Toronto Condo and Real Estate Blog

By Andrei Zaretski - New Dream Homes and Condos

If you like fast, then Pickering is for you. One of the fastest-growing cities in the country, Pickering is no walk in the park… unless you want it to be! Established as part of the former York County in 1791, the Township of Pickering was named after an English market town of the same name.

It began as an agricultural community, focusing on farming and milling. The mills were powered by the many surrounding rivers, including the Rouge River which was later used as a harbour to ship merchandise to Toronto and other nearby big cities.

In 1856, Pickering took another step towards development after the construction of the Grand Trunk Railway.

After the Second World War, the township’s rural east end, used for manufacturing shells, was severed and turned into a community now known as Ajax. Another community, now known as the Village of Pickering, was separated from the township shortly after.

But it would take more than that to slow Pickering down, as it prospered and grew after the completion of Highway 401, which passes by the township’s south side. It received even more attention in 1965 when construction began on the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station; one of the largest nuclear facilities in the world.

The OPG 7 commemorative turbine, one of the largest windmills in North America, is also in Pickering. It was built in 2001.

In the mid-1970s, Pickering became a town under the new Durham Region. Its boundaries were once again reduced, as the west portion of the town was handed over to Scarborough. It became a city in 2000.

Despite being a city with a large farming community, Pickering is nothing less than urban. With an approximate population of 95,000, it has become a hot spot for real estate with affordable housing in close proximity to Toronto.

Let’s not forget that walk in the park. Pickering’s west side is joined with the last largest urban park in North America: the Rouge River park system.

In 2006, Profit magazine described the city as one of Canada’s best cities for growth companies. Some of the factors influencing this recognition include easy access to major highways, close proximity to nearby colleges and universities, and a large youth population.

Pickering is expected to lead Canada in population growth in the upcoming years. It is already the founding municipality of the Durham Strategic Energy Alliance due to its large quantity of energy-related companies. The Alliance’s mission is to establish itself as a leader in the international energy market.

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By Pat Baker - New Dream Homes and Condos

In recent columns, I have praised Toronto as one of the best cities in the world for condominium choice and value. We also enjoy much more floorspace than most condo dwellers in major cities across Europe and Asia, where tall, crowded buildings are densely packed into urban areas. Here, we may consider a 500 sq. ft. condominium suite suitable for a couple, where in another country a family may live in the same amount of space.

Another difference is in architecture. In my world travels, I’ve seen some fascinating condos with extremely unusual architecture in exotic places such as Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This exciting city attracts a high number of tourists for many reasons.  Known as the shopping capital of the Middle East, it offers shopping malls and souks that create a duty-free bargain hunter’s paradise. The city is emerging as a global business hub as well.

Innovative real estate projects have also created a skyline like no other. The residential real estate industry is exploding in Dubai. Condos are popping up there in every possible shape and size – some 50 and 60 storeys high - and visual drama is the name of the game. In one development called “The World,” the condo is actually shaped like the globe. If you look down on it from above, you can see the building wings in the shapes of countries. If you were Irish, for example, you could choose to purchase a suite in the cluster shaped like Ireland. It’s positively bizarre in a fabulous way.

Of course, we have our own stunning skyline in Toronto, with stylish condos creating striking city views. Developers here are working hard to house as many people as possible as our population grows dramatically every year. When any cosmopolitan city experiences this kind of popularity and growth, there really is only one way to go – and that’s UP!

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Why the GTA is the best place in the world to buy a condo

New Dream Homes and Condos

Industry professionals are calling it the “condo craze” – but whatever you name it, the condo market in Toronto and the GTA is hotter than ever before.

Watching condo sales last year and the start if 2007 was fascinating. Last June, high-rise sales were up 41%, beating the all-time record for market share. July brought the news that high-rise sales increased by 260% in Peel Region and 215% in York Region. In August, condos represented 44% of all new homes sold. High-rise sales brought us the strongest September in five years. Compared to October 2005, that same month in 2006 saw a decrease in high-rise sales, but then November rolled around and sales reached a five-year high for that month. I can’t wait to see what 2007 brings!

Right now, we have the most competitive condo market in North America, which is amazing news for consumers. Toronto and area purchasers enjoy a fabulous selection, outstanding features and remarkable building amenities, and all at competitive prices. Today’s condo developers are doing their best to put together desirable packages to attract buyers – and the buyers are the winners. Our conscientious condo developers travel to other cities to source items, explore new construction and design techniques, and look at what other builders have to offer.

Intensive market research also ensures that our developers respond to what buyers really want. And today, they want choice. Nowhere in the U.S. will you find the flexibility to choose from so many features, finishes and upgrades. There, builders tend to offer one package and that’s what you get. Here, buyers have the opportunity to personalize their condo suites with selections from a wide range of finishes.

Buyers also want fabulous architecture and environmentally friendly green features, and developers have accomplished amazing things on both fronts. Programs such as LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and ENERGY STAR® are two programs helping builders create win-win situations that benefit both the environment and the homebuyers.

The fact is, today’s consumers come into condo sales offices more prepared than ever before, and developers are determined to keep a step ahead. It’s a win-win for Toronto and area customers who get to shop for condos in the best place in the world!

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Contact the Jeffrey Team for more information