Over the past few years our way of life has been changed drastically. Whether it be during a full or partial lockdown, we have made changes to the way we utilize our homes and the amenities offered to us. We have resorted to combining work, play, and family life all in our own residences. For this reason, amenities are becoming an extremely important feature of a building when searching the market.

With many new condominium and apartment buildings being erected in Canadian cities, developers are focusing on new ways to provide residents with excellent and easy to use amenities. For years there have been amenities in high-rise developments, but the pandemic has shed light on the importance of these amities and their value to buyers.

Developers are finding new ways to promote their buildings. Some examples include common areas that promote social distancing, communal work spaces, relaxation zones, and more emphasis on outdoor living.

Some emerging trends according to an article by storeys include; package delivery lockers due to an increase in e-commerce, bike facilities, electric car charging stations, meditation and spa facilities, outdoor kitchens and seating areas, community gardens, and entertainment areas such as recording studios, virtual games, and classes and social programming (Varga, 2021). 

Over the course of COVID-19 many people were purchasing pets for support and company through these tough times. According to a study by The Canadian Animal Health Institute, the dog population in Canada increased by 100,000 between 2018 and 2020 (CAHI, 2021). As the dog population rises, homeowners will need better places to bath their pets. Many developers are implementing dog-washing stations to assist with this process, ultimately attracting many of these dog owners.

When purchasing a new home, you’re not only looking for a place to rest your head at night but also a place you enjoy spending time. Developers understand this and are finding new ways to provide a vertical community. With outdoor dining options, multi-media rooms, well-equipped fitness centres, and even a swimming pools, residents are given the opportunity to establish a social life and sense of community in their building.

There will also be an emergence for better utilized ground floors of developments. Instead of a basic lobby with little purpose, developers are beginning to turn this space into a brighter communal area. Going a step further would be to transform the ground floor into a retail space for residents to spend time and browse the products and services provided.

While location is still the most important factor for buyers. Developments with multiple impressive amenities will provide the most value for someone looking to live in a high-rise development. 

CAHI. (2021, February 15). 2020 Canadian PET population FIGURES Released: News. 2020 Canadian Pet Population Figures Released | News | Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI). Retrieved September 29, 2021, from https://www.cahi-icsa.ca/news/2020-canadian-pet-population-figures-released. 

Varga, C. (2021, May 18). What does the future of amenities look like in a post-covid world? Storeys. Retrieved September 29, 2021, from https://storeys.com/future-condo-amenities-post-covid-world/.