The Charlotte - Floor Plans and Pricing

**For more information about The Charlotte visit The Charlotte page HERE, which has everything about the building in one place. This includes the floor plans, the pricing, renderings, etc. **

We have received a copy of the floor plans an early copy of the VIP launch price list for The Charlotte which is launching on October 19th. Richcraft Home’s newest condo building is going to be located at 560 Rideau street, in Sandy Hill.

The Charlotte Pricing

Keep in mind that we have only received the “starting from price” for each floorplan, so the actual number is higher.

Of the 62 variations/floorplans:
- The average for the building is $726.37/sqft (starting price)
- Each unit includes a storage locker at no additional cost
- Parking is $45,000 and only available on select units
- There is only one floorplan with a starting price below $300k, 389sqft Model SB on floors 4-12 starting at $285,000
- Then pricing jumps to starting from $320k for 375sqft on floors 13-14
- The average size in the entire building is 624sqft
- 16 studios which average 406sqft
- 114 one bedrooms (including 1+dens/flex) which average 533sqft
- 71 two bedrooms (including 2+dens/flex) which average 818sqft

The Charlotte Floor Plans

For all of the floorplans, visit The Charlotte page HERE, which has everything about the building in one place. This includes the floor plans, the pricing, renderings, etc.

For more information about The Charlotte condos, or pre-construction condos in Ottawa, fill out the form at the bottom of the page.

SoBa - Two Bedroom Inventory Sale

** For more information about SoBa Condos by Lamb Developments, visit our SoBa page HERE. Including floorplans, renderings, etc. **

Lamb Development has announced a one-day sales event to move remaining units at SoBa, its latest Ottawa development. The event is on Saturday October 19th from 12pm to 6pm at the building. The promo is set to include:

• Up to $25,000 off developer’s prices

• $10,000 off parking space

• No occupancy fees until the final closing on March 1st 2020

• Closing fees capped at $5,000

The building is located at 203 Catherine Street, just off of Bank street in Centretown. The project has some of the best prices compared to other projects that are launched or under construction, averaging at $520/sqft.

For more information on available units, or general questions about the Ottawa condo market, fill out the form below.

Richcraft's The Charlotte - VIP Launch October 19th

**For more information about The Charlotte by Richcraft, visit our Charlotte Page here. Including floorplans, renderings, etc. as they are released **

Richcraft has announced that the VIP launch for the Charlotte will be on October 19th. There are no other details released at this time. The Charlotte is the latest project for Richcraft who has also built some of our most well-loved buildings (The Galleria 1 and 2, The Bowery, The Laurier, Place Des Gouverneurs, etc.).

There are going to be 197 units over 14 floors, with pricing expected to start in the mid 200’s. There will be a rooftop outdoor pool with lounge, fire pit, and bbq area. Indoors you will find an amenity floor with a party room, dining room, a kitchen, bar, games room, fitness centre, yoga stretch room, etc.

To stay up to date on The Charlotte, including floor plans, pricing, etc, as it becomes available, fill out the form below.

Ottawa Condo Market Statistics - September 2019

Every month we take a closer look and drill down the sales data of Ottawa condos from the previous month. Here are the statistics for September and the top five "downtown" area's - Centretown, Byward Market and Sandyhill, Little Italy (which includes Lebreton Flats), Hintonburg, and Westboro. The information will be specific to apartment style condominiums, and only what sold through the MLS. Also, DOM (Day's On Market) is calculated to include the conditional period, which in Ottawa is almost every single transaction to be roughly 14 days.

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September was back to school and back to “work” for the buyers and sellers who decided it was time to get the fall market started. Across the board, we saw a 11.8% increase over September last year for residential properties sold. With an increase of 26.4% for condominiums properties sold (condominiums in Ottawa, Sept 2018 vs Sept 2019). That is HUGE. At the same time, the average sale price for a condominium was $309,373, which is an increase of 9% over September 2018. Year to date, prices are up 8.1% over last year.

Part of this is due overall to the fact that condo prices have restored and sellers are taking advantage of it. We have had a lack of supply which is still evident in most neighborhoods and certain property sizes, but with the residential market under an even higher level of supply issues, it has helped push buyers back into considering the condo world. As well, now with the LRT actually in place, we are seeing buyers purchasing habits shift to include walkability to an LRT station.

In addition, this has also continued to bring investors into Ottawa from outside markets. The new investor who is priced out of the Toronto condo market. The mom and dad who couldn’t find a decent rental price for their daughter going to university. We continue to see outside buyers looking at our stable market as a “safer” place to invest.

Thinking of making a move? Considering an Ottawa condo, and want to make sure it is the correct property for you? Let’s chat! Fill out the form at the bottom of the page, or call me directly at 613-286-9501.

Do you have any questions about how this information affects your investment or looking for more information to make the best decision about your purchase? Let’s chat! Fill out the form on the bottom of the page.

Claridge Royale - Floor Plans and Pricing Released

**For more information about Claridge Royale, visit our Claridge Royale page here. **

Claridge has officially released the floor plans and pricing ahead of the launch for its latest project Claridge Royale. Located at 180 George Street, Claridge Royale will be launched to the public tomorrow at 12noon, with VIP clients getting access at 10am. The launch will take place at the sales centre, across the street, at 244 Rideau Street.

Some quick numbers:

- The building average is $657/sqft
- The average unit size for the building is 669sqft.
- There are 22 units that are priced below $300,000
- One storage locker included in the price with each unit
- Parking is $45,000 for one beds or larger (not available for studios)
- They are adding a rooftop patio (on the condo roof) in addition to podium roof.
- 20% deposit (15% in 30 days, 5% on occupancy)
- Occupancy September 2024.... told to expect 2025

See below for the floor plans. Pricing is available upon request. Fill out the form at the bottom of the page for more information.

Q West - New Ashcroft Building Coming Soon

Ashcroft is gearing up to launch another condo tower at its successful Q-West project that is located on Richmond Road near Island Park. This project is not yet named, but is expected to be launched late October 2019 and once built will be attached the the convent as seen in the photo above. While pricing and floor plans have not officially been released, we are told that pricing is to be averaged out around $650/sqft. The building is set to have 150 units, over nine floors, with the bottom floors (40 units) being executive rentals. The 9th floor, and possibly 8th floor, will be a “mini-Monocle” with premium finishes and 10ft ceilings.

Ashcroft is looking to move quick and have an occupancy of late 2021.

Claridge Plaza Phase 4 - Sales Update

Claridge Homes has only two units left for sale at it’s Byward Market condo project Claridge Plaza. More specifically, inside of the latest building Claridge Plaza 4. Located at 195 Besserer street, the building has 232 units over 28 stories that range from 440sqft up to 1,415sqft. There are only two units left in the building, both are the Jeter floorplan which is a two bedroom plus den, two bathroom, 1280sqft unit that faces south and west. The units are priced at $577,000, including one parking and one locker. For more information about these condos, contact the Claridge Plaza 4 sales centre.

Claridge Moon - Price Increase and Sales Update

**For more information about Claridge Moon, visit our Claridge Moon project page HERE. All information about the project will be located here, including floorplans, renderings, construction update, news articles, pricing, etc. **

Claridge has raised the prices again for its latest project, Claridge Moon. One bedroom units saw their prices rise by $5,000.00 and two bedroom units saw prices rise by $10,000. The average price per square for for the entire building is now $657/sqft with the average unit size of 692sqft. Claridge has now sold 59 of the 266 units in the building. The 27 storey building is expecting occupancy in 2023 and will be located at 340 Queen Street directly above the Lyon LRT Station.

Interested in learning more about Claridge Moon or other pre-construction condos in Ottawa? Fill out the form below and let’s chat.

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Claridge Moon Price increase

Bank Of Canada - Continues To Hold Interest Rate At 1.75%

Once again, the Bank Of Canada has left the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 1.75%, blaming “escalating trade conflicts” that they find are taking a toll on Canada’s economy. The last rate change was in October 2018, which was the fifth time since the summer of 2017 that the BoC had decided to raise the rate.

The BoC also noted that the Canada’s exports are continuing to grow, the housing market is showing signs of a rebound, and that wages are also picking up. All factors that they believe show a strengthening economy, however are keeping a close eye on “global developments and their impact on Canadian growth and inflation”, such as the trade conflict between United States and China.

What does this mean? The BoC’s rate directly affects the rate that you will get from a retail bank for lending (mortgages and lines of credits) and savings products. When the rate is low, it means that it is cheaper to borrow money, but not as lucrative to save.

The BoC has eight fixed dates each year on which it announces whether or not it will change the policy interest rate. The announcement dates are January 9th, March 6th, April 24th, May 29, July 10, September 4th, October 30th, and December 4th.

Ottawa Condo Market Statistics - August 2019

Every month we take a closer look and drill down the sales data of Ottawa condos from the previous month. Here are the statistics for August and the top five "downtown" area's - Centretown, Byward Market and Sandyhill, Little Italy (which includes Lebreton Flats), Hintonburg, and Westboro. The information will be specific to apartment style condominiums, and only what sold through the MLS. Also, DOM (Day's On Market) is calculated to include the conditional period, which in Ottawa is almost every single transaction to be roughly 14 days.

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August was another busy month for condo sales in some neighbourhoods. We saw a large increase of parents coming purchasing units for their kids who are attending University. With the average rental prices jumping in the downtown core, more parents are looking at purchasing a unit as more attractive option. This fuelled the high number of sales in Centretown and Byward Market/Sandy Hill (86 sales in total). Centretown had a significant increase in average sold price, which was due to five units selling over the one million price point. Almost every neighbourhood had more units sell than new units that were listed.

If you are buying, there are still some great deals that we are seeing. Stuff that has sat on the market and not sold in multiple offers, that could be picked up at a decent price and on your terms. However if you are looking for that premium view, extra large, A++ unit, then don’t wait - pay a little extra now because everyone wants the same unit as you. Especially if you are looking at properties that fall within the First Time Home Buyers Incentive range.

If you are selling, we are placing a high importance on getting the correct pricing and spending extra time to prepare the condo for showings. Things that show well and are priced right, do not last in this market and sell for top dollar (often with multiple offers). The fall market is now here and we are expecting a hotter fall then we experienced in 2018. Especially now with the First Time Home Buyers Incentive, which will push more buyers into the market.

Do you have any questions about how this information affects your investment or looking for more information to make the best decision about your purchase? Let’s chat! Fill out the form on the bottom of the page.

Claridge Royale - Updated Launch Date

**For more information about Claridge Royale, visit our Claridge Royale page here. **

Claridge Homes has announced the new launch date for its latest project, Claridge Royale. The public launch will happen at 11am on Saturday September 14th, 2019, at the Claridge Royale Sales Office, located at 244 Rideau street (directly across from the site). Claridge Royale will be located at 245 Rideau Street, contain 250 units over 26 floors, and is set for occupancy 2023.

To stay up to date on Claridge Royale as it comes available, fill out the form at the bottom of the page.

When Is The Best Time To Sell My Ottawa Condo?

Of the top questions that I get asked is regarding when is the best time of the year to sell a condo in Ottawa. While the answer will vary depending on your specific situation, let’s dive deeper into the general answers.

Most people are aware that the busiest time of the year for real estate (when most transactions take place) is the spring, followed by the fall, summer, and then the winter. This is when most listings are typically active, and when most buyers are out looking. 

However, that is generally based on the standard residential freehold buyer. Think traditional family with two kids and a dog buying a suburban home. This freehold buyer or seller is very different than the standard condominium buyer or seller in Ottawa. The freehold buyer and seller and thinking about timing the move with the kids' school year. Simply put… they want to move when it is easier for them and their family. While the majority of condominium buyers don’t have kids or even a partner to be concerned about - their lifestyle is very different. Even holidays and vacation - the condo buyer treats the holidays differently and goes on vacation differently, than the typical residential buyer. December is usually one of our busiest months with condo sales! We find that condo buyers are out with holiday parties, visiting friends/colleagues, and seeing the lifestyle that they don’t currently have. They are getting that itch to move, to upgrade.

I have a silly saying that there is “no snow in condo land”, which essentially means that condos are not affected by snow, unlike residential freehold homes. Many buyers would never buy a home in the winter - you can’t see the roof, can’t see the yard, who knows maybe there is a huge hole in the yard. While with condo’s that doesn’t affect you. Often the views in the winter are even more magical (especially at night when it is snowing). 

Location can even play a heavy role in timing. For example, usually July and August can be absolutely crazy for condo-buying that is located within walking distance to Ottawa University, Carleton University, and Algonquin College, as parents are trying to find a condo for their kid. While the freehold market is on summer break and things are usually very quiet. 

Often your situation will specify when you will need to sell. Depending on if you are up-sizing and have already purchased and need to align your moving dates. Maybe you are being transferred for work? Maybe your tenants just gave their notice, and you don’t really have the ability to sit with a vacant unit for four months trying to “time” the market. Maybe the tenants have kept the unit in very bad shape and you will need the unit vacant before listing it for sale.

Maybe you have the luxury of not needing to sell? Maybe it will depend on the market and if it is a seller's market or a buyers market? Right now in Ottawa, we are in a seller's market and for someone thinking of selling it can be prime to take advantage of the market.

When you are thinking of selling, we start by deciding who is most likely to be the purchaser of your condo. Investor? Owner-occupier? We break down the demographics for the building (age, income, sex, etc.) to help us craft possible options. A brand new 400sqft condo downtown will be a very different buyer than a 1200sqft condo that was built in 1970 located in Kanata. Not only does this help us when helping you decide when the best time to sell could be, but also how we market to that person (or groups if there could be more than one). It becomes more of a proven science than a shot in the dark without any idea of the target.

Want to chat about selling your Ottawa condo? Fill out the form at the bottom of the page.

Top Condo Buildings In Ottawa That Allow BBQ’s

When searching for the perfect place to call home, trying to find a condo that ticks all of your boxes can be a daunting task. Especially if one of those must-haves is a private bbq on your balcony, which is almost impossible to find in the majority of condo buildings in Ottawa. Over 95% of the condo buildings in the city do not allow gas (or charcoal) bbq’s, shrinking your possible list down quite a bit. Here are the top condo buildings in Ottawa that currently allow gas barbecues on the balcony.

If you want to know the truth behind the lack of buildings that allow it, check out a blog post we wrote back in 2015 that explains it in more detail.

TIP: Looking at a listing and unsure if it allows a barbecue? Look at the stove/range. If it is a gas stove top, then chances are quite high that the builder also had a gas line installed to the balcony. Keep in mind that this does not guarantee that a barbecue is allowed. To confirm, it is always best to have your lawyer check the status certificate. Plus rules will constantly change, so even if you see a barbecue it does not mean that you would be allowed one (it might be grandfathered). As is with any very important “must-have”, communicate this list to both your realtor and lawyer, so that they can both verify you would be able to (this is the same with pets, etc.).

Second Avenue West - 808 Bronson

Built in 2012 by local Ottawa builder Domicile, Second Avenue West has the features that continue to attract buyers to Domicile product. While slightly more traditional than other builders mentioned here, the quality of the work and finishes within the units is quite high. Located at 808 Bronson, Second Avenue West is steps from Dow’s Lake, The Rideau Canal, Preston Street, and The Glebe. Each unit has a natural gas line installed on the balcony.

Studio Argyle - 255 Argyle

Located just off of Bank street directly in Centretown, this hard loft building gets a LOT of attention. Aside from the fact that the condo board allows personal barbecues, the units are very unique with high ceilings and industrial features. Exposed concrete ceilings, brick walls,  ductwork, etc. they are always on the list of someone looking for that hard loft look - IF there is one available. There are only 40 units over the five floors, which makes units very hard to find, especially at a decent price.

SOBA - 203 Catherine Street

Built in 2019, SoBa is the latest project from the Toronto developer Brad Lamb. Lamb brings the Toronto design to Ottawa, with modern features and finishes at an attractive price. Views from the building are jaw dropping in every direction. Located at 203 Catherine, just off of Bank street, and sandwiched in between Centretown and the Glebe. Each unit has a gas stove top inside, and natural gas line installed on the balcony.

Gotham - 224 Lyon

Gotham was Brad Lamb’s first building in Ottawa, which was completed in 2015. Located on Lyon at Gloucester, it is a short walk to the downtown core, and a block from Bank street. The building has a multitude of living options including two-storey lofthouses, single-level lofts, glasshouses, and stunning penthouses. Each unit has a gas stove top in the kitchen, and natural gas line installed on the balcony.

Merrion Square - The Radcliffe and The Norfolk - 327 Breezehill and 330 Loretta

Built by Domicile in 2010 and 2011, both of these buildings are part of Merrion Square, which is a collection of condos and homes. Located just off Carling, the buildings are located steps from Little Italy, Dow’s Lake, The Rideau Canal, and The Ottawa Hospital Civic site. Each unit features a natural gas line installed on the balcony.

One3One - 131 Holland

Domicile built One3One in 2013, which comprises of 191 units over nine floors. The building is located on Holland just steps from Wellington Street, putting you in a “walkers paradise” and providing you with the best of everything that Hintonburg has to offer. Each unit has a natural gas line on the balcony for your private bbq.

The Kavanaugh - 7 Marquette

Completed in 2015, The Kavanaugh is a beautiful building located in the heart of New Edinburgh. A short commute to the office, and access to the thriving amenities and lifestyle that Beechwood provides. There are only 124 units over 10 floors, again making the perfect units hard to find. There are some stunning views of the city, especially from higher floors where you can watch the sunset over downtown. Each unit has a natural gas line on the balcony.

The Corners On Main - 11 des Oblats Avenue and 166 Main Street

Domiciles latest project which has lately sold the last available unit, is located in Old Ottawa East. A somewhat “new” area to many unfamiliar buyers, adding a great neighbourhood to the possibilities list. It is very easy to commute to the city core, while not being located right in the busy mix of Centretown. You have the river on one side, and the Rideau Canal on the other. A short walk over the pedestrian bridge and you are at Lansdowne Park and The Glebe. Also a very easy commute to the Ottawa Hospital General (and Riverside) campus, CHEO, and UofO Medical School. Many owners will easily say its the best location in the city. The two buildings contain 74 and 64 units over six floors each. Each unit has a natural gas line to the balcony for a private BBQ!

Looking for help to find the perfect condo? Let’s chat! Fill out the form at the bottom of the page.

Claridge Icon - Sales Update

** For more information about Claridge Icon, visit our Claridge Icon page, with all of the renderings, floorplans, detailed information, etc. CLICK HERE.**

Claridge Icon continues to move along, with the building now 62.5% sold. Only 120 units are left out of the original 320 units. Pricing did go up slightly, with the available units now averaging at $602.47/sqft (was $595.76/sqft in July 2019). Lowest price in the building is $343,000 which would get you either a Redford (625sqft) on the 6th floor, or a Gable (610sqft) on the 10th floor. The average size of an available unit in the building is 742sqft.

Keep in mind that these prices include a storage locker, which is included with each unit. Parking is $40,000 per spot. Current occupancy date is set for November 2020.

How To Find The Perfect Condo When The Market Supply Is Low?

The 2019 condo market is great if you are a seller, but not that great if you are trying to buy. One of the largest issues buyers are facing right now when searching for a condo in Ottawa, is a lack of supply - there are no good condos to buy (at a decent price)! Talk about a first world problem!

When supply is low, there are a bunch of ways that a great agent can help find buyers a property. We put together a list of methods that we use with our buyer’s to find that perfect un-listed/hidden/secret condo.

Working with an agent who focuses on the specific area or building. 

This should go without saying, but if you are looking to get a difficult to find property (aka a condo), working with an agent who focuses on that type of property, or even in the specific building will give you a major head start. Why hire a plumber to do your electrical work? We often have sellers who are 2-3 months away from selling, or getting ready to list next week. Our job is to keep our “ear’s to the ground”!

Peer Networking

One of the best ways I find off market condo’s is by chatting with other agents. In this market I spend more time asking other agents what they have coming up, and letting agents know what I have before a property hits the market. Even getting an extra day notice before a property is listed, gives you the buyer a huge advantage in this market. Having focused on condo’s for such a long period, I receive a high number of other agents letting me know what they have coming up.

Off Market Builder Supply

Typically builders will only list a few units in a building, even if they have a bunch of available condos, as they don’t want to overwhelm a buyer. Often builders won’t tell buyers or other agents that they are able to be purchased. Earlier this year, we had a builder that had condo with cosmetic damage and was not being shown or advertised. However since we had a great relationship with the builder, we were able to sell it to our buyer. Our buyer loved not being under pressure from other buyers trying to compete for the same unit. No bidding wars!!

Looking Outside Your Budget

While this is normally discouraged, it has provided us with options when times were tough! In this market it is common to see sellers get extremely confident with their pricing and list way over market value. A unit that should be $350,000 but is listed for $390,000 might miss your search if you set your max budget to $375,000. A few months or even weeks on the market, and they might be willing to accept a decent offer of market value. 

Parking?

Finding a unit that includes parking can often be a huge restriction when searching, depending on the price point. Not every seller originally purchased parking and that can really cut your options down if you MUST have one. We have seen property matches drop by half - or even more! Ask yourself if you really NEED parking? Could you rent a parking spot? I have helped many buyers who have decided it was a better option for them to rent a spot in the building for $150 per month than pay $35,000 upfront plus another $80 per month in extra condo fees. While this isn’t a solution for everyone, knowing these options that you have can make a huge difference.

Consider Renting?

While you won’t hear many agents try to convince you away from buying, sometimes renting is the smarter idea - at least temporarily. We all have those friends who have bought something since it was the only option versus waiting for the right option, and regretted it shortly after. If you don’t love it, then don’t buy it! That being said, renting in this market is almost as difficult, if not worse - but at least you’re not tied to a $400k mortgage.

Need help finding a condo? If you are not already working with another agent, we would love to help. Fill out the form below, or call/txt directly 613-286-9501.

Ottawa Condo Market Statistics - July 2019

Each month we take a closer look and brake down the sales data of downtown condos from the previous month. Here are the statistics for July and the top five "downtown" area's - Centretown, Byward Market and Sandyhill, Little Italy (which includes Lebreton Flats), Hintonburg, and Westboro. The information will be specific to apartment style condominiums, and only what sold through the MLS. Also, DOM (Day's On Market) is calculated to include the conditional period, which in Ottawa is almost every single transaction to be roughly 10-14 days.

July is typically a slower month in Ottawa real estate, with everyone heading off to the cottage and enjoying the weather. Especially after a long, cold, winter like we just had! However, for most area’s the trend of low supply / seller’s market, kept it’s pace. Every neighbour hood (with the exception of Hintonburg), saw 99% list price to sale price ratio’s, and an average price over $400,000! Centretown saw the most action with 54 new listings and 46 sales. With Westboro dominating average sold price, shortest days on market, and a high list to sold price ratio, you are in a great position if you are thinking to sell. Overall, I would expect this trend to continue or let off slightly in August as we typically see, and then start picking back up in September as there are fewer cottage days, and a more normal focus on normal life.

Do you have any questions about how this information affects your investment or looking for more information to make the best decision about your purchase? Let’s chat! Fill out the form on the bottom of the page.

Claridge District - Now Only Rental Units

Claridge announced last night via Instagram that Claridge District will now contain only rental units. Originally, Claridge had planned to launch three downtown condo projects this year (Moon, Royale, and District). Claridge Moon launched earlier this summer, and Claridge Royale is now planned to launch in the fall. Claridge District would have been located at Metcalfe and Nepean which is across the street of Tribeca towers, and consisted of two 27 floor towers, one for rental units, and one for condominiums. Based on the demand for rental housing, Claridge has decided to continue with both towers as rentals. This was a rumour that we had heard earlier this year, and part of the reason it was set to be the last project launched.

View this post on Instagram

Claridge District is on it's way up! With such high demand in Ottawa's rental market, both towers will now offer solely rental units! #ottcity 🏗 . . . #ClaridgeHomes #ClaridgeDistrict #underconstruction #Ottawa #YOW #architecture #urbanliving #citylife #rentottawa #homebuilder #ottawarealty

A post shared by Claridge Homes (@claridgehomes) on Jul 24, 2019 at 6:20pm PDT

What Condominium Buildings Are Close To Shopify? 2019 Edition

Established in 2004, Shopify has become one of Ottawa’s top employers. Seeing so much growth over the past several years, the company has now has two addresses in Ottawa; 234 Laurier Ave and 150 Elgin St. Everyday new positions are opening up at these two locations that the desire to live close to work is a top priority for new employees.

Are you a current or future employee of Shopify? If so, we put this guide together to help you decide which condo buildings you should be considering. We have narrowed down the top five buildings that are in less than a 10 minute walking distance to both Shopify locations and have the fresh contemporary look and vibe you want to have. Plus, all of these options have units available for both buying, or renting.

We have helped Shopify employees find a home in each of these buildings below - need help finding a place to live? Fill out the form at the bottom and let’s chat.

179 Metcalfe St and 40 Nepean St
Tribeca Phase One and Tribeca East

The Tribeca’s were built by Claridge Homes in 2014 and 2015. 179 Metcalfe (phase 1) contains 260 units that includes studios, one, and two bedroom units that range in size from 460sqft to 1145sqft. 40 Nepean St contains 179 that also include studio or one and two bedroom units. Both buildings feature spacious units with floor to ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light, high ceilings, and open concept living spaces.The amenities at both these buildings include a concierge, board room, party room, indoor pool, fitness centre, guest suites, bicycle storage, storage lockers, and underground parking. The Tribeca’s are within a 4 minute walking distance from both the Shopify Laurier Ave location and the Elgin St location. Hard to beat the location. Why we love them? Aside from their great location, you can find a Sobey’s (soon to be Farmboy) grocery store in the buildings podium (which also includes wine and beer sales!).

324 Laurier Ave - The Mondrian

The Mondrian was built by Urban Capital in 2008 and contains 250 one, two bedroom units (there are a couple studio units but rare) that range in size from 472sqft to 1600sqft. The units feature 9 foot ceilings, open concept living spaces, and floor to ceiling windows. All of the amenities are located on the 6th floor - which include the outdoor saltwater pool, bbq and dining area, gym, lounge/party room. Pets are also allowed in this building. The Laurier location is a short 4 minute walk from The Mondrian and the Elgin location is 7 minutes. Why we love The Mondrian? Shoppers Drug Mart is located in the podium of the building, bike paths located at the front door which allows quick and easy way to get to the office, real concierge in the building, and most units are of a good size. The building is easy to spot from the street with the solid red glass panels - an ode to french painter Piet Mondrian who the building was named after.

199 Slater St - The Slater

Built by Broccolini in 2017, The Slater contains a total of 179 studio, one, and two bedroom units. These units range in size from 1442sqft to 1929sqft and feature European kitchens, 9 foot ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, and modern barn style bedroom doors. Amenities at The Slater include a party room, theatre room, fitness centre, hot tub, storage lockers, concierge, underground parking, and also allow pets under 40 pounds. The walking distance to the Elgin St location is 7 minutes and only 3 minutes to the Laurier Location. Why we love The Slater? Aside from the higher level of quality finishes, the building also has a minimum lease term of only two nights. This means that you would be able to use the property as an short term investment (such as AirBnb) if you are traveling, or gone for an extended period of time.

300 Lisgar St - SOHO Lisgar

Built by Mastercraft Starwood in 2013, SOHO Lisgar contains a total of 169 one and two bedroom units that range in size from 522sqft to 1032sqft. These units feature gleaming hardwood flooring, marble bathrooms, European appliances, and floor to ceiling wall to wall windows. Amenities at SOHO Lisgar include a concierge, outdoor pool with loungers, outdoor BBQ, party room, theatre room, hot tub, board room, fitness room, sauna, bicycle storage, storage lockers, and underground parking. Pets are also allowed in this building. The Laurier location is a short 5 minute walk and the Elgin location is 8 minutes. Why we love SOHO Lisgar? The design is timeless, location is great, plus the amenities are stunning.

Too close? Want to live a little further out?

Don’t want to live that close to the office? We have also narrowed down 6 buildings that are modern, still close… but not tooo close.

224 Lyon St - Gotham

Built by Lamb Developments in 2016, this statuesque building features a total of 251 studio, one, or two bedroom units, that range in size from 424sqft to 1445sqft. These units feature hardwood flooring, exposed concrete ceilings and accent walls, floor to ceiling windows, and open concept living spaces. Amenities at Gotham include concierge, outdoor BBQ and dining area, party room, BBQ hookup on the balcony, bicycle storage, storage lockers, underground parking, and pets are also allowed. Gotham is a 13 minute walk to the Elgin Shopify location and a 10 minute walk to the Laurier location. Why we love Gotham? Aside from the modern finishes (exposed concrete), Gotham is the only building on this list that allows you to have your own BBQ on your balcony (gas hookup on the balcony), plus gas stoves in the unit.

255 Bay St - The Bowery

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The Bowery was built by Richcraft in 2017 and contains a total of 248 studio, one bedroom, two bedroom, or two storey units, that range in size from 375sqft to 945sqft. The spacious units feature hardwood flooring, sleek kitchens with granite counter tops, and large windows flooding the living space with natural light. Amenities at The Bowery include a rooftop pool, outdoor BBQ and dining area, party room, yoga centre, fitness centre, concierge, guest suites, storage lockers, underground parking. This building also allows pets. The Bowery is a 15 minute walk to the Elgin location and 11 minutes to the Laurier location. Why we love The Bowery? The amenities are beautiful. Indoor rooftop pool, gym, lounge, dining room, they are hard to beat.

354 Gladstone Ave and 349 Mcleod St
Central Condo Phase 1

Central Condo Phase one was built by Urban Capital in 2012 and is comprised of 240 one and two bedroom units that range in size from 478sqft to 1117sqft. These stunning industrial style units feature gleaming hardwood flooring, 9 foot concrete ceilings, exposed concrete pillars and ductwork, and floor to ceiling windows. The amenities are shared between the two buildings and include a concierge, dining room, fitness centre, party room, and recreation centre. Central Condo Phase One is within a 13 minute walk to the Laurier location and 16 minutes to the Elgin location.

360 Mcleod and 340 Mcleod st
Central Condos Phase 2 and Hideaway

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Built by Urban Capital in 2014 and 2015, these two buildings contain 328 studio, one or two bedroom units that range in size from 435sqft to 863sqft. These urban-style units feature 10 foot exposed concrete ceilings, exposed ductwork and modern sliding bedroom doors. The amenities are shared between the two buildings and feature a party room with full kitchen and pool table and private terrace with outdoor BBQ. There is also a resort style outdoor pool with private cabanas and poolside fireplace. Both buildings are a 15 minute walk from the Laurier location and 18 minutes to the Elgin location.

Also in walking distance to these condominium buildings is a Sobeys Urban Fresh, Independent Grocer, Shoppers Drug Mart, LCBO, several coffee shops, five star restaurants, and so much more.

Are you a Shopify employee who is new to Ottawa, trying to sort out where the best place to live is? Unsure and want help? Let’s chat! Fill out the form at the bottom of the page, txt/call 613-286-9501, or email Matt@mattrichling.com

Ottawa Condo Market Statistics - June 2019

Each month we take a closer look and brake down the sales data of downtown condos from the previous month. Here are the statistics for June and the top five "downtown" area's - Centretown, Byward Market and Sandyhill, Little Italy (which includes Lebreton Flats), Hintonburg, and Westboro. The information will be specific to apartment style condominiums, and only what sold through the MLS. Also, DOM (Day's On Market) is calculated to include the conditional period, which in Ottawa is almost every single transaction to be roughly 10-14 days.

Wow, things keep getting hotter and hotter in the Ottawa condo market. The average selling price, days on market, list to sold price, - all keep getting more intense.

Sellers: While things are doing well for you, we are still seeing properties that don’t sell above asking, and are taking quite a while to sell. It is not as much of a sellers market as one would think. Pricing and how a unit is shown, is more important than ever. I am seeing condos listed both over and under market value (by lack of experience), and seeing condos priced correctly while also zero effort put into preparing for showings. If you had looked at selling over the last few years, but decided to put a tenant inside instead, this might be the time to review the market and data.

Buyers: Patience, preparation, and persistence. Be patient - supply is low right now and the best units will come on the market (maybe not in your price point anymore, but they will list, I promise). This isn’t a crazy sellers market. You have to be able to say no if the unit isn’t what you are looking for. Preparation - Get that mortgage pre-approval now. Know your numbers and what exactly you can afford. Being able to walk into the offer process with shorter timelines will make you stand out and give you more confidence with your offer. Persistence - Again, there is a supply shortage. The best units will come on the market, will just need to wait it out. We are also seeing more and more multiple offer scenarios, which means that you have a larger chance of loosing out if you don’t act quickly or are not prepared. If you do loose out, don’t give up!

Do you have any questions about how this information affects your investment or looking for more information to make the best decision about your purchase? Let’s chat! Fill out the form on the bottom of the page.

Claridge Moon - Choosing Units + Views

**For more information about Claridge Moon, visit our Claridge Moon project page HERE. All information about the project will be located here, including floorplans, renderings, construction update, news articles, pricing, etc. **

Pre-construction condo buying can be very exciting but also intimidating. You are trying to choose the best unit, with the best view, with out spending over your budget. Last thing you want to do is to purchase a unit, thinking that the view is going to be unobstructed to move in and find out that you are facing another building.

We have gone through all the leg work to track down heights and make things easier for you.

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The Building

The building is one of three in the development. The condo building is 27 floors, located at the north east corner of the lot. The rental building will be 27 floors, located at the south west corner of the lot. The podium block will be three floors, and then the third tower will be nine floors and located the at the south east corner of the lot.

North Facing

Directly to the north of the condo building is a 13 floor building plus mechanical rooms on the roof (located across the street). To clear this building you would need to be roughly on the 14th floor, or 15th floor to be safe. There is no planned development that would affect the north facing view. The north facing units would be Hydra, Ariel, Luna, Equinox, and the Atlas floorplans (North west corner).

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North facing view from the 19th-20th floor (58 meters).

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North facing view from the 25th floor (73 meters).

South Facing

Directly south of the condo will be the nine floor tower (plus possible mechanical units). Further from the building (across the street) you are currently looking at a parking lot. They owner has applied to use the lot as a parking lot for the next three years. Previously Brocolini had started moving forward on a mixed use project, and then most recently a hotel and rental building that would consist of two towers both 27 floors.

To have the best unobstructed views facing south you would want to be located on the 10th or 11th floor and above. South facing units would include the Titan, Elara, Calypso (1,2,3), Vesta (South west corner), and the Portia floor plans (South east corner).

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South facing view from the 15th floor (44 meters).

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South facing view from the 25th floor (73 meters).

West Facing

Directly west of the project is a 14 floor building, however the rental building as part of this project will also be located to the south west of the condo tower. In order to have the best views, you would want to be on the 15th or 16th floor. West facing floor plans would include the Atlas (North West) and the Vesta (South West).

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West facing view from the 20th floor (58 meters).

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West facing view from the 25th floor (73 meters).

East Facing

Directly to the east of the building is a 25 floor building (plus roof structures), which is located across the street. East facing floor plans would include the Callisto and the Portia (south east).

Trying to sort out the best unit that is within your budget? We can chat about your goals and help you find the best fit. Fill out the form below and let’s chat more.