Buying an Investment Condo? Here Is a Guide!

Things to look for in an Investment Condo

A friend of mine called me a few weeks ago, and asked me to give him a Market Evaluation on his investment condo. Turns out he had purchased a small condo about a year ago, and had done so 'privately', a decision he now regretted for several reasons. As we were talking about his investment condo, my mind went over the top features any investor should be looking for when purchasing a condominium.

1) Location, Location, Loc...
You've heard this before. The top three most important things in real estate are....well, you know. Its no different when purchasing an investment condo, or a condo for your own personal use. Will it be easy to resell, or does the location hamper your re-sale efforts? If you're going to rent it out, is the condo located near public transportation routes? Is the neighbourhood safe? Many factors come into play.

2) Parking
Parking, especially in central locations such as downtown, is always at a premium. Even if you are lucky enough to rent out your investment condo to someone who does not drive their own vehicle, reselling a condo without its own parking spot is more difficult.

3) Balcony
With several apartment-to-condo conversions underway, it's easy to forget that a balcony is still one of the most important features requested by buyers. Without a spot to sit outside, perhaps read a book in the fresh air or throw some beef on the 'que, owners and renters will feel trapped inside their condo. Make sure your investment condo has a balcony or, if located on the main floor, it has a patio space.

4) In-Suite Laundry
Less important with single men, but almost 'vital' to female condo buyers and renters. Having a secure place to do your own laundry is, at the very least, a 'nice to have' feature.

The above 4 features are perhaps the most important ones to consider. Depending on your price range, you may want to consider several more:

Bonus: Concrete Building
Usually a little more expensive, but well worth the price. Quieter, more solid and stable, an investment condo with concrete floors and walls will also make for easier resale.

Bonus: Central Air
Central air conditioning and heating is another nice-to-have feature, making the condo more comfortable and easier to rent out.

Bonus: Secure Parking
Especially with our winter climate, having underground or indoor parking is an often-requested feature, albeit at a price premium

Back to my friend: His private purchase ended up being a very poor deal, as his investment condo had NONE of these features. Located in a rough part of town, no parking spot, no balcony, no insuite laundry and on the 3rd floor with no elevator will make this a very tough sale, even in a hot market.

Moral of the story: If you're going to invest some serious money into real estate, call a REALTOR簧 BEFORE you plunk down the cash. I would much rather guide you in the right direction, than try to help correct a mistake already made.