What kind of home are you looking for?

Cambridge, Ontario, is a diverse and expansive city that provides a wide range of housing options for individuals and families. From charming historical homes to modern condominiums, there is a housing style to accommodate the unique needs and preferences of every homeowner.

One of the key advantages of residing in Cambridge is the diverse array of housing options that span various price ranges, neighborhoods, demographics, school districts, architectural styles, and family sizes.

Whether you are seeking a comfortable one-bedroom apartment in the heart of the city or a spacious single-family home in a tranquil residential area, Cambridge has a housing solution for everyone. Families can find homes with generous yards and multiple bedrooms in neighborhoods boasting excellent schools. Simultaneously, young professionals may opt for the convenience of a trendy condo or loft with easy access to transportation and vibrant nightlife.

This article will delve into the different housing types available in Cambridge, showcasing how they cater to various needs and lifestyles. Whether you are a first-time buyer, downsizing, or expanding your family, this guide will assist you in navigating the real estate landscape of Cambridge, helping you find the perfect place to call home.

Detached:

A detached house in Cambridge, Ontario, refers to an independent residential structure that does not share any walls with adjacent properties. These single-family homes typically stand on their own parcel of land, affording residents enhanced privacy and autonomy. Detached homes in Cambridge exhibit diverse sizes, designs, and styles, encompassing both charming historic residences and modern, open-concept properties. With yards and outdoor living spaces, these homes are especially well-suited for families with children or pets.

In terms of location, detached homes in Cambridge can be found across various neighborhoods, spanning urban enclaves like Galt, Hespeler, or Preston, to more residential areas such as West Galt, East Galt, or Blair. Depending on the neighborhood, detached homes may command higher prices compared to semi-detached or townhouse properties, but they offer unparalleled privacy and independence within the city.

Regardless of their size, location, or condition, a detached house in Cambridge is often regarded as the epitome of homeownership.

Right now in spring of 2024, the average single family detached home in Cambridge will cost on average $822,005.

Semi-Detached:

A semi-detached house, commonly referred to as a “semi” or “half house,” is a residential building that shares a common wall with another dwelling. This type of structure typically features its own separate entrance and a modest yard or garden area, with the land and walls separating it from the neighboring house being jointly owned.

Semi-detached houses exhibit variations in age, size, and design, often spanning two or three stories and ranging from compact and inviting to spacious and luxurious. They serve as a popular choice for families, couples, and individuals seeking a middle ground between the privacy of a single-family home and the affordability of a townhouse or apartment.

This variety offers residents a broad range of living options based on their preferences and lifestyle and can be a great option if you’re wanting more space for more value.  Additionally, most semi-detached homes are freehold, meaning there is no additional fee you need to pay each month like you may see for townhouses or apartments.

In Cambridge right now, the average sale price of a semi-detached home is $651,188.

Row-House:

A row house in Cambridge, Ontario, is a type of attached residential building grouped together in a continuous “row,” commonly known as townhouses. Each unit in the row house typically shares a common wall with its neighboring unit and has its own front and back entrances.

In some of Cambridge’s older row homes, it’s not uncommon to discover a shared attic space extending across the entire row length. To enhance safety, a firewall is often incorporated as a standard feature in these row homes. The firewall is designed to contain a fire within the unit where it originates, preventing its spread to other homes through the attic. Typically constructed from fire-resistant materials like concrete or masonry, the firewall is engineered to withstand high temperatures and inhibit the spread of flames.

Row houses in Cambridge exhibit diversity in age, size, and style, generally being older, more compact, and smaller than detached homes. This makes them a popular choice for first-time homebuyers, young families, and urban dwellers, providing the benefits of a single-family home without the significant price tag associated with detached residences.

Typically situated in densely populated urban areas, row houses in Cambridge offer residents convenient access to various top-notch amenities, including public transportation, shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

In recent years, row houses have gained increasing popularity in Cambridge as people seek a more urban lifestyle and the “affordability” and convenience associated with this type of property.

Freehold Townhouse:

A freehold townhouse in Cambridge, Ontario, resembles a row house or traditional townhouse but differs mainly in its ownership structure compared to conventional condo townhouses. Unlike a traditional condo townhouse, which is owned by a condominium corporation, a freehold townhouse is individually owned by the homeowner and is not part of a condominium corporation. This distinctive ownership model grants the homeowner complete control over the property, allowing for alterations, renovations, and additions without the need for condominium board approval.  Freehold townhouses in Cambridge vary in size, quality, and design, typically offering the convenience and affordability associated with attached properties. The close proximity of neighbors often creates a sense of safety and security. Situated primarily in urban areas, freehold townhomes in Cambridge provide residents with convenient access to amenities, public transportation, and other urban conveniences. Many townhomes, whether freehold or condo, are constructed on infill sites, referring to vacant or underutilized properties within already developed areas suitable for new development or redevelopment. This approach has become increasingly popular in addressing Cambridge’s growing housing demand and the need for densification in established neighborhoods. Popular among first-time homebuyers, young families, and urban dwellers seeking the benefits of a single-family home but at a much lower price point.

In Cambridge right now, the average sale price of a freehold townhouse is $688,170. 

You may have noticed the average price is higher than the average sale price of a semi-detached home, and that is due to the fact that there are a lot of new builds or newer townhouses being built due to the demand in housing and towns provide high density housing on smaller parcels of land.

Condo Townhouse:

A condo townhouse in Cambridge, Ontario, is a type of attached residential building under the ownership and management of a condominium corporation. This implies that individual units are privately owned, while common areas like parking spaces, and exterior home features and exterior landscape spaces are collectively owned and maintained by the condominium corporation.  In Cambridge, condo townhouses vary in size and quality but generally tend to be smaller and more affordable than freehold properties.

In Cambridge right now, the average sale price of a condo townhouse is $611,944.

While a condo townhouse costs significantly less than it’s freehold equivalent, consumers need to be aware, that in addition to the mortgage amount there will be a monthly condo fee, which often times will bring the home owners monthly housing budget more in line with the freehold homeowner’s.  When shopping for a freehold or condo townhome, it is very important to know what you are getting for your money and to take into consideration how old the property is as this will effect whether imminent maintenance costs are on the horizon or not.

Condo Apartment:

The landscape of our city’s are changing as the demand for more housing echoes throughout the province.  In Waterloo Region there has been a recent abundance of apartment building being built and we are starting to see more and more in Cambridge, whether they’re built already or are on the books to be built in the near future.  The majority of high rise condo buildings are typically located near major transportation routes such as Hespeler or Preston which is close to the HWY 401 or downtown Cambridge which is close to major businesses as well as the bus terminal.

Condo apartments are a great option for first time home buyers, couples or downsizers who may or may not split their time between here and more southern destinations in the cooler months. Like condo townhouses, condo apartments provide homeowners with such luxury as maintained exterior and interior spaces, as well as other benefits including, indoor parking, entertainment rooms, exercise facilities, and some utilities could be covered as well.

A condo apartment in Cambridge sells for on average in Q1 of 2024 for $540,268.

Conclusion:

Cambridge, Ontario’s real estate landscape is rich and diverse, providing a plethora of options for homebuyers with varying needs, lifestyles, and budgets. From serene single-family homes in family-oriented neighborhoods to contemporary lofts in the heart of the city, Cambridge offers residences to suit every individual. However, delving into the intricate realm of real estate can be overwhelming, particularly for first-time buyers or those unfamiliar with the Cambridge housing market. This is where an adept real estate team becomes invaluable. A professional realtor can assist you in understanding your requirements, preferences, and finding residential properties that align with your criteria, budget, and timelines. They offer valuable insights into different neighborhoods, school zones, and guide you through the sometimes intricate home-buying process. With the support of a realtor like myself, discovering the ideal home in Cambridge tailored to your unique needs becomes a seamless process. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or an empty-nester looking to downsize, Cambridge has a perfect home for you. Embark on your search today and find your dream home in this remarkable city!

Contact Me (I’m pretty nice to work with).