Hi Marko and other readers,
If you had a decision whether to buy a 3rd floor (south facing) 1BR condo in the Escher vs. 10-12th floor (east facing) 1BR condo in the Legato, which would you lean on and why? Some factors to include:
- Similar floor plans
- Location of the Escher is quieter in my mind
- Strata of Legato is 10 cents cheaper per sq ft.
- Gym in the Legato
- Different colour palettes with the Escher.
- Non-obstructive (for now) view from Legato
Both units are priced similarly and before I make any decisions, any input would be awesome:) This is potentially something I would actually live in myself but I'm also thinking on the rentable/re-sell value side.
These two buildings + the Encore which has sold out of 1BR's seem to be at the top of the food chain that's available now (with good track records from the builders anyway).
Cheers!
I believe the Encore has three A1 units left from $290,900 to $296,900. Includes parking and "Bosa Space."
In terms of investment, rent-ability/re-sale value really tough to say/predict, probably similar. Here is an article I wrote on specifically investment condos -> http://victoria.citi...do-in-victoria/
If you want to potentially live in the unit factors such as completion date (Escher wins here) and personal preference to location come into play. Legato is right across from Harris Green Village (super convenient) while the Escher offers very close proximity to downtown, walking distance to Cook Street village, yet relatively quite. Are you about scoring deals at London Drugs or being a hipster that likes to eat out at Cafe Fantastico on Humboldt?
South exposure (most desirable) cancels out higher east facing floors, for the most part. Don't read too much into the per square foot strata cost. Within 5 years I highly doubt the spread will be 10 cents or 25% between the two buildings. The Escher floor plan has a cool desk/mini office area, the Legato has a lot of window surface area to enjoy the view. Gym vs rooftop, personal preference. In terms of quality not much of a difference....both are using baseboard heat, etc., etc., heck even both are using the exact same kitchen company (Benson). You do have a bit more customization available at the Escher and the other thing you'll want to confirm that I don't have off the top of my head is ceiling height. A couple of inches in ceiling height can make a big difference to the overall feel of the condo.
In conclusion, they would probably rent for a similar amount and will likely perform in a similar fashion on re-sale. A lot of the other factors are personal preference.
***For full disclosure I purchased an A1 at the Encore recently and have previously purchased and still own units at Promontory (Bosa), 834 (Chard), Era (Concert). Have never bought anything from Alpha.