I used to think buying a new build was the only smart move in Edmonton

Five years ago when we bought our first place, we only looked at new developments in the southwest, convinced older homes meant endless repairs. We paid around $420,000 for a townhouse in Terwillegar. After living there, we realized the finishes were cheap and the yard was tiny. This spring, we sold it and bought a 1980s bungalow in Highlands for less money, and the character and mature trees are just better. Has anyone else made that switch from new to older and been happier with it?

2 comments

2 Comments

webb.jordan1mo ago

Totally get where you're coming from. We bought a new condo in Oliver a few years back and it felt like a shiny hotel lobby, but the charm wore off fast (everything felt so flimsy). We just moved into a split-level from the late 60s near Westmount and the solidness of it is a whole different world, even with its quirks. The rooms have actual character instead of just beige walls, and we have proper trees outside our window now. That trade-off for some older fixtures is completely worth it for us.

lisa_grant1mo ago

Honestly, we did the total opposite and kind of regret it. Bought a fixer-upper from the 70s in Bonnie Doon and the repair list just never ends, like we're constantly finding new problems with the plumbing and wiring. Tbh some days I miss the simple, predictable layout of a newer place even if the walls were thinner.