Differences Between a Bareland Condo & Conventional Condo

Condominiums in Edmonton, Alberta offer a variety of housing options to suit diverse preferences and lifestyles. Unlike other major cities that are restricted in development, Edmonton builders offer two difference types of condo options: Bareland and Conventional. If you’re a prospective homebuyer seeking clarity on what these options offer you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll  guide you through the differences between owning a Bareland condo and a Conventional condo, comparing their features, pros, cons, cost-effectiveness, and more.

Understanding the Basics

real property report edmonton bareland condo conventional condo

Bareland Condos in Edmonton include land ownership.

A Bareland Condo and a Conventional Condos each bring unique advantages to the table. A Bareland Condo, sometimes referred to as a “bareland townhouse,” is a type of property where you own the dwelling and the land it sits on. These condominiums can even resemble your typical neighborhood of single-family homes, townhomes, duplexes, or large estates with sprawling luxury homes. A condominium is a form of ownership where residents share common property and is not necessarily restricted to a shared building or townhouse structure, but includes properties where pathways, greens, and other shared responsibilities. Owning a bareland condo means you’re responsible for maintaining your unit’s exterior and the plot it occupies. Because land ownership is part of a bareland condo sale, Real Property Report (RPR) is typically required for real estate sales in Edmonton. An RPR prepared by a certified Alberta Land Surveyor provides a detailed legal description of the property, including its boundaries, structures, and any improvements made to the land. Since Bareland Condo owners own both the unit and the land it sits on, the RPR is essential to accurately determine property boundaries and ensure compliance with local zoning regulations and property restrictions.

On the other hand, a Conventional Condo ownership model entails owning a unit within a multi-unit complex while sharing common areas and amenities with other owners. The condominium corporation takes care of exterior maintenance and overall management. In the case of Conventional Condos, where the ownership is focused on the interior space of the unit and a proportionate share of the common areas, a Real Property Report might not be as relevant. Exterior maintenance and common area management are the responsibility of the condominium corporation, which oversees the property as a whole.

Comparing Pros and Cons of a Bareland condo & Conventional condo

Bareland Condo

Pros: 

  • One of the standout features of Bareland Condos is the level of customization they offer. As a homeowner, you have the ability to tailor your property’s exterior according to your  preference. This could include landscaping, exterior paint, and architectural details that reflect your unique style, subject to the local condominium allowances and any required condo board approvals.
  • Since each Bareland Condo unit is an independent dwelling, you’ll likely experience a greater sense of privacy compared to Conventional Condos.

Cons: 

  • The responsibility of exterior upkeep including any walkways, snow removal, and meeting the condominiums requirements for outdoor maintenance and landscaping falls squarely on your shoulders. This might involve higher maintenance costs and more time investment.
  • While you have more control over your property’s exterior appearance, there may still be certain guidelines or bylaws that dictate the range of customization options available to you. Understanding these regulations is essential to ensure your creative vision aligns with the community’s standards. If you need help with any Edmonton bylaws, check out our other blog posts or give us a call at 780-800-1260

Conventional Condo

Pros: 

  • Exterior maintenance is taken care of by the condominium corporation, freeing up your time and reducing unexpected costs. Access to shared amenities can provide a more luxurious lifestyle.
  • The presence of a condominium corporation ensures that the property is professionally managed, from general maintenance to enforcing bylaws. This can relieve homeowners of the day-to-day management burdens associated with property upkeep.

Cons: 

  • Monthly condo fees cover common area expenses, which might make them slightly higher than Bareland Condo costs. Additionally, you have less control over external appearances.
  • Condo corporations establish bylaws and regulations that govern aspects of communal living, such as pet policies, noise levels, and common area usage.

As you navigate the exciting world of Edmonton’s real estate, choosing between a Bareland condo and a Conventional Condos may seem like a daunting task. To ensure that you’re equipped with accurate information about your chosen property type, enlist the expertise of Arc Surveys.

It’s essential to note that the specific requirements for Real Property Reports can vary based on local regulations and the policies of the condominium corporation. Give us a call or send us an email to understand the exact documentation and reports needed for your specific property type and location.

Here at ARC surveys, we provide invaluable assistance in helping you procure or sell your condominium in Edmonton. Offering professional expertise, precise measurements, and adherence to local regulations, we would be more than happy to help you if you need to obtain a Real Property Report for your condo! Contact us at 780-800-1260 or send us an email to office@arcsurveys.ca