Whether to build a custom home in a new neighbourhood or an an existing one (an in fill property) is a question that many clients ask. While this decision is personal, there are some benefits in choosing the in fill lot. Alair Homes helps you to understand several of them here.

Building your Dream Home in an Established Neighbourhood Could Save you Over $10,000!

The City of Winnipeg in implementing a Growth Tax to all new homes constructed within the city limits that is based on the total square footage of your home.

Think of it this way, if you were to construct a new 2000 sqft home in a development you would pay $10,678 in a growth tax.  However, no impact fee will be payable if the existing dwelling on the same lot is replaced within 5 years.

Established Neighbourhood

Moving into an established neighbourhood, there is a good chance that there is a school close by or maybe even within walking distance.  A lot of new developments have not had the chance to start constructing the infrastructure that makes a community, such as a school, rec centers, shops, and restaurants, or even sidewalks. So moving into less established neighbourhoods might mean that you have to wait several years before they’re built up enough to provide you with the conveniences you need and enjoy.

No “Architectural” Guidelines

This past year, we were forced to remove an architectural feature on our client’s home because of a guideline. It was a shame to have to take away a feature that added character to the home, and that our clients really wanted.  Winnipeg is such a diverse city in culture, and it’s home should be a representation of that. By building your home on an in fill property, you can often decrease the chances of architectural guidelines dictating what you can and cannot include in your home.

Nature Awaits

For me personally, the fact that I can have an 80-year-old tree in my front yard is irreplaceable and adds character and curb appeal that you just don’t get in a new development.  Even if you planted a tree the day you moved in, most likely you will never see that beauty in your lifetime. Many in fill properties have established trees in place, so by choosing that lot, you can immediately enjoy the character and beauty of the existing landscape.

winnipeg-custom-home-exterior
Custom Home Exterior with Established Tree

Caution: Construction Zone Ahead!

No matter how big or small a new development is, there will be mud and lots of it!  All developments have a construction and a finished landscaping timeline, usually around 2 years.  If you are the first person to build on your street and it takes 2 years to sell all the lots, you will be living in mud for 4 years!  Plus there is the never-ending parking lot in front of your house for all the trades and crews building the homes around you.

Whether you build in the suburbs or in an established neighbourhood, each home that Alair Homes Winnipeg constructs is done at a high level of excellence using our client controlled approach.  If you would like to discover more about how we build, send us an email or call our office to schedule a consultation. .