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What do you see when you picture your ideal lifestyle? What amenities are essential to maintaining that lifestyle? In this month’s DNA Report, we’ll discuss how Developers design amenities to shape your style of living, and what you should consider before choosing your next home.
Some are more designed to promote healthy, active and social living while some are tailored to luxurious and care-free living. Those communities without amenities rely on what's close to the building or nearby in the neighbourhood. If you live in an area close to recreation facilities, then you may not need any amenities.
BENEFITS OF AMENITIES
Amenities are incredibly convenient and increase your enjoyment of living in a shared community. The only downside is that these amenities cost more to maintain, so in turn your strata fees will be higher. The more amenities, the higher the strata fees will be. But it also depends on the size of your residence as the cost of your individual strata fees often depend on square footage. Consider what is most important to you and if the amenities are worth the higher maintenance fees. But if you know you will use them on a daily basis, or if it will save you monthly memberships at the gym, yoga studio, pool, etc. then it could actually save you money.
WHAT AMENITIES ARE CURRENTLY TRENDING?
1.) Resort-style Living
The Okanagan is known as a four-season playground with fun activities to enjoy year-round! This makes outdoor living exceptionally appealing. We have seen a lot of developments on the market promoting a healthy and enjoyable Okanagan lifestyle. Resort-style amenities are often included such as an outdoor pool, hot tub, BBQ area, rooftop patios, outdoor lounge areas, and pickleball courts (YES - pickleball is still trending!) For a more luxurious care-free lifestyle, these amenities are popular among downsizers, and those looking for a secondary/vacation home.
2.) Social and active living
We are seeing a lot more social amenities included especially in condos designed for smaller, more efficient living. This will allow residents to entertain their guests using on-site social spaces without having to host them at home. Popular amenities that promote an active and social lifestyle include facilities such as an entertainment lounge (usually with a kitchen/bar), games room, meeting rooms, movie theatre, gym, yoga studio and even Tik Tok rooms!
3.) Pet-friendly
Pet-friendly communities are very popular especially among families and couples, and new developments often accommodate pets with dog wash facilities and dog walking areas.
4.) Eco-friendly
Developers are aware of the need to live more efficiently and include amenities to help moderate our carbon footprint. This would include features such as EV charging stations and bike storage.
The take-away: Before deciding if your next home should include amenities, think about what type of lifestyle is best for you. Our team of new homes experts are here to help you narrow down your choice! Give us a call at 250-258-9888.
We LOVE talking about new home communities with our clients. There are so many to choose from in the area, in all phases of sales and construction. We'd love to help you narrow down your choice to suit your ideal lifestyle. Give the Nyrose & Associates team a call at 250-258-9888.
