Over the years, we've seen the average price of condos for sale in Brampton slowly but steadily going up. But sadly, the average size of condos is consistently going down. So, what’s the average size of a condo in Brampton these days? And how can you make sure you’re not buying a condo that’s too cramped for you? Let’s explore all this below!
What Is the Standard Size of a Condo in Brampton?
MPAC - does this name ring a bell? Well, MPAC aka Municipal Property Assessment Corporation is a crown corporation in Ontario that assesses property values across the province. According to a study conducted by the MPAC, the average size of condos throughout Ontario has shrunk quite a bit. Their study showed that the average condo size dropped from around 1,100 square feet to just 700 square feet from the mid-90s till the early 2020s. That’s a decrease of almost 35%!
So, why did the average size of condos drop? It’s because of the rising value of land, especially in areas with high demand for housing. As the land prices are climbing up, developers are building more units on each property to make their projects financially viable. And to fit these extra units in a building, individual condos have become smaller.
Today, the average size of a one-bedroom condo for sale in Brampton is usually around 600 to 700 square feet. If you’re looking for a 2-bedroom condo unit, you can expect sizes between 850 and 1,000 square feet.
Ways to Assess Whether a Condo Will Feel Cramped
While exploring the latest condos for sale in Brampton, you might come across the perfect-sized unit - the one that is in the average size range or higher. But how can you tell if this supposedly perfect-sized condo will fit your lifestyle? Here are some strategies to help you figure that out -
Think About Your Lifestyle
When finding your new home sweet home/condo, you must think about and consider your lifestyle -
Are you someone who would love to have a lot of space to spread out? Or do you want a compact, easy-to-maintain home?
Do you plan on hosting friends and family frequently in your new condo apartment? Or is having friends and family over not your thing?
This is one factor that will help you understand if the standard size of the condo is okay for you. Also, you must take a look at how much furniture and belongings you have. If it’s a lot, standard-sized condos for sale in Brampton might not be for you. On the other hand, if you’re more of a minimalist, an average-sized condo could seem quite spacious for you.
Check the Layout
Next, take a close look at the layout of the condo you’re eyeing. Sometimes, the square footage of the condo might make the condo seem spacious enough. However, the space might not be arranged in the right way, making the space feel cramped and inefficient.
Here are some things to check regarding the layout of the condo -
- You must be able to move easily from one area to another in a condo. You shouldn’t feel like you’re bumping into furniture or walls as you move around the condo.
- Check that all the rooms in the condo are big enough for your needs. You need to especially take a look at the size of the living area, bedroom, and kitchen.
- Next, make sure that the areas in the Brampton condo for sale like the kitchens and bathrooms are designed for convenience. For instance, the kitchen having enough counter space and storage is a sign of a good layout.
Take a Look at the Storage Options
Another important point you need to check in your would-be condo is storage. If there are not enough storage facilities, even a standard-sized condo can feel cramped. This is especially true if you have a lot of items and belongings. That’s why see if the condo has built-in closets, cabinets, and other storage solutions to store all your belongings. When your things are organized and out of sight, your condo space can feel larger and less cluttered.
Consider the Height of the Ceilings
The height of ceilings in the condos for sale in Brampton can play a big role in how spacious the property feels. This is why while touring condos in Brampton, take note of the ceiling height. If the ceilings are high, even a smaller space will feel larger and more inviting. On the other hand, if the ceilings are low, the place can feel more cramped than it usually is. Usually, the condo unit should have a ceiling height of at least 8 feet. If the condo has 9 or 10-foot high ceilings, that’s even great.
Look at Natural Light
A well-lit condo with a lot of windows can make a condo feel larger and more welcoming than a dark one. So, while touring condos, take note of how much light enters the condo unit. It would be best if the condo you’re looking at has large windows and a good view outside.
Think About Outdoor Space
Having a private outdoor space can greatly enhance your living experience and give you more room to breathe. This is especially true if you love spending time outside. You’ll have somewhere to relax and enjoy the fresh air, making the condo feel less confined.
Evaluate the Neighbourhood
Sometimes, the condo unit is not just responsible for making you feel cramped - it’s also about how the condo fits into the neighbourhood. If the area is surrounded by offices and industrial areas, you may feel cramped even if you’ve enough space in your condo. Hence, consider the neighbourhood of the condo for sale in Brampton. See if there are parks, communal areas, or even cafes near the condo where you can relax and unwind.
There Are Simple Tricks to Make Your Condo Feel More Spacious
If the condos you’re finding within your budget are a bit smaller than you expected, don’t worry. There are many design tricks and tips through which you can make the compact space feel much larger. For instance, you can use light colours on your walls and furniture (a more open and airy feel). “Magic” mirrors also work wonders by reflecting light and giving the illusion of more space. To try out this hack, place a large mirror on one wall of a small room. Additionally, use multi-functional furniture like a sofa bed or an ottoman with storage to help things organized in your new home.
However, if you’re truly feeling like the size of the condo is too small for your lifestyle, keep looking. There are a lot of condos for sale in Brampton out there that will perfectly fit your needs and budget. Happy condo hunting!