No-fee condos offer plenty

The Aqua Townhomes a fine option for first-time, move-up buyers

 

Source: Winnipeg Free Press

This is a challenging time for buyers looking for a starter or move-up home.

Two factors are making it incredibly difficult for first time buyers or young families to find an affordable home.

First, there’s the local real estate market, where competition for resale homes has been frantic due to a lack of inventory.

There have been several instances in which homes in desirable areas have sold for $100,000 or more over the asking price, with more than 20 offers, leaving many a first-time buyer out in the cold.

Then, there’s the second factor: condominiums. While condos often look more affordable, high fees — and a lack of space — have prompted first-time and move-up buyers to look elsewhere.

Question is, where else can you look?

Adam Virgilio of Royal LePage Prime Real Estate says A&S Homes’ new condo development in Prairie Pointe, The Aqua Townhomes, is a viable option.

As might be expected, the units in phase two will mirror the show home at 571 Ken Oblik Dr. with their layouts, finishes and features.

While the units are just shy of 1,400 sq. ft. in size — 1,382 sq. ft., to be precise — a logical layout ensures that they don’t feel small.

“The layout is super-open, so the main living areas feel nice and wide,” says Virgilio. “There’s lots of natural light and flow between spaces is good. Yet there’s enough room between each space — great room, dining area and kitchen — to make them feel distinct.”

Not only distinct but surprisingly spacious.

The great room is 12.2 feet by 13.7 feet, while the dining area is nearly 12 feet by 12 feet with the kitchen closely matching those dimensions. It never feels as if space is lacking.

Likewise, it never feels like style is lacking, starting with the great room.

“Every finish in the unit is a standard finish,” Virgilio notes. “Take the great room. It comes with a beautiful, linear electric fireplace set in a tile surround with a maple mantel above it and open storage at either end. There are also four pot lights on the ceiling above, and the window on its rear wall is huge and lets in tons of natural light.”

Then there’s the island kitchen at the opposite end of the main living area, where function intuitively matches fashion.

“This kitchen comes with the white package; a maple package is also available. The show home’s kitchen features white cabinets, quartz countertops, a tile backsplash and a double sink under a big window. There’s also a large pantry with sliding doors opposite the island, plus a convenient two-piece bath.”

Virgilio adds that a door on the kitchen’s rear wall also leads to a well-thought-out back landing that also happens to connect to a full basement.

“This is the only townhome in the area that offers a private basement entry that can be closed off either at the top or bottom of the stairs,” he explains. “You can finish the basement to serve as either a guest suite or in-law suite with a kitchenette, living room, bedroom, bathroom and laundry area.”

Head upstairs and you find a user-friendly second floor with extra-wide hallway, three bedrooms, laundry closet and elegant four-piece bath.

“The two secondary bedrooms are a very good size at about nine feet by 11 feet and nine feet by 12 feet. The primary bedroom is 12 feet by 12.7 feet and comes with a three-piece ensuite and walk-in closet.”

The townhomes also offer an extra bonus that aids affordability, says Virgilio.

“These townhomes offer freehold ownership, which means there are no condo fees. A&S has done a great job with these townhomes. At under $500,000, they’re a great alternative to high-priced resale homes and condos with high condo fees. And they’re so livable, and beautifully finished. Possession for phase two is expected to happen sometime in November.”

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By: Todd Lewys

Originally published by Winnipeg Free Press on June 6, 2026