Should I Buy or Build a New Inner-city Infill in Calgary?

S Should I Buy or Build a New Inner-city Infill? Are you in the market to purchase a new home in inner-city Calgary? Some people ask if they should buy or build a brand new home. The task for either position can be daunting and we want to weigh the pros and cons for both sides.

B Buy a New Build. If you look on MLS, your real estate agent can sort to find brand new infills in established communities in Calgary. Most are built by builders that are intended to be sold to the public. Sometimes one client would want to build a duplex, and they build one side and sell the other side. Often, the homes are already in progress, and the time frame for possession is shorter. Sometimes, builders will also allow you to choose some of the finishes, paints, and colour schemes for the home if you catch them soon enough.

Benefits of buying a new build spec home in the inner city

  • New turn-key home ready to move in
  • See exactly what you get
  • See the workmanship of the builder
  • Can get an inspection
  • Builder chooses everything for you (in most cases)
  • Buy in a community that you love
  • Easier to find (through MLS via your favourite real estate agent)
  • Less time commitment
  • Typically more cost-effective (price per square foot)

Pitfalls of buying a new spec home

  • Might not have everything you like
  • Might require some customization
  • Depends on the demand of the community/real estate market
  • Your favourite builder may not have any inventory at the time you may want to buy
  • You may not know the builder, they may not have a big reputation

Benefits of BUILDING a new inner-city infill

  • Customize exactly what you want in your house
  • Communication is key with the builder and everyone involved
  • Work with a builder that you like
  • Might already have a home/lot that you own
  • Build in a community that you love
  • Less time commitment
  • Typically more cost-effective (price per square foot)

Pitfalls of buying a new spec home

  • A huge time commitment to dedicating to the builder, designer or project manager to build your perfect house
  • Might require some customization
  • Must wait for the permits and development to go through, which may take time
  • Council hearing about the proposed new development
  • Might be very costly
  • Cost over-runs in time, and things out of your control (city, neighbours, etc).