In what has become a rarity in the era of COVID-19, Claridge Homes is set to launch a new community Sept. 12 in popular Barrhaven.
Called Watter’s Pointe, the enclave of 169 two-storey townhomes just north of the Jock River from Half Moon Bay has been generating tremendous interest among buyers, with more than 3,000 registering for updates since the community was first announced two years ago.
“It’s a lot of build-up, but it’s interesting to see that people have remembered,” says Claridge’s digital marketing manager, Rachel Kerr. “I think in Barrhaven, and this community specifically, people are committed.”
Demand for new homes is high in Ottawa right now, and even more so when it comes to both the south end and townhomes.
“Mention ‘Ottawa South’ and ‘townhome’ in the same e-blast and a builder is almost guaranteed buyers will be lining up to purchase a new home,” says Cheryl Rice of industry analyst PMA Brethour Realty Group.
“Since May, during an easing of emergency health and safety measures, Ottawa South captured the largest share of new-home sales for two of the three months in that period. During the same three months, townhomes — which are always a very popular product — also had the majority of sales.
“We’re back to where we started at the top of 2020, when pre-pandemic new-home sales favoured townhomes located in Ottawa South, especially in Barrhaven and Leitrim communities.”
Claridge expects Saturday’s launch “will be an extremely successful day,” says Kerr, particularly since only about 10 per cent of the units will be released, in four blocks of homes.
The builder has not yet determined when more blocks could be released if the initial lots sell out right away.
In another rarity lately, this release will not be done virtually. Prospective buyers have been asked to arrive with their cheque book handy and line up accordingly for the 11 a.m. opening. Physical distancing will, of course, be in place.
“If you are interested, it’s kind of make your decision on the spot,” Kerr says. Floor plans, lot availability and pricing were being made available ahead of the launch to help buyers determine their choices.
The homes
The Watter’s Pointe townhomes are from Claridge’s Landmark Series. There are nine floor plans to choose from, ranging from 1,620 to 2,315 square feet with either three or four bedrooms.
Exteriors are a “contemporary design featuring brick, vinyl siding, Hardie (cement board) and contemporary stone pre-cast sills,” says Kerr.
Inside, the homes come with a finished basement — “definitely a big appeal for these townhomes,” Kerr notes — nine-foot main-floor ceilings, quartz counters and hardwood on the main floor.
The homes also come with a drain water heat recovery unit, an HRV (heat recovery ventilator), and many include a gas fireplace either in the living room or in the basement rec room.
Although there are no models to tour on site, Claridge does have townhome models available at Westwood in Stittsville, Bridlewood Trails in Kanata and Spring Valley Trails in Orléans South.
With only 169 homes available, Claridge expects the community will sell out within a year, depending on how quickly it releases lots, Kerr says.
The area
Watter’s Pointe is a “great location in growing Barrhaven,” she adds. “It’ll be close to a ton of amenities.”
The site is across the street from St. Joseph Catholic High School and just south of the Chapman Mills Marketplace, a retail district with more than 65 stores.
It also benefits from its location next to a future park that is adjacent to the Jock River.
“I think the townhomes will be a great addition and a great fit for that area,” says Kerr.
Initial occupancy is slated for March 2022. At the time of writing, starting prices were expected to be from $572,900; however, that could change by launch time. Check our Watter’s Pointe development profile for more information.
