- TD Canada Trust Condo Poll suggests condo affordability is key for young homeowners -

MONTREAL, May 10 /CNW/ – Many Montrealers are attracted to condos because they want to live downtown and cut down their commute. In the 2011 TD Canada Trust Condo Poll, which surveyed Canadians who are thinking of buying, or recently bought a condo, more Montrealers named these two reasons as the main motivation for their condo purchase than respondents in any other city. The poll found affordability to be another main reason for Montrealers’ interest in condos (42%). Across all cities surveyed, affordability was most important for respondents under 35-years-old (62% versus 46% for other age groups). This age group seems to view condos as a stepping stone into homeownership, with many planning to move in the not too distant future. But, is this a good strategy?

“The convenience of living downtown and cutting down the commute time is making condos an attractive option for many Montrealers who view them as an affordable alternative to a house,” says Christine Marchildon, Senior Vice President, Quebec Region, TD Canada Trust. “However, if you ultimately hope to own a house and plan to move from your condo in a few short years, I strongly encourage you to calculate the costs that you will incur, such as condo fees, parking fees and moving expenses. Depending on how soon you plan to move, these costs could outweigh the equity you’ll build and receive from the eventual sale of your condo.”

What do Montrealers say are the most important features in a condo?

The top feature Montrealers look for in a condo is a balcony (92%). They also say low condo fees are important (91%) and nine-in-ten Montrealers (89%) said they wouldn’t pay more than $400 in monthly condo fees. These figures remain consistent with findings from a similar poll conducted by TD Canada Trust in 2010. Attractive interior design features (89%) were also important. Nationally, those over 50 are more likely to say attractive exterior design is an important consideration (88%), whereas younger respondents were more concerned about being close to public transit (85%) and near theatres, restaurants and shopping (85%).

Home Sweet Home – but for how long?

Four-in-ten (41%) Montreal respondents expect to live in their condo for three years or less (14%) or four to six years (27%). Nationally, the number planning for a short stay jumps even higher amongst respondents under 35. In fact, across cities surveyed, nearly one-quarter (22%) of respondents in this age group said they don’t plan to spend more than three years in their condo and another 45% plan to move after four to six years. [Read more...]