High demand and low supply in Ottawa’s new-built townhome market are proving a plus for Greatwise Developments following its launch of Fresh Finale in Qualicum, the third and final phase of the popular Fresh Towns project in the west-end neighbourhood.
The collection of 32 newly designed townhomes was 60 per cent sold out within 10 days of opening.
That’s on top of previous sales achievements. Opened just a year ago, phase one of the 90-home enclave sold out in just weeks and is already under construction. Phase two is 90 per cent sold.
The new freehold towns of Fresh Finale feature three modern-themed designs with a total of seven floor plans. They have been designed to appeal to diverse buyers, from first-time homeowners to young families and downsizers, and range from 1,081 to just over 1,800 square feet.
Close to downtown, Fresh Towns offers an affordable alternative to condos and an opportunity for buyers to find a good-sized townhome without having to travel outside the Greenbelt. The development is also an opportunity to buy into a community traditionally dominated by single-family homes.
All about choice
The City Towns are back-to-back homes with three finished levels and two bedrooms. Each has a glass balcony for relaxing and a private garage with room for two small or mid-sized cars. Prices start at $339,000.
The two-bedroom Urban Towns are compact and start at $329,000. Their southerly exposure means lots of daylight, a second-storey balcony and backyard connects homeowners to the outside world, and an oversized single garage spells convenience.
The Uptowns are over 20 feet wide and boast a spacious backyard, a garage, plus a private rooftop terrace. Prices start at $489,000.
Modernity at an affordable price point
Fresh Towns pays tribute to the neighbourhood’s mid-century modern architectural heritage thanks to Rod Lahey, the architect for the entire Fresh Towns development. His designs feature clean lines, large windows, and combinations of aluminum, Hardie board, and wood and brick elements.
“The design is definitely different than what you see in townhome communities,” says Derek Nzeribe of the real estate firm Milborne Group, which is representing Fresh Towns.
“We’ve taken what you typically see in Westboro or the Glebe — custom-type design — and brought it down to a more affordable price point … It’s really exciting to have a builder willing to think outside the box and not just make it another townhome community.”
Pointing to Ottawa’s brisk new homes market, he predicts a complete sell-out of Fresh Finale by the end of November.
Different style zones
Interiors for the full Fresh Towns project were created by West of Main designer Sascha Lafleur.
She went with a timeless look and a neutral palette that could be readily accented by a homeowner but would also hold its value for investors.
“There’s something for everyone,” she says. “So if someone likes a classic look with white Shaker cabinet doors (in the kitchen), they could get it. If they wanted a darker, richer tone, that’s also in the palette. Each package hits a different style zone.”
Quartz countertops, stainless-steel-finish appliances and soft-close cabinets are all standard features in the towns.
Lafleur is also taken with the Uptowns’ rooftop terraces.
“It’s a beautiful space with a fabulous view,” she says. “You can plant greenery but still have low-maintenance living.”
Close to everything
Schools, services and shopping are all close by. “It’s such an accessible neighbourhood,” says Nzeribe, mentioning the community’s proximity to the Queensway and downtown along with amenities like Bayshore Shopping Centre and services like the Queensway-Carleton Hospital.
He also says those who work in Kanata’s high tech sector love the location of Fresh Towns because it means there’s no battling traffic to get to or from work.
“You’re very close to everything. Location is one of the biggest things.”
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Originally published Oct. 2, 2018
