Semi-detached homes are quite common in the city of Toronto, especially in the downtown core and surrounding neighbourhoods. This is largely due to the high density in these areas dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.it was typical for downtown Toronto lots to be long and narrow in size making them a perfect fit for the Victorian “semis” we see throughout the city.
Their popularity boils down to price and availability. They are cheaper than detached homes.
According to the Toronto Real Estate Board’s figures for the month of November, the average sold price for a semi-detached home in the 416 area code was $640,208. The sold price for a detached home during that period was a whopping $855,188! Those figures could be argument enough for semis.
BENEFITS:
1. Compare to freehold Town Homes you have one attached
neighbour versus two.
2. you can take advantage of some economies of scale. Your roofs
are attached, you can both contribute for replacement and
negotiate a better deal.
3. Some Semi's is connected by Garage so you are sharing a
driveway : you can share snow clearing duties and if you have
very good relationship with your neighbour you can share
parking.
DRAWBACKS:
There are definitely some drawbacks to owning a semi versus detached, but I assure you that they do not outweigh the benefits of owning a freehold home in the city of Toronto.
1. Depending how your semi is built, noise transfer can be an issue.
Party walls - the common wall both sides share - can be thin and
sometimes don’t run the entire height of a home, leaving a gap in
the attic areas. In addition to noise transfer, the lack of a party
wall in the attic can also have an adverse effect in the event of a
fire.
2.Semi-detached homes can be limiting when it comes to structural
renovations as the party wall once again comes into play.
Extensions and additions have to be carefully considered to make
sure they don’t impact your attached neighbour’s home. Your
renovation plans can also put a strain on your relationship with
you neighbour, so an open line of communication can help
mitigate any potential issues. Make sure you have the proper
permits in place, as a complaint to the city can put your project in
jeopardy.
3.Parking can be tricky. You may be one of the lucky ones with your
own driveway or laneway parking. A good portion of homes in
Toronto have no parking or at best a “mutual” driveway ( a
narrow lane between homes widening out to parking spots in
back) or maybe a right- of-way to pass over to get to your
parking spot.
4. The biggest issue with Semi is that you are stuck with your
neighbour until either you or they move out. So if you’re thinking
of buying a semi, it might be wise to find out something about
the people who live next door.
If your budget allows for it, a detached home is the way to go. But, like I said, owning any freehold home in the city of Toronto can be a very rewarding experience both from a personal and financial perspective, so don’t be discouraged if a detached is out of your reach. You may find yourself quite satisfied with a semi as your final destination or as a stepping stone towards another home in the future.
source : The Globe and Mail.
Their popularity boils down to price and availability. They are cheaper than detached homes.
According to the Toronto Real Estate Board’s figures for the month of November, the average sold price for a semi-detached home in the 416 area code was $640,208. The sold price for a detached home during that period was a whopping $855,188! Those figures could be argument enough for semis.
BENEFITS:
1. Compare to freehold Town Homes you have one attached
neighbour versus two.
2. you can take advantage of some economies of scale. Your roofs
are attached, you can both contribute for replacement and
negotiate a better deal.
3. Some Semi's is connected by Garage so you are sharing a
driveway : you can share snow clearing duties and if you have
very good relationship with your neighbour you can share
parking.
DRAWBACKS:
There are definitely some drawbacks to owning a semi versus detached, but I assure you that they do not outweigh the benefits of owning a freehold home in the city of Toronto.
1. Depending how your semi is built, noise transfer can be an issue.
Party walls - the common wall both sides share - can be thin and
sometimes don’t run the entire height of a home, leaving a gap in
the attic areas. In addition to noise transfer, the lack of a party
wall in the attic can also have an adverse effect in the event of a
fire.
2.Semi-detached homes can be limiting when it comes to structural
renovations as the party wall once again comes into play.
Extensions and additions have to be carefully considered to make
sure they don’t impact your attached neighbour’s home. Your
renovation plans can also put a strain on your relationship with
you neighbour, so an open line of communication can help
mitigate any potential issues. Make sure you have the proper
permits in place, as a complaint to the city can put your project in
jeopardy.
3.Parking can be tricky. You may be one of the lucky ones with your
own driveway or laneway parking. A good portion of homes in
Toronto have no parking or at best a “mutual” driveway ( a
narrow lane between homes widening out to parking spots in
back) or maybe a right- of-way to pass over to get to your
parking spot.
4. The biggest issue with Semi is that you are stuck with your
neighbour until either you or they move out. So if you’re thinking
of buying a semi, it might be wise to find out something about
the people who live next door.
If your budget allows for it, a detached home is the way to go. But, like I said, owning any freehold home in the city of Toronto can be a very rewarding experience both from a personal and financial perspective, so don’t be discouraged if a detached is out of your reach. You may find yourself quite satisfied with a semi as your final destination or as a stepping stone towards another home in the future.
source : The Globe and Mail.
No comments:
Post a Comment