The right size at the right price. That’s what the “right-sizer” buyer is looking for, and these days that’s everyone. The “right-sizer” was never just a buzzword in Edmonton, as whether downsizing or upsizing a home, finding the right-size home is what everyone needs.

Finding a home that fits your lifestyle needs is important, but finding one that fits the budget is just as critical, if not more so. After all, no one wants to be house-poor, meaning having a home that you can’t afford.

“Right-sizing your home is all about finding a space that truly fits your current lifestyle—not too big, not too small, but just right,” says Brookfield Residential Marketing Manager, Jenna Rilling. “It’s different from simply ‘downsizing’ or ‘upsizing.’ Right-sizing means thinking about how you live day to day and choosing a home that supports those needs.”

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers a couple of guidelines to finding a home that you can comfortably afford. First, your housing costs shouldn’t be more than 32 per cent of your gross income. Housing costs include mortgage principal and interest, taxes, heating expenses and half of your condo fees. Second, your total debt (for housing, cars, and credit cards) shouldn’t be more than 40 per cent of your gross income.

Fortunately, Edmonton’s new homebuilders work with their customers in offering all home types that can fit their various financial and lifestyle needs. We spoke with a few homebuilders to find out how they can help the “right-sizer.”

Front-drive homes

The convenience, functionality, and larger size of the front-drive garage home (or FDG home) has made it today’s ideal family home. This type of home is as ubiquitous as the suburbs they are generally found in and are at the apex of the home-buying cycle. But with the rising interest rates, soaring material costs, and tight housing market, it may not be the most affordable option, but homebuilders have strategies in place to keep them as budget-friendly as possible.

Director of Marketing & Communications for Coventry Group, Tara Van Horn says the front-drive garage home is the most common next step for growing families.

“Front-drive garage homes seem to appeal most to young families who are looking for a new home with more space to accommodate their growing families. Front-drive garage homes are typically larger than detached garage homes, duplexes or townhomes that these families may be moving out of,” she says.

Convenience is a major advantage to a front-drive garage home – especially in places like Edmonton, where the weather can be extreme, she adds. “Families with young children can conveniently load and unload their vehicles while not being exposed to the weather.”

Coventry Homes offers a wide range of customizable front-drive garage homes in over a dozen communities in the Greater Edmonton area. “With our flexible floorplans, home buyers can focus on the list of “needs” and if they are willing to be flexible on their ‘wants’, a front-detached garage home can fit in lots of different budgets.”

TheKepleris one of Coventry Homes’ newest models, and it blends modern functionality with stylish, open concept living. The newly opened showhome in Rosemont in West Edmonton is destined to be a hit with Coventry’s trademark family-friendly design and sleek, modern style.

“The Kepler was designed with versatility in mind,” Van Horn says. “It offers thoughtfully curated features to enhance everyday living.” Find out more at coventryhomes.ca.

Duplex homes

A duplex is a single structure featuring two residences, each with its own private entrance and one shared wall (there is usually a gap between the walls of the two homes to lessen sound transfer). Each home is individually owned, and unlike townhomes, have no condo fees. It’s twice the nice at half the price.

“A duplex home offers the perfect balance of privacy, space, and value, Brookfield Residential’s Rilling says. “With the potential for added income through a basement suite, it’s a smart and flexible choice—especially for first-time buyers or anyone looking to enter the real estate market.”

This type of home is typically more affordable than a laned or front garage home making it a great option for first-time buyers or those looking to enter the real estate market, she adds. “Certain costs, such as maintenance, roofing, or landscaping, can also be shared with the owner of the other side, reducing the financial responsibility.”

What makes a Brookfield duplex special? “Homeowners love Brookfield duplexes because of the attached front garage providing convenience and security, as well as a backyard and open designs that have up to 1,777 square-feet of living space. The upper floor bonus room on our duplex homes also provides an additional space providing flexibility for a growing family.”

She says Brookfield Residential homeowner’s also have peace of mind because our duplex homes come with the Brookfield myHome Maintenance Program. “As part of this free three-year program, Brookfield Residential will help homeowners maintain their home, which is above and beyond what is covered by Alberta New Home Warranty.”

In Edmonton, Brookfield Residential has four, front garage duplex models to choose from ranging in size from 1,424-1,777 square-feet. They can be found in three beautiful Brookfield communities; Orchards, Edgemont, and Chappelle Gardens.

“We have duplex showhomes available to tour in Edgemont and Orchards.” Find out more at brookfielresidential.com.

Laned homes

Laned homes have been the darling of the new homebuyer set for almost as long as there has been a new homebuilding industry. This type of home usually has a porch or veranda facing the street, or big front windows with unencumbered view of the front yard. It also has a parking pad or detached garage with rear lane access, and it has always been the preferred first home for many.

Home buyers looking to enter the market of single detached homes can find a great “right-sized” option in the laned home style. These homes offer a unique blend of charm, practicality, and affordability, making them an excellent choice for many homebuyers.

Jacq Lakusta, Sales Manager at Akash Homes, agrees. “With no shared walls, laned homes offer a more private, personalized living experience, providing homeowners with a true sense of individuality and pride in a space that reflects their unique lifestyle, all at a more affordable price than traditional detached single-family homes.”

She points out that Akash Homes’ laned homes have the added feature of side entrances, giving homeowners greater flexibility to make the most of their basement space according to their needs.

Akash’s laned homes appeal to a wide range of buyers, from first-time homeowners, families with children, to empty nesters. Offering generous space and smart layouts, these homes are designed to suit every stage of life. With more attainable price points than traditional single-family homes, buyers can enjoy living in vibrant, amenity-rich communities while having lower mortgages.

Akash currently offers laned homes in many of Edmonton’s most desirable communities, including Alces in the southeast, Crystallina Nera in the northeast, and Copperhaven in Spruce Grove. Find out more at akashomes.com.

Townhomes

Townhomes are a lot of things for a lot of people, but its inherent affordability is what makes it one of the hottest selling types of homes right now.

For one thing, townhomes are offered in a wide variety of styles that work for different kinds of lifestyles. They may be stacked on top of each other; or sitting side-by-side in a row; they can offer single-level living or a three-storey lifestyle; they can have condo fees and there are those that don’t.

Cantiro offers a variety of townhome styles to meet diverse buyer needs. Their Metro Collection Townhomes are three-storey, rear-attached garage homes with no condo fees, available in Alces (SE Edmonton), Riverstead (SW Edmonton), and Greenbury Park (Spruce Grove). “In addition, we offer two-storey townhomes with detached garages in Riverside in St. Albert,” says Gary Hoeft, General Manager, Cantiro Homes.

All Cantiro townhomes, including the Metro Collection and Riverside townhomes, are fee-simple, meaning they do not have condo fees. “In this scenario the individual owns the land and the building outright. They have complete ownership rights and can make decisions about it without the need for approval from a condominium association.”

He points out that what sets Cantiro apart is their attention to the small but meaningful details, such as: 9-foot main floor ceilings, sound diffusing common walls, triple-pane windows, LED lighting, Energy Star HRV exhaust systems, and stylish interiors with quartz countertops and soft-close cabinetry among many other design touches; and award-winning design and customer care.

Their Metro Fit 14, winner of Best Townhome $300K–$350K also at this year’s awards, exemplifies smart, stylish, and functional design. With a rear-attached garage, flex/gaming room, dual primary suites, and tech space, it’s crafted for modern urban living.

Buyers can personalize their Fit 14 with one of our three curated interior design packages—Linen, Slate, or Sand—for effortless style and cohesion. Thoughtful touches like upstairs laundry, stain-resistant carpet, and ample storage make everyday living simple and stress-free.

Cantiro offers townhomes in four locations across the Edmonton Metro Region. “We have multiple show homes available to tour, showcasing the different floorplans and finish packages available across all of our locations.” Check them out at cantiro.ca/metro-townhomes.