stay even though the building has a pet restriction.

Other restrictions might be size or weight of the pet ( no pets over 50lbs, or some even 25.5lbs!). Some buildings restrict amount of pets (no more than one pet), height restriction (20 inches or less), and even type of pet. 

Are you a pet owner looking to make a move, and not sure if the condo life will work? We lived in our condo when we had Ella as a puppy. I would love to answer any questions!

Best Day Of The Week To List My Condo?

Ask any agent when the best time of year to sell and you will get two answers (usually), being "Yesterday" and the other more obvious "Spring and Fall". However what about the best day of the week? Typically there is no rhyme or reason that any certain day of the week is better than the other. However I seem to have a few ideas and Ill explain why. (Over thinking it? just maybe...)

First off, a few things to remember about what happens when a property is listed. I typically plan anywhere from four to seven days in advance (or less, really depends on the owner), to be able to have time to create all the marketing materials, get the photographer in, photos processed, etc. So a day here or there can be picked in advance, not just at random. When we list a property on our back end site (MLXchange), it immediately sends out an auto-notification email to any buyer who has a criteria setup  that matches that property. This notification email is a significant, and is a huge tool we rely on, especially during busy buyer months. Depending on the property you can match to 300 or even over 1000 different buyers, being hand delivered to each buyer, with all the information. Then within usually 24 hours, the property is uploaded to the full MLS or Realtor.ca.

Mid Week Theory

Typically the busiest time of the week for showings is during the weekend. This is when most people are going to be out looking (not at work), and have the flexibility to drive around. As an agent, we typically will book all these appointments the day or so before (usually Friday - if we have that much notice). Which means we send the property search results to our clients the day or so before that, for them to browse through and decide which ones they want to see. SO, if you list a property mid week, Tuesday, Wednesday or even Thursday, then you will be able to get many of the people who are going to be booking for the weekend.

After Work or Weekend Theory

For these auto notification emails to be effective, they need to be opened, and read. This means not only must they have photos (HUGE NO NO, why list if you don't have photos??), but also the buyers attention when the email is sent. If I am a buyer at work when the email comes and I can't focus on it, I will either miss/ignore it, or archive it. However if I am not in the middle of something the chances of me reading that email, and looking at the property are much greater. So the other theory is to list a property in the after work hours or on the weekend when you are less stressed about work, and more able to have the time to read the emails.  

Yesterday

While all marketing materials need time to be created, there are always buyers who are currently looking and placing offers. What if the perfect buyer for your condo placed an offer on another one last night, or today? ..... !

Basically there is no perfect answer, or at least for now, and we can only just guess at what makes the most sense. Do you have a suggestion to the best day of the week? I would love to hear it.

Need A Parking Spot? What To Expect!

If you purchased a condo in Ottawa with only one parking spot (or without any spot), and now need a second spot, there are a number of different ways to go about it.

Many developers place a limit on which units are able to purchase parking, and many buildings have much fewer parking to condo units. For those who need parking, it can add an additional and difficult check box to tick off when looking to buy. Often it can be easier to focus on which unit you want first, and then acquire parking after you close. For those who need parking, there are a number of different ways to get a parking spot. depending on if you need a shorter solution, or a more permanent one, you are able to rent or even buy a spot.

Renting

For many, renting a parking spot is the easiest way to acquire parking in the building. Renting makes it affordable, and less of a financial commitment. A parking spot can range from $80 to over $200 per month, per spot. There are many factors that can determine the cost of a spot in Ottawa such as the location of the building, which floor the spot is located on, distance to elevator, and if their are any fans or pipes that block part of the space. Supply and demand can also influence the price (more spots = lower price). Usually parking spots for rent can be found on notice boards, by asking security or concierge, or even  found in the building's facebook group. 

TIP: Often if you are able to pay up front for a longer period of time, you can get additional savings.

Buying

While not easy for many to do, the other option to acquire a parking spot is to purchase one. In order to do this, the building must have each unit, parking, and locker, registered under separate PINS. This allows each unit, parking, or locker to be sold separately. Typically cost is between $30,000 to $35,000 but depending on the building and location of the spot, the price does range. Keep in mind that it is open to negotiation, so if the seller really needs to sell, then you might get a good deal.

The main issue with buying the spot, is how you will have to pay for it. Essentially you need to pay cash for the parking spot, and most people do not have an extra $35,000 just laying around. If you are like most and do not have a large hidden supply of cash, or if your dream condo does not have a parking spot, you might still be in luck. PPPI Mortgages, or Purchase Price Plus Improvements is a product that will allow the bank to finance the purchase the parking spot into the mortgage, since it will improve the overall value of the unit. Keep in mind there are a number of regulations and rules, so speak to a mortgage broker if this interests you.

Things To Remember

While for many that work downtown, it might seem like a perfect solution to the parking problem to rent one of the available spots from a near by condo building. However, many (if not all) condo corporations have by-laws in place that restrict someone from owning, renting, or purchasing, if they do not reside in the building. So if you have a spot to rent or sell, remember that you will need to sell it so someone who lives in the building.

If you have any questions about parking, or Ottawa condos in general, I would love to chat. Click Here.

What Is Interim Occupancy? And What Are These Fees?

Gotham Condo in Ottawa that is under construction.

Gotham Condo in Ottawa that is under construction.

Typically when you purchase a pre-construction condominium here in Ottawa you will be given two different dates, the interim occupancy date and the closing date.  Let's try and explain the difference between the two and what how exactly they come up with the fee amount.

The Closing Date and Interim Occupancy?

The closing date is when the ownership of the condominium unit is registered and transfered over to the buyer (you) from the builder. This registration cannot take place until all the units in the condominium building have reached a degree of construction (as set out in the regulations of the Condo Act).  However, before the building is registered many of the units will be substantially complete and will already have obtained the occupancy permits from the city. This allows the builder to move the owners in, without the owner having ownership of the unit. It is standard for a developer to require the buyer to take occupancy before the buyer gets ownership, and will be written out in the agreement of purchase and sale.

 Fee?

Section 80(4) of the Condo Act allows a developer to charge a monthly occupancy fee to the buyer upon occupancy of the condo unit. The monthly fee may include;

- Interest on the balance of the purchase price at the rate of interest that the bank of Canada has most recently reported as the chartered bank rate for a conventional one year mortgage rate.
- An amount reasonably estimated (on a monthly basis) for municipal taxes, for that unit.
- The projected monthly common expenses contribution, for that unit.

Essentially it is roughly what you would be paying, but just to the builder. None of these fees goes against your mortgage, property taxes etc. Keep in mind that you are not the legal owner of the condo unit yet, and there is no condo corporation to pay any fees to. 

Your Rights During Occupancy

During the interim occupancy period, the developer has a number of rules (as per section 80(6) of the Condo Act) that they have to follow and that the buyer must follow. These include:

- The developer shall repair and maintain the property and the unit in the same manner as the future condo corporation, which will maintain the building and units after registration of the corporation.
- The developer may withhold consent to an assignment of the right to occupy the unit.
- The developer may charge a reasonable fee for consenting to any assignment of the occupancy.
- The developer must (within 30 days of registration), notify the buyer in writing of the date and information of the registration, (unless the buyer receives a registrable deed to the unit).
- The buyer is able to pay the entire balance of the purchase price, on the date of interim occupancy, in order to reduce or eliminate the interest component of the monthly occupancy fee that the developer can charge.

Do you have a specific question about occupancy and interim occupancy fees? I would love to chat! 

Richcraft Joins The Tallest Condo in Ottawa Battle!

Richcraft Little Italy Towers

Next week Richcraft is going to be in front of the planning committee to get approval for the tallest condo building in Ottawa. The building will be located at 845 Carling, one of three buildings they are hoping to construct on the site which is the old Dow's Honda location. 

From Ottawa Citizen Article

From Ottawa Citizen Article

Currently approved and now under construction, Claridge's Icon holds (or will hold?!) the title for tallest condo building in Ottawa sitting at 45 storeys. Richcraft is hoping for a 55 storey(180 meters) building, along side a 45 storey (148 meters) and 18 storey (66 meters) sister towers, all containing approximately 1120 units, with 6,800 sq meters of ground floor commercial space.  Currently the entire Carling/Preston area is zoned for 31 storeys, which was approved last summer.

The main issue at this point seems to be over parking. Minimum parking for the complex is 675 residential spaces (91 commercial), however Richcraft is looking for an extra 100 spaces (766 in total plus the 91 commercial). The builder is also looking for an increase in bicycle parking spots to 566. Plus this complex will have direct access to the O-Train's Carling station, raising questions as to why the extra spots. 

Little Italy Richcraft Tower

Link to the Zoning Amendment

Link to the Wind Study

Any questions about pre-construction condos? I would love to chat!

Claridge Icon - Construction Started - Sales Update

Photo from Claridge Icon Facebook Page

Photo from Claridge Icon Facebook Page

Claridge Icon Construction 2.jpg

Construction has officially started on the Claridge's Little Italy tower, Icon. Currently the tallest to condo tower in Ottawa at 45 storeys and 420 feet high (until Richcraft steals the title), which will see construction continue for the next four years (December 3rd, 2018).

Currently with about 25% sold, or about 80 units, Claridge is very confident that with the amount of time to build the project, they will have no issue in selling all of the units.

For more information on the project, visit the website ClaridgeIcon.com.

If you have any questions about this project, or pre-construction condos in Ottawa, click the button below.

Byward Market to see Andaz Hotel = What does it mean for Ottawa?

News broke yesterday when Claridge VP Neil Malhotra tweeted "We're very pleased to announce and welcome the first Andaz Hotel to Canada". Which set off a small tweet-fest, mostly of support in favour of the ritzy chain to come to Ottawa.

The hotel itself will be 200-rooms, expected to open in 2016, and will be the first Andaz-branded hotel in Canada. Currently under construction, it is a great addition to the area. Much needed in fact, which has not seen much attention from developers as it has in the past number of years.

Besides the hotel, Claridge will also be looking to build a 22 storey residential tower, that will tower over the 15 storey hotel. While still early in the planning it will certainly interesting to see the reaction from the current residents. It is not that tall, in comparison to previous and nearby towers. 

Both towers will certainly help bring back the glory of the Byward Market, especially with marketing dollars being spent to sell the area. Will be interesting to see things moving forward.

Ottawa Citizen Article Here

Nest Thermostat + Hydro One

Nest Thermostat Ottawa

Nest has now teamed up with Hydro One to help you save more energy, plus it can pay you up to $125. Keep seeing more and more in homes and condos around Ottawa (such as 124 Pretoria Ave), and have had it in my place for a couple years now (and LOVE it). You can sign up HERE for the program.

From Nest:
Hydro One will give you a $100 cheque per Nest Learning Thermostat when you sign up for Nest Rush Hour Rewards and Seasonal Savings. You’ll get another $25 after you complete a series of 3 surveys about the program. 

Rush Hour Rewards can help you use less electricity during peak energy rush hours while still keeping you cool and comfortable. While everyone else is cranking up the air conditioning, it can automatically cool your home ahead of time or make minor temperature tweaks to your thermostat schedule. If you don’t like a temperature that Nest sets, you can change it at any time. 

You may not even notice it working, but Seasonal Savings can help you save up to 10% on heating and cooling bills. Every summer and winter, Seasonal Savings slowly fine-tunes the temperatures in your schedule to save energy.