Rare and ready in River Park South
As recently as three years ago, both first time home buyers and downsizing couples often had lofty expectations when it came to purchasing a move-up or move-down home.
And that was entirely understandable.
Prior to the onset of the pandemic, home prices were still reasonable and interest rates, while not at historical lows, were still very good.
Photos by Todd Lewys / Winnipeg Free Press
The stylish 971 sq. ft. two-bedroom, two-bath suite represents an affordable, livable option for both first-time buyers and downsizers.
That’s no longer the case today.
Thanks to the effects of the pandemic — i.e., supply chain shortages and accompanying price increase of building materials and accessories — the cost of building or renovating a home has increased substantially.
Add in a market where selection is poor due to a shortage of listings, and it’s no longer easy to find an affordable (and functional) home to move up or down to.
The consequence of this is that consumers — armed with lower home buying budgets and facing much higher prices — have had to become more pragmatic about buying a new home.
Jeff Brown of Sutton Group – Kilkenny Real Estate says he just listed an apartment-style condo in Oxbow on the Seine that would fit the reduced budget of both young couples and downsizers, all while providing the style they’re looking for.
Resident gourmets will love the kitchen’s wonderful synergy of space, style and overall function.
“The first area where this condo fits well is affordability,” he says. “The price is under $300,000 at $279,900. For that price, you get a wonderfully designed unit in a solid, quiet concrete and steel building with a beautiful lobby, elevators, and nice, wide hallways.”
He adds that the unit also comes up big in terms of livability and style.
“Right away, you realize that this isn’t your average apartment-style suite. The main area is bright, wide open and beautifully finished. And it’s bordered on either side by its two bedrooms.”
In short, the split floor plan makes for a suite that possesses an exceptionally high livability quotient, notes Brown.
“It’s an absolutely fantastic floor plan for downsizers,” he says. “The primary bedroom is on the left side in its own private spot. It’s nice and big and comes with a hallway with his/her closets on either side that leads to a gorgeous ensuite. I just love the fact that the second bedroom is on the opposite side next to its own full bath. It makes a perfect office or guest room.”
Featuring a split floor plan, the suite possesses great function and balance.
Then, there’s the main living area, which offers a deft blend of utility and good looks.
“The suite comes with over $30,000 in upgrades, including five-inch, hand scraped coffee-stained hardwoods in the main living area. The kitchen is a gourmet’s dream with its granite countertops, maple cabinets, stainless appliances, corner pantry and raised eating bar.”
From there, there’s a buffer space between the kitchen and living room that can either be left open or used as a dining area.
“There are a couple of options,” Brown says. “Young couples can leave it open as a play area and put a table along the side wall is now the case. Downsizers can configure the living room to leave space for a table so they can entertain, using the breakfast bar as additional eating space. A patio door on the living room’s rear wall leads out to a large, covered south facing balcony.”
As for storage space — which can be an issue in apartment-style condos — it’s plentiful.
A patio door on the spacious living room’s rear wall leads out to a large covered, south facing balcony.
“Not only do you get good in-suite storage with ample closet space and a huge laundry/storage room, but the suite also comes with a generous storage locker,” he says. “Another thing people will like it that it comes with an oversized, underground heated parking stall, as well. Hydro costs are also unbelievably low, and the condo fees are reasonable.”
Brown says the complex’s location is also outstanding.
“You’re walking distance to transit, and are just a short drive from shopping, restaurants, and services on St. Anne’s Road and St. Vital Centre about five minutes away. If you have a cottage, you can hop right onto the Perimeter to head out to the Whiteshell or Interlake. Overall, this is beautiful, affordable condo in a great location that’s perfect for first time buyers or downsizers.”
Put a table on the side wall adjacent to the gorgeous kitchen to open up extra play space for kids.
