Top three Ottawa condo buildings for Young Professionals

As a young professional who is working and living in Ottawa, only the best will do. Work hard, play hard is more than just a saying for you, it's your way of life. Last thing you want, are constant complaints from your neighbour because the walls are too thin, or issues with the condo board. With over 900 condo buildings across Ottawa, we have narrowed this down to a select few. 

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3. Mondrian Condos - 324 Laurier Ave. West

Mondrian, with its "rooftop" (6th floor) outdoor pool, complete with Miami-esq cabanas, large party room and concierge has been the choice of YP's looking for a place to call home. The units them selves are open concept and modern with floor to ceiling windows, exposed concrete pillars and columns, and decently sized. Great location for those working in the downtown core.

Location: 324 Laurier Ave. West, at Bank st.
Builder: Urban Capital (Toronto)
Year Built: 2009
Conceirge: Yes. 9-5 with security nights and weekends
Pool: Yes, Outdoors. Not for lap swimming.
Party Room: Decent sized with large sitting area, kitchen, dining table, TV, and pool table.
Gym: Yes 
BBQ: Yes, shared. Also has outdoor dining table. Electric BBQ's allowed on unit balcony.
Parking: Underground, and heated
Balconies: All units, except two per floor that do not ("07" and "08")
Elevators: Three high speed
Visitor Parking: None in building, paid lot beside entrance.
Demographic: Full mix
 

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2. Central Condo Complex (all three phases) - 354 Gladstone and 349 McLeod, 360 McLeod, and currently under construction Hideaway

Central Condos is a mix of three phases, 354 Gladstone and 349 Mcleod make up phase one (two addresses allow the large U shaped building to have two entrances, mailboxes, etc.), 360 Mcleod which is phase 2, and the third phase which is under construction called Hideaway. Same feel and flow as the Mondrian, but 4 years newer, and reflected in the updated finishings throughout the building.  

Location: Bank st, at Gladstone St. and McLeod St.
Builder: Urban Capital (Toronto)
Year Built: 2012, 2014, 2015
Conceirge: Yes. Each phase has its own, 9-5 with security nights and weekends
Pool: Outdoor pool in Phase 3, for residents of phase two and three only.
Party Room: Each phase has independant room. Decent sized with large sitting area, kitchen, dining table, TV, and pool table.
Gym: Yes 
BBQ: Yes, shared. Electric BBQ's allowed on unit balcony.
Parking: Underground, and heated
Balconies: Yes, few floor plans per building without
Elevators: Two high speed per building
Visitor Parking: None in building, paid lot beside entrance.
Demographic: Mix, 20-40yrs old

1. SoHo Lisgar - 300 Lisgar

SOHO Lisgar is Ottawa's second for Mastercraft Starwood. Located at 300 Lisgar, the building is very central being just off Bank St. and only a few blocks from downtown offices, Elgin St, Byward Market, Little Italy and Chinatown. The high end finishes, quality design, and first class amenities are what one would expect with the Mastercraft Starwood name.

"Timeless design, well thought out living spaces, style and flair are SoHo’s signature. We used the same high quality materials and standards demanded by our boutique hotel clientele – well-heeled jet setters, movie and rock stars, and C-level executives (CEOs, CFOs, COOs) – who demand living spaces equivalent to the comfort of expensive homes. For example, marble bathrooms with large shower stalls and rainshower head, a handshower with diverter, Floor-To-Ceiling and all-To-Wall Windows©, European appliances and Quartz countertops.

A kitchen designed with fine cabinetry you would find on a yacht or private jet, with an island, and kitchen appliances concealed behind lacquered doors. Backsplashes with glass tile and a stainless steel sink with side mounted faucet finish this stunning kitchen. 

Gluckstein designed each luxury condominium floor plan at SoHo Lisgar to accommodate fine furnishings to suit every taste and temperament. Living areas are designed for entertaining, up to 20’ wide, not the typical 10’ wide living room found in other condominium developments." (taken from developer)

 

Location: 300 Lisgar Street, at Bank Street
Builder: Mastercraft Starwood (Toronto)
Year Built: 2013
Conceirge: Yes. 
Pool: Yes, Outdoor pool plus hot tub.
Party Room: Yes, including high end chefs kitchen (Wolf Range, Fisher Paykel Fridge)
Gym: Yes, plus sauna
Theatre: Yes, separate room.
BBQ area: Yes, shared. Electric BBQ's allowed on unit balcony.
Outdoor Entertaining:  Yes includes an outdoor Kitchen and fire pit.
Parking: Underground, and heated
Balconies: Not all units.
Elevators: Two
Visitor Parking: Yes
Demographic: Mix, 20-50yrs old

Honourable Mention - 90 George

Built by Canril Corporation, this five star building is located in the heart of everything. Launched with many high end amenities over and above, such as separate "gold key" concierge and separate security, BMW 7 series Li for short outings (driven by concierge), valet parking, grand piano in lobby, three high speed elevators, etc. Built on a three storey commercial podium, the outdoor terrace which is approximately 9,000 sqft, owners relax, without leaving home. Did we mention the lobby is a BMW showroom, with models rotating throughout the year!

Location: 90 George Street
Builder: Canril Corporation
Year Built: 2009
Conceirge: Yes. 
Pool: Yes, indoor salt water pool plus hot tub.
Party Room: Yes, more of a dinning room
Gym: Yes, plus sauna
Theatre: No
BBQ area: Yes, shared. 
Outdoor Entertaining:  Yes, 9,000 sqft of space
Parking: Underground, and heated, with valet
Elevators: Three high speed
Visitor Parking: Yes
Demographic: Mix, 30-60yrs old, 

Click Here For More Information on these Ottawa Condo Buildings

YP Buildings

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Written by Matt Richling

Matt is a licensed salesperson at RE/MAX Metro City Realty in Ottawa, Canada. Matt loves helping sellers and buyers find the perfect home that fits their lifestyle. 

Smart House + Minto Win at OHB Awards

Photo from Urban Capital on Facebook.

Smart House, from Toronto's Urban Capital took home three awards last night at the Ontario Home Builders Award in Ottawa. The awards were for the best website, best ad campaign, and best video!

Other local winners and finalists include:
- Minto Communities was named Ontario Home Builder of the Year, for the second time in three years. 
- Oakwood Renovation Experts was chosen as Renovator of the Year.
- Lagois Design won for Most Outstanding Home Renovation (between $250,000-$500,000).
- Mattamy Homes was a finalist in the division for Best Interior Decorating of the Model Home in Half Moon Bay.

For the full list of winners, visit: https://ohbaaod.ca/winners.php

Smart House Ottawa - Launch Recap

Photo by @thecondoagency

Last night was the first VIP launch for Smart House Ottawa, being launched by Toronto's Urban Capital. The sales office saw lots of people throughout the night and we are being it it was a successful VIP launch. Approximately 10-15 units were sold last night at the VIP launch which is not yet open to the public. There was chatter about weather Ottawa was ready for micro condo living, but clearly we are. Will be exciting to see how sales go over the next few weeks, and how things go at the public launch (date still tbd).

It was great to see David Wex (founder and partner of Urban Capital) in the sales office to chat about the project with potential buyers and past clients. 

Looking for more information on Smart House Ottawa? I would love to help!

Click Here To Contact Matt Richling

Smart House

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Written by Matt Richling.

Matt is a licensed salesperson at RE/MAX Metro City Realty in Ottawa, Canada. Matt loves helping sellers and buyers find the perfect home or condo that fits their lifestyle. 

Tips For Doing Your Condo's PDI Inspection

You have been waiting (possibly up to three years) for this day, congratulations you can see your condo in real life for the first time! The PDI or pre-delivery inspection is an opportunity for you to walk through the condo with the builders representative before you take occupancy. The main purpose of the PDI is for you and the builder to make a list of deficiencies before you move in. This could be anything that is damaged, incomplete, missing items, as well as anything that is not functioning the way it is intended. Here are a few tips that you can use to help get the most out of your PDI!

- Be nice with the developers representative. Typically, they are the one who does all the PDI's for the building and will really be able to tell you what has to still be done. They are usually very picky, so make it easy for them help you. 

- Be picky. While the developers representative works for the builder, they will generally be blunt with you depending on what the deficiency is. They will either say that is not something that the builder will repair/replace/etc, or they will. 

- Don't rush! This is your time, and your PDI. Don't let the representative rush you, but also don't take up their whole day. Get to the appointment early and be prepared.

- Look at every room, but the most important is the kitchen and then the bathrooms. This is where your condo has the most moving parts, and has more things to be installed incorrectly.

- Details! Turn on every faucet, flush every toilet, close every door, inspect every wall, open every cabinet. Anything could have been installed incorrectly, so don't be afraid to point something out.

- Bring someone with you. The more eyes the better! Bring your agent (especially if you are planning on renting it out, or selling it shortly after), friend, parents, etc.

- Don't hire a home inspector for an apartment style condo PDI. Home inspectors are not trained to inspect brand new condos, they are trained to find problems in old homes. Save the $300-500.

- Read your APS (Agreement of Purchase and Sale) again before your PDI. There will be numerous schedules, like the one for finishes and features. Compare what you see with what was promised you, and make sure you are getting what is agreed.

- If you missed something during the PDI, you still have the 30-day Tarion form. After you take possession, if you find a 'deficiency' you can use your 30-day form to go through Tarion.

- Pick your battles. If you do have deficiencies with your Ottawa condo after you take possession (and many will), pick your battles carefully and focus on the most important issues. Understand you are most likely never going to have a 100% perfect unit.

- Bring a tape measure and flashlight. While you will have the builders floor plan as a guide for furniture, this is your chance to see exactly how much space you have for the couch, dining table or bed. Remember that the builder is allowed to modify space to a small degree, so it might change from the original plan. Sometimes the power might be off, if the builder is working on a certain part of the building, so having a flashlight just incase doesn't hurt! (Thanks to jcphoenix for the flashlight tip!)

Do you have questions about PDI's, or purchasing a condo? I would love to help.

Click Here to Contact Matt Richling

PDI Info

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Written by Matt Richling.

Matt is a licensed salesperson at RE/MAX Metro City Realty in Ottawa, Canada. Matt loves helping sellers and buyers find the perfect home or condo that fits their lifestyle. 

The Kavanaugh - Building Update

The Kavanaugh, is a 130 unit, 10 storey building that is another project from Domicile. Located at 222 Beechwood Ave, in the heart of New Edinburgh. Currently pouring the 6th floor, Domicile is expecting to finish The Kavanaugh in the summer of 2015.

With approximately only 30 units remaining, you still have some selection available, depending on the floor and size. One bedrooms range from 665sqft for $288,100 on the 4th floor, to 720sqft for 320,100 on the 8th floor. One bedroom plus dens range from 613sqft for $280,700 on the 3rd floor, to 861sqft for $426,300 on the penthouse floor. Two bedrooms range from 919sqft for $407,800 on the second floor, to 1101sqft for $556,500 on the Penthouse. The last two bedroom plus den is 1074sqft for $530,100 on the ninth floor.

- Parking is $31,000
- Upon occupancy, every suite will be assigned one storage locker
- BBQ gas line included
- Stainless appliances and gas cooktop included.

If you are interested in learning more about The Kavanaugh, I would love to help!

Click here to contact Matt Richling

Kavanaugh Condos

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Written by Matt Richling.

Matt is a licensed salesperson at RE/MAX Metro City Realty in Ottawa, Canada. Matt loves helping sellers and buyers find the perfect home or condo that fits their lifestyle. 

Smart House Ottawa - Floorplans

Smart House Ottawa, is claiming to be Ottawa's first micro condo building, with the largest units coming in at 586sqft for a two bedroom. Below are three out of the 18 units that are for sale in the building. 

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Smart House Ottawa, suite A1, by Urban Capital

Above is the A1 unit, which at 315sqft is the smallest suite in the building. Its launch price starts at $179,900.

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The C1 unit, which is the one bedroom and den, inside Smart House Ottawa.

Above is the 519sqft C1 unit, which is the only one bedroom plus den floorplan in the building, starting at $314,900.

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The D1 unit, the smallest two bedroom inside Smart House Ottawa.

Above is the 507sqft D1 unit, which is the smallest two bedroom in the building, starting at $275,900.

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If you are looking for more information on Smart House Ottawa, check out the Smart House Ottawa landing page HERE. 

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Nuovo Condos - Building Update

Rendering from Domicile of the front corner of Nuovo condos.

Nuovo which means "new" in italian, is the newest building from Domicile heading to Little Italy. Following on the success of Hom on Champange street, Nuovo will be a 127 unit building located at Rochester and Pamilla Street. 

Currently 20% sold out, Domicile is looking at starting to dig march 2015 with occupancy late 2016 or early 2017. The smaller suites or pied a terre's 300-400sqft which are located on the lowest floors are currently getting revamped. Ottawa's favourite italian grocery, La Bottega Nicastro is set to open their second location in the ground floor of Nuovo, needed extra commercial space in the building, and Domicile gladly changed the layout of the building to accommodate. Pricing for these units is unknown right now, but will know more once the units are re-launched.

There is a great mix of units currently for sale still in the building, starting from a 609sqft one bedroom on the 4th floor, for $261,400, to a 1151sqft two bedroom plus den on the 4th floor, for $471,000. 

Building Details:
- Non-smoking project, which means smoking is prohibited in all suites and anywhere else on the property.
- Two guest suites, fitness and yoga center, wireless internet throughout common areas, all season rooftop lounge, outdoor rooftop terrace and outdoor pool, indoor bicycle storage/repair/air station, pet wash station, and car wash station.
- Conduit and junction box network in the underground parking levels to assist the condominium corporation should it wish to provide a means of charging electric vehicles for residents in the future
- Granite and quartz counters in all units - standard, not an upgrade.
- USB combination receptacle in the kitchen area
- Gas BBQ line on the balcony (an upgrade), gas stove line is included

Sales Details:
- Parking $33,500, some premium spots are more
- Occupancy late 2016 early 2017
- Condo fees $0.42sqft plus $30 per parking spot
- Currently offering 2.5% off purchase prices (up to first 60 buyers)
- 15% deposit - $5,000 on signing, remainder to 5% in 30days, 5% in 90 days, 5% March 15th 2015 (only if construction has started)

Are you looking for more information about Nuovo condos or pre-construction condos? Fill out the form below, I would love to help!

Click Here for contact Matt Richling

Nuovo Condos

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Written by Matt Richling.

Matt is a licensed salesperson at RE/MAX Metro City Realty in Ottawa, Canada. Matt loves helping sellers and buyers find the perfect home or condo that fits their lifestyle. 

SOHO Champagne - Building Update - September 18th

SOHO Champagne is the 3rd SOHO building by Mastercraft Starwood in Ottawa. It is a 200 unit, 20 storey, "hotel inspired" condominium building that is located at 111 Champagne Avenue. Currently under construction, SOHO Champagne is looking to start building occupancy in April 2015. 

Currently there are 38 units left and they are about 85% sold out. The main section of the building, there are only four one bedroom floor plans still available for purchase;
- Model E - 535sqft plus an 82sqft balcony, starting on the 11th floor for $302,900
- Model E1 - 535sqft plus an 82sqft balcony, starting on the 11th floor for $298,900
- Model f - 666sqft plus a 57sqft balcony, starting on the 10th floor for $353,900
- Model G - 614sqft, starting on the 4th floor for $307,900 

In regards to The Skycollection, higher units starting on the 16th floor, there are also a number of floor plans sold out, with only a few remaining. Ranging from 535sqft plus balcony for $314,900, up to 897sqft plus balcony for $510,900. 

If you are looking for Pathway Suites (lower units on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floor), you have a good selection still remaining at a great price. Keep in mind that six of the 15 floor plans are already fully sold out.

They have seen a number of units sell over the past week and are looking to continue this success into the fall market. 

Notes:
- Parking is $35,000
- Locker is $3,500
- Condo Fees are $0.49sqft plus hydro

Are you looking for more information on SOHO Champagne or the SOHO brand in Ottawa? Fill out the form below to contact me, I would love to help.

Click Here to get more information on SOHO Champange

SOHO Champagne

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Written by Matt Richling.

Matt is a licensed salesperson at RE/MAX Metro City Realty in Ottawa, Canada. Matt loves helping sellers and buyers find the perfect home that fits their lifestyle. 

Gotham Ottawa - Building Update September 15th

Gotham Ottawa, is a 17 storey, 251 unit building, located at Lyon St. and Gloucester St. It is a project of Lamb Development and Fortress Real Developments that is set for completion later this year.

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"Loft 13" which is still available for $233,900.

Sales Update

Currently 87-90% sold, there is more supply of the Jr. one bedroom and one bedroom range. While if you are looking for something larger, only a few two bedroom plus dens still available. All two bedrooms, three bedrooms, and "Glass House" units are sold out. Keep in mind prices for the smaller units have recently been increased and the larger units have had prices lower slightly. These price changes range from $10,000 to $12,000 depending on the unit and size. Prices range from $233,900 for the 426sqft one bed "loft 13", up to $619,900 for the 1,300sqft two bed plus den "Loft 316".

Construction Update

The building has been topped off, and most of the exterior glass windows and doors have now been installed. Interior work on the lower floors is underway with PDI's (pre-delivery inspections) being scheduled in October and occupancy beginning in November. 

Photo from "urbform" on flickr, showing building construction topped off, and glass windows mostly finished.

Are you looking for more information on Gotham Ottawa? Or looking to purchase a new condo unit? I would love to help!

Click Here for More Information About Gotham Condos

Gotham Ottawa

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Written by Matt Richling.

Matt is a licensed salesperson at RE/MAX Metro City Realty in Ottawa, Canada. Matt loves helping sellers and buyers find the perfect home that fits their lifestyle. 

SoBa Condos - Building Update

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

SoBa Condos in Ottawa - Building Update September 15th, 2014

SoBa Ottawa, is a 23 storey, 240 unit, condominium building that will be located at 203 Catherine street, between st. Bank and O'Connor st. It is a project of Lamb Development Corp. and Fortress Real Developments, and is expected for completion of fall 2016 to early 2017. 

Currently at 73% sold out, with a steady amount of sales over the last few weeks (seven units were sold last week alone). They are getting ready to close down the sales office in the next few weeks, start digging in October and finish the digging in December. 

They have a great mix of units still for sale, with many units either sold out, or only one of the model left. Most of the one bedroom, and one bedroom plus dens that are still available, are only available on one floor. While if you are in the market for a two bedroom or something on the larger side, you will have much more selection.

Prices start from $255,900 for unit 716 which is a one bedroom (floor plan D) 465sqft  plus a balcony, facing east. Up to the largest unit a 1,264sqft two bedroom facing North for $680,900. A few penthouse still remain, $671,900 to $828,900, 980sqft to 1,219sqft (just think of the amazing views!).

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Floorplan D, which is still for sale $255,900.

Notes: 
- Parking: $39,900 only available for units 604sqft or larger.
- Lockers: $3,500
- Maintance fees - $0.48sqft
- Deposit for Purchase - $5,000 on signing, balance to 5% in 30 days, 5% in 60 days, 5% in 120 days, 5% at closing

If you are interested in SoBa condos or learning more about what they have left, fill out the form below. I would love to help you find the perfect condo, to live in or as an investment.

Click Here to Find Out More About SoBa Condos

SOBA Ottawa

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Written by Matt Richling.

Matt is a licensed salesperson at RE/MAX Metro City Realty in Ottawa, Canada. Matt loves helping sellers and buyers find the perfect home that fits their lifestyle. 

Smart House and Micro Living - Media Coverage

Here is an updated list of media stories that are about Smart House Ottawa or micro-living! 

Last updated: January 5th, 2015

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Micro-Condos Kept Spreading Across Canada in 2014
Huffington Post - December 23rd, 2014 - Jesse Ferreras

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Micro-condos make big splash
Ottawa Business Journal - October 16th, 2014 - David Sali

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Urban Capital brings its Smart House micro-condo concept to Ottawa
Ottawa Citizen - October 16th, 2014 - Patrick Langston

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Tiny, living-room-sized home attracts Ottawa couple
CBC News - October 6th, 2014

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Architecture of inches: Intelligent use of space makes the smallest condos livable
National Post - September 13th, 2014 - Suzanne Wintrob

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Micro Condos On The Way
Ottawa Sun - August 30th, 2014

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Bigger isn't better: Why the next wave of condos will be under 500 square feet
CNN Online - August 20th, 2014 - Allyssia Alleyne

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Tips and Tricks for Streamlining your life in a Smart House Micro Condo
Buzz Buzz Home News - March 5th, 2014

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Toronto's Smart House Micro-Condo Wins Design Awards
Huffington Post Canada - July 5th, 2014 

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Micro Condos - Nothing New for Ottawa

 Studio condos like the one above from 360 Lofts (360 Cumberland St). 

Right now, there is a lot of buzz about micro-sized condos and the urbanization of cities. Micro-condos, also known as studios, are condos without a separate bedroom area and typically under 500sqft. Urban Capital is about to launch a micro-condo building called Smart House Ottawa, after the instant success of its sister Smart House Toronto. With this new building comes talk about if it will sell, and who will buy them. 

Funny thing is that studio condos or micro-condos are not a new concept to Ottawa. Many post 2000's condo buildings have at least one! Lets take a look at a few of the buildings around the downtown core that have studios or micro condos.

- Galleria Phase Two (234 Besserer) has two units per floor under 500sqft. "The Williams" which is 490sqft and priced at $201,000,  and "The Danby" which is 410sqft priced at $167,000 (both units priced on 1st floor).

- Claridge Plaza Phase Three (242 Rideau) has one studio per floor. The Broadway  is 440sqft and priced around $185,000 (on 3rd floor).

- The East Market (180 York, 383 Cumberland, and 179 George), has one unit per floor in each phase under the 450sqft mark. These do have separate bedroom areas. This was the first building by Urban Capital that brought small, modern condos to Ottawa.

- 360 Lofts (360 Cumberland St) which had a large number of 404sqft studios, sold almost 70% in a couple days with prices starting at $187,900.

Some newer buildings include...

A kitchen inside a studio at 360 Lofts.

- SoBa (Catherine St) which has 56 units under 509sqft and another 36 units from 511sqft - 516sqft.  Prices start at $181,000 for the 407sqft unit with a few units left. Smallest unit is 373sqft.

- Gotham (Lyon and Gloucester) has 41 units all under 436sqft, with prices starting from $226,900 almost fully sold out.

- Central Phase 1 (354 Gladstone) has 32 units under 478sqft. Which all sold out fairly quick.

- The Slater (Slater St) which has four studio floorplans per floor (64 units total) that are between 408sqft and 425sqft, with pricing starting at $210,000.

- Centropolis (Kent and Gladstone) which has units that are 295sqft, 305sqft, 315sqft, and 340sqft. Infact, there are 44 units in the building or 10 per floor that are under 340sqft. This building is fully sold out. One studio has re-sold in the building earlier this year at $195,000 (list price on MLS).

These are just a few buildings that include studio apartments. Could you live in 400sqft space? Many people in Ottawa already are, and with very few re-sales I would say that they love them. Looking to purchase a micro-condo, I would love to help!

*Pricing taken from builder price sheets over the last 5 years. Not up-to date prices for all units.

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Written by Matt Richling

Matt is a licensed salesperson at RE/MAX Metro City Realty in Ottawa, Canada. Matt loves helping sellers and buyers find the perfect home that fits their lifestyle. 

Smart House Ottawa - Amenities

Smart House Ottawa - Building and Unit Amenities

Clever spaces, smartly designed to maximize space

Birds eye view of the amenities for Smart House Ottawa.

Creating an amenities space that acts like an extension of your unit, will provide you with much more enjoyment. At Smart House Ottawa, Urban Capital has done that, bringing features that you would expect and allow you to live, exercise, lounge, and be social, all while at home. Just because you live in a micro-condo doesn't mean your social life does as well.

Interior Amenities
- Party room containing kitchen and screening area, opening onto the outdoor terrace, with wireless high-speed internet access
- Fully equipped fitness room including free weights, weight machines and state-of-the-art cardio equipment, and adjacent yoga/stretching area
-Office/productivity centre, containing large-format printer (on a "fee for service" basis), and conference room
- "Product Library", for residents to rent useful household items

Outdoor Amenities
- Outdoor terrace located on the second floor, adjacent to the indoor amenity area, with intimate lounge seating areas surrounding gas fire pits, barbecues, dining tables, freeform plantings and landscaping

Building Amenities/Features
- Two residential elevators
- Underground heated parking (accessed from Flora st)
- Executive concierge service
- "Enterphone" security system in lobby, along with fob-based access system
- All suites have water efficient toilets, faucets and shower heads
- All units will be individually metered for all utilities, allowing occupants to control their personal electricity, water, and energy usage.

Smart House Ottawa building amenities as seen from the outside. (note that the exterior amenities were removed from this rendering for visual effect)

Step inside the units and you will understand why they are called "Smart" and space saving. By using high quality products that utilize space saving design, you are able to have that "big house feel" inside your condo. Using a fully-integrated Liebherr 24" refrigerator (the same ones used in SoHo Lisgar, and SoHo Parkway), Porter & Charles 12" two burner smooth cook top(when was the last time you used four burners at once?), 1.5 cubic foot stainless steel microwave-oven, and Fisher & Paykel 24" single tall-tub dishwasher drawer - your kitchen has high-end european appliances right where you want them. Both the AEG architectural hood fan, and integrated cutting board, are both tucked away so you wont notice them.  Even the European-style Porter & Charles 24" washer/condensing dryer is space saving, taking up a fraction of the space a normal set would use! When not in use, all you see is a modern clean space.

Smart House Ottawa Kitchen was fully designed to save space and look good. 

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Looking for advice about floor plans, views, pricing, etc? I would love to help you out, just fill out the form below. 

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Written by Matt Richling

Matt is a licensed salesperson at RE/MAX Metro City Realty in Ottawa, Canada. Matt loves helping sellers and buyers find the perfect home that fits their lifestyle. 

What Schools Are Located in Downtown Ottawa?

A common question before buying is "which school would my child attend?" or "what school zones are for this area?" For those who are looking to start or grow a family, this can be very important when choosing the perfect area. 

Ottawa has four major elementary and secondary school boards, in addition to many private schools throughout the region. Many boards have a "School Locator" that allows you to input the possible new home address and requirements your child will need, and it will display which school boundaries that your home falls in. Keep in mind that this data is always changing (new schools/ larger boundaries/etc), so it could change year to year. See below for the full list.

The Ontario ministry of Education has a great website FAQ up that contains many common questions/answers that a parent would ask. It is a great resource - Learning in Ontario FAQ. 

If you are thinking of making a move to another school zone, I would love to help! 

Click Here to Contact Matt Richling

School zone

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The four major boards are:

• Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (English public board)
• Ottawa-Carleton Catholic School Board (English catholic board)
• CÉP de l'Est de l'Ontario (French public board)
• CSDC du Centre-Est de l'Ontario (French catholic board)

The full list of the private schools:

English

• Ashbury College
• Astolot Educational Centre
• Collège Sphere College
• Counterpoint Academy & Preschool
• Counterpoint Academy West & Preschool
• Elmwood School
• Fern Hill School
• Glebe Montessori School
• Great River Waldorf School
• Heritage Academy
• Maryvale Academy (Catholic) Woodroffe/417
• MindWare Academy
• Mississippi School for the Arts
• Ottawa Carleton E-School
• Ottawa Montessori School
• Rainbow Montessori School
• Turnbull School
• Carleton Montessori School
• Tancook Bell School
• The Greenwoods Academy
• Redeemer Christian High School
• Venta Preparatory School
• VINCI School- Elementary School for Gifted Kids
• Westboro Montessori School

Bilingual

• Académie de la Capitale International School
• Académie St-Laurent Academy
• Canadian Montessori Academy
• Collège Sphere College
• Macdonald-Cartier Academy
• Ottawa Montessori School/École Montessori d'Ottawa
• Parkdale Montessori School
• Westboro Academy

Jewish

Kindergarten

• Rambam Pre-school
• Ganon Pre-school
• Westboro Jewish Montessori Preschool

Community Schools

• Ottawa Jewish Community School

Elementary Schools

• Torah Academy
• Rambam Day School

Ottawa Torah Institute

• Machon Sarah High School (Female)
• Ottawa Torah Institute (Male)

Christian

• Calvary Christian Academy
• Community Christian School
• Ottawa School of the Bible
• Maryvale Academy (Catholic) Woodroffe/Queensway
• Ottawa Christian School
• Redeemer Christian High School
• St. Timothy's Classical Academy
• Bishop Hamilton Montessori School

Islamic

Full-time schools

• Abraar School
• Ottawa Islamic School
• École Ibn Batouta
• Ahlul-Bayt Islamic School

Part-time / Weekend Schools

• Al-Furqan Islamic School
• Al-Nour School
• Al-Rahma Language School
• Cordova Academy

French

• Alliance Française
• Collège catholique Franco-Ouest
• Canadian Montessori Academy
• Collège International L'Odyssée
• Lycée Claudel d'Ottawa[2]
• Académie Providence
• École Montessori d'Ottawa
• Parkdale Montessori School
• Collège Sphere College
• Official Languages School

Christian (French)

• Académie Réveil

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Written by Matt Richling

Matt is a licensed salesperson at RE/MAX Metro City Realty in Ottawa, Canada. Matt loves helping sellers and buyers find the perfect home that fits their lifestyle. 

Smart House Ottawa - Pre-Launch Information

**Edit** For all Smart House Ottawa information - check out our Smart House Ottawa page.

Launching Thursday September 18th from 6pm to 9pm is the first official VIP Launch for Smart House Ottawa. Brought to you by Urban Capital, (the same developer who built Mondrian, The East Market, Central Condos and Hideaway) as well as Ottawa-based Tamarack Homes, the building will feature 152 condo units inside Ottawa's first micro condo development. Building off its success with Smart House Toronto, Urban Capital is looking to expand the idea here to Ottawa. Going to be located in the same neighbour hood as Central, at the corner of Flora and Bank streets, these units will range from 315sqft to 596 sqft (two bedroom units). Prices start at $179,9000 with all units featuring exposed concrete ceilings, and large oversized windows. Roderick Lahey was included in the project as the architect, which ensures the building will please those who will call this project home.

Other features of the building include, product library (will lend out tools you need to make basic repairs to the home), productivity centre which will allow you to work from home (includes a large-format printer/scanner), sunny boardroom, gym and full yoga studio, and party room (with projector/screen, full kitchen and bar, outdoor dining). 

Also to note, this building will have the utilities for each unit separately monitored (not included in the condo fee), which has always been a source of argument at condo board AGM's. This means, you only pay for what YOU consume, not based on a percentage of the building consumption. 

Please note: I will have more information over the next week (pricing, floorplans, etc). Fill out this form if you would like this advanced information, as soon as it becomes available. 

**For everything Smart House Ottawa related, visit our Smart House section - HERE.

Request for more information regarding SMART HOUSE Ottawa.

SMART HOUSE OTTAWA - info request

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Video from the Smart House Toronto project.

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Written by Matt Richling

Matt is a licensed salesperson at RE/MAX Metro City Realty in Ottawa, Canada. Matt loves helping sellers and buyers find the perfect home that fits their lifestyle. 

Selling: Millennials Are Here, And Looking To Buy Your Condo

This is an Ad for SOHO, which targeted Millennials. Offering a free lease of a brand new Mercedes CLA with purchase of select units.

When you sit down and prepare to sell your Ottawa condo, knowing who your target market is, will help you stand out and get results. Millennials, like baby boomers or Gen X, don't have a single definition, but the are typically considered to be people born between 1980 and the late 1990's. They are addicted to technology, and are now one of the larger demographics buying real estate across North America. 

If you are not going to include or pay attention to Millennial clients, then you are cutting out a large pool of possible buyers from your condo.  So, you ask if it is just marketing hype? Should you even care?

Take a peek at these economic and real estate statistics below that indicate Millennials are ready to purchase in the coming months - and beyond.

“Nearly 40% of buyers are first-timers, with Millennials making up 76 percent of the demographic.”

— National Association of Realtors

Half of 25-to-34-year-olds project to account for half of first-time buyers in the next decade. (Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies) 

A third of homebuyers during the first quarter of 2014 were Millennials. (National Association of Realtors)

Mortgage rates should remain near their record lows through the end of the year and start of 2015. (Bankrate)

Credit standards are easing for first-time buyers, which is great news for many Millennials with low scores. (Wall Street Journal)

Home prices are expected to improve between May 2014 and May 2015, with a predicted rise of 6%. (CoreLogic)

“Homebuying sentiment remains high for 94% of potential buyers, including many Millennials”

— Discover

77% of Millennials are confident they’ll know how to organize personal finances in the future. (Wells Fargo)

From 2015-25, Millennials are forecast to form 24 million new households. (Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies)

Many young renters aspire to buy homes soon, as they view homeownership as more ideal than renting. (Fannie Mae)

“Gen Y finances are improving: A third of Millennials are saving 6-10% of income for retirement.”

— Wells Fargo

From February 2013 to December 2017, home values are forecast to improve by an average of 22%. (Zillow)

Over 80% of Millennials say they are either currently comfortable financially or will be soon. (Pew Research Center) 

Eight in 10 Millennials cited the recent U.S. recession as the main reason they’ve become better savers. (Wells Fargo)

Older residences, including foreclosures, are providing Gen Y'ers countless affordable home options. (National Association of Realtors)

Take advantage of this knowledge and contact me about selling your Ottawa condo. Click the button below. I would love to help you out!

Click To Contact Matt Richling About Selling

Selling - Marketing To Millennials

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Written by Matt Richling

Matt is a licensed salesperson at RE/MAX Metro City Realty in Ottawa, Canada. Matt loves helping sellers and buyers find the perfect home that fits their lifestyle. 

When Is The Best Time Of Year To Sell My Ottawa Condo?

When it comes to selling, one of the most common questions I am asked, is "when is the best time to sell?" 

The best time of year would be when there is the most demand for buyers and sellers. When both buyers are looking and sellers have their condo listed for sale. This is usually the Spring, followed by the fall, which are both our busiest time of the calendar year. The spring market in 2014 started much later than usual due to the weather, but normally mid-March or mid-April, lasting till mid-July.  The fall market being mid to late August till early-mid December. It cools off over summer and the December holidays.

Keep in mind, my favourite saying in relation to selling condos is, "There is no snow in condo land." Meaning there are always buyers looking and the condo market is less affected by the weather and the seasons. Condo market starts earlier in the spring, and will go later till the holidays in December. Buyers are less likely to be dependant on families and more on their own schedules/wants.

One hidden/unknown time is always the mid-January rush, where we have the buyers who have finished holidays (or a family house that was way to small with all the family over) and can't find what they are looking for since the sellers are waiting till spring. 

That being said, there are ALWAYS properties selling and buyers looking. If you are looking on new years or Christmas day, you are a serious buyer who is in need of a home. So don't be so quick to say no if you get a showing request.

Click the button below to learn more about selling your condo here in Ottawa. I would love to help you!

Click Here for More Information About Selling Your Ottawa Condo

Selling

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Written by Matt Richling.

Matt is a licensed salesperson at RE/MAX Metro City Realty in Ottawa, Canada. Matt loves helping sellers and buyers find the perfect home that fits their lifestyle. 

New Construction Ottawa Condos

Constantly updated list of new construction condos in Ottawa. These are blog posts that are under the new construction heading.

Have a question about new construction condos here in Ottawa? I would love to help. Fill out the form below.

Rogers Daytime - Chat About Ottawa Real Estate and Ottawa Condos 2013

If you missed it last week, Matt was invited to Rogers Daytime to chat about the Ottawa real estate market and condo buildings.  It was a great clip about what to expect from the market this spring and how to prepare your home for selling. if you have any questions about selling your home or condo, contact Matt at 613-286-9501 or Matt@MattRichling.com

UpperWest by Minto - Public Launch

This past saturday, I stopped by the public launch of UpperWest condos located at 485 Richmond Rd in Westboro. There were about 40 people floating around the sales center, some signing contracts, some musing around the model suite, with others in to see what all the fuss is about. With local radio station Hot89.9FM, Bridgehead Coffee providing music and coffee, there was no shortage of people.

While my client didn’t move on a unit during our visit, he was impressed with the views from the higher floors, along with some of the floorplans. With 197 suites total, there won’t be a shortage of favourite units, appealing to all budgets. 

The smallest unit Fraser (455sqft) and the Wilmont (479sqft) both studios, starting at $210,900 which would be located in floors 1-5 (the podium). There are a number of 6th floor Terrace suits, but the best being the regular and penthouse suits due to the view. The smallest unit 7thfloor and up is the Ashton (532sqft) starting at 249,900 facing south, followed by the Wesley (547sqft) at 249,900 facing East. Obviously the best views being dead north, followed by east and west. One trend we are seeing are the balloon photos which help show views from each unit to help give prospective clients the edge when purchasing without being able to see the finihsed product. This is a must in a building like UpperWest which is surrounded by existing buildings.

Parking is available starting at $33,000 for units more than 600sqft, and lockers from $3,500. The parking is all going to be above ground, which would save the developer HUGE costs since (from what we have previously been told) parking costs are usually about double what the developer charges, but must be included due to restrictions from the City of Ottawa.

Condo fee, or the maintenance fee will be approximately $0.42 per sqft. Deposit was another HUGE drawback, Minto is asking for 25% staggered throughout the process.

Expect UpperWest Condos to be completed sometime summer 2015.

For more information or pricelist, visit the sales website HERE or contact me directly atMatt@MattRichling.com.