A36 Friday, November 9, 2012, Tri-City News
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Onni commissions study from Urban Analytics
Adding value near rapid transit The availability of rapid transit is one of the most important things that buyers are looking for in a home development in recent years, and a report by Urban Analytics for Onni has demonstrated the increase in value that comes with this convenience. “Transit plays a big factor in the market,” says Nick Belmar of Onni. “This report just substantiates our argument about what people could expect when they buy near transit.” The report notes that new condos located along the Canada Line in Richmond and the Cambie corridor saw an increase in value, with Richmond seeing an increase of 21
per cent and Cambie finding a 33 per cent rise between 2009 and 2010. In Richmond, values increased by 15 per cent before the line was completed, and then six per cent over its first year. Cambie saw similar results, with a 19 per cent increase before the line opened and a continued rise after. “Values of newer condos located near a new rapid transit line will see an increase in value in the period ... preceding the completion of a rapid transit system, and ... while the rate of value appreciation tends to slow in the months after ... completion, higher values are sustained in the long term,” says Urban Analytics’ Michael Ferreira.
developers recognize this area as a hot spot.” Carlsen says. “Buyers want to live here.” It’s no wonder, with Willowbrook Shopping Centre just a five minute walk away, and schools, recreation, dining and shopping all in the neighbourhood. The area is incredibly family friendly, but it also works well for first-time buyers and downsizers alike. Owners will be able to take possession of their new place at the
end of 2013. Over 50 per cent of the 69 homes are already sold, and Carlsen attributes this to three very important factors. “This is a fantastic product at a fantastic price in an unbeatable location,” he says. “I really think it comes down to value.” Two-bedroom, two-bathroom homes at Salix start at $229,900. For more information, visit www.salixliving.com or call 604-530-0054.
‘It’s really worked out well’
Salix offers great value in Surrey’s Clayton Heights By Kerry Vital
Woodbridge Homes is bringing a touch of modern elegance to Surrey’s Clayton Heights neighbourhood with its condominium development, Salix. That elegance starts outside your home, with the five-storey building’s classic Georgian-inspired architecture. Red brick and styled ironwork combine with the craftsman woodwork accents to make for a chic entrance. Salix is surrounded by lush greenery, and includes a courtyard for residents with arbors and benches.
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This is a fantastic product at a fantastic price in an unbeatable location,” says sales manager Rob Carlsen.
Inside, buyers have three different interior design schemes to choose from: two contemporary and one traditional. The contemporary schemes (called Sallow and Osier) feature stone countertops and chic white satin flat panel upper cabinets and Teak or Wenge laminate flat panel lower cabinets, complemented by a modern stainless-steel feature hood fan and a ceramic tile backsplash with glass tile accents in the kitchen. Meanwhile, the traditional scheme (called Willow) includes elegant granite countertops and Victorian cabinetry in a dark wood, with its own custom Broan hood fan and tumbled limestone backsplash with a custom hand-set centrepiece. Both options are beautiful, so it’s up to you what style you want in your home. “This allows purchasers to pick and choose,” says Carlsen. “It’s really worked out well.” All three options feature stainlesssteel appliances and under-cabinet lighting, along with spacious bathrooms with walk-in showers surrounded by ceramic tile and well-lit large vanity mirrors, so your morning routine will be easy as possible. There are 15 different floorplans available, ranging from 474 to 1,290 square feet in a variety of one-, twoand three-bedroom configurations, and all have proven popular with buyers, Carlsen says. “The larger ones have done really well with downsizers. They don’t need a
big house anymore, but they still want space,” he says. Nine-foot ceilings are included throughout, with 10-foot ceilings on the top and bottom floors. Laminate flooring is featured in the main living areas, while comfortable trackless nylon carpeting in the bedrooms is great to sink your toes into first thing in the morning or late at night. Oversize windows let the natural light flood your home no matter what the weather is doing outside. If you’re in the mood for a bit of outdoor living, every condo at Salix has a private balcony or patio. One thing that Carlsen is particularly excited about at Salix is the storage space that comes with each residence. Located in your parking stall, the fourfoot by eight-foot space with its solid metal roll-down door could really be called a mini-garage. “It’s safe, secure and convenient,” says Carlsen. “It’s been huge with buyers.” The Clayton Heights area has seen a boom in new home projects recently. “I think it speaks to the fact that
Submitted photos
Homes at Salix include a private storage space for each unit, top, that serves as a mini-garage. The spacious floorplans include plenty of natural light and opulent master suites, above.