Condo towers are springing up almost like mushrooms in Griffintown and elsewhere in the metropolis. Those who settle on the upper floors generally enjoy beautiful views of the city, the mountain or the river… until a new tower hides the landscape from them. Testimonials and tips for choosing a view that won’t go away. – Un dossier de Jeil Onel Mézil

CHOOSE YOUR VIEW – THE HEIGHT

When the time comes to buy a condo for the view, here’s what to consider… so as not to lose it. « You have to consider the level of the floor, because the higher you are, the better the view. And it is less likely to be clogged afterwards. » — Jacques Gobeil, CAA-Québec

THE JOINT DECLARATION OF CO-OWNERSHIP

« The joint declaration of co-ownership contains clues to the promoter’s overall plan. This is why it is important to be aware of it. If the developer has vacant land nearby, nothing can prevent him from building a new tower there. » — Me Stefania Chianetta

THE VOCATION OF ADJACENT LAND

« You have to find out about the vocation of the adjacent land to know if large towers are coming. The City can tell how many stories a building on the next lot can have. In fact, the more vacant land there is nearby, the more likely it is that new projects will be undertaken and sight will be lost in the future. » — Jacques Gobeil, CAA-Québec

GREEN SPACES IN THE DISTRICT

« The buyer can find out about green spaces in the neighborhood and about the City’s plans for green spaces. The more green spaces there are, the better the view and the fewer towers nearby. » — Sylvie Ménard, courtier immobilier

APPROVED AND SUBMITTED PROJECTS

« The buyer must consult the City to find out about the real estate development projects approved and filed for the district. It will give him an idea of ​​the towers that will be built in the neighborhood and the chances of losing or keeping his sight. » — Sylvie Ménard, courtier immobilier

PRECIOUS VIEWS

Jeil Onel Mézil – Special cooperation

When Sylvie Ménard bought her condo, it had a perfect view of several parts of the city « On one side, I saw the rue de la Montagne; on the other, I could see the Lachine Canal. » However, these spectacular views, she knows, will soon disappear.

Sylvie Ménard is a real estate broker in Montreal. A few years ago, she moved into a condo in Griffintown, among other things to understand what was going on in the condo world downtown. Today, her record is clear : « It’s madness,” she said. Young professionals, millennials, retirees: many people converge on downtown Montreal to find a condo. The towers are erected continuously, some obstructing the view of the city or the water that the others offered. I know that soon, I won’t be able to see the McGill University Health Center anymore, says Ms. Ménard. The spectacular distant view I have of the city at night, I know I will lose. »

Ms. Ménard notices that there are always more condo projects under construction in her neighborhood. « Some of them will be ready in two or three years,” she says. I have at least eight cranes around me, she said sadly. We forgot an urban plan for the city center. We forgot to arrange the towers to protect the views. In time, some residents will only be able to see their neighbors. »

However, the value of a condo is partly linked to the view it offers. The loss of a view is therefore not without consequences for its owner. « Over time, there is a devaluation that takes place when sight is lost,” says Sylvie Ménard, who works for the Royal LePage brand. We lose 4 or 5% easily. Therefore, people will not be able to sell at the expected price after a few years. »

However, according to her, condo owners who want to sell have found a way around the drop in value: they put their apartment up for rent. « Instead of selling at a loss, the majority of people who no longer want to live there will rent the condo, and it rents very well,” she says. It can range from $2,500 to $3,000 per month for a semi-furnished two-bedroom apartment. »

WHAT IF YOU LOSE SIGHT?

Co-owners who lose the view offered by their condo and whose resale value decreases can only blame themselves.

Indeed, the possibilities of appeal are almost non-existent. « I don’t think there is any recourse in the field of urban development,” says Jacques Gobeil, director of CAA-Quebec’s housing advisory service. If you lose your sight after two or three years, you will have no choice but to live with it. »

Same story on the side of Me Stefania Chianetta, lawyer specializing in real estate law. « Buyers have to be quite cautious,” she says. I always tell buyers to read the common declaration of ownership and to consult the development plans of the district at the City.

In the case of horizontal co-ownership [common ownership of the land that surrounds the house], if the joint declaration stipulates that a six-storey building can be built on the adjacent land, there is the possibility of recourse if the promoter goes to the beyond six. Otherwise, there are not many possibilities of recourse. »

PROTECTED VIEW

Can we include a clause that guarantees the view offered by our condo? « We can always try to negotiate a clause,” says Me Stefania Chianetta. However, she says, it is very difficult to obtain it. A promoter’s projects are standardized. »

Same story with Jacques Gobeil, from CAA-Quebec. « A buyer can try to negotiate the protection of the view of his condo,” he says. If the owner tells you that he will not block your view, you can ask to put a clause saying that he undertakes to protect it, but this is rare. »

VOIR LA VILLE

Jeil Onel Mézil – Special cooperation

Several real estate projects are underway in downtown Montreal, particularly in the Griffintown district. From views of the river or the Lachine Canal to views of Old Montreal, developers are overflowing with imagination to attract buyers. Preview with six projects.

Amati

Led by Devimco Immobilier, the Amati condo project is also located in Griffintown, near the Old Port of Montreal. According to the promoters, the condos to be built will offer “prime views of a magnificent park or of downtown Montreal”. The project offers 159 apartments, ranging from one to three bedrooms, which will be spread over 15 levels. Among the common areas included in the project are a training and yoga room, a dry sauna and an indoor swimming pool.

Bassins du Havre – phase 4

Phase 4 of the Bassins du Havre is the last stage of the real estate project that bears the same name. Led by promoter Prével, the project provides 112 condos, with one to four bedrooms, which will be spread over 21 floors. The area of ​​the condos will vary between 665 and 2012 sq.ft. The project is located in the heart of the Griffintown district and offers “a new look at the Lachine Canal”, according to its promoters. The project also includes a sports center with swimming pool and a spa area.

Arbora

The Arbora project offers condos, penthouses and apartments located “a 10-minute walk from downtown and 2 minutes from Notre-Dame Street”. Led by developer Sotramont, the project includes a major “ecological” aspect with no less than 40% green space on the ground. The 168 units that will be offered range from one to three bedrooms and each cover an area ranging from 406 to 1,715 sq. ft. The project, which offers a view of the Lachine Canal and an adjacent park, also includes an outdoor swimming pool and a gymnasium with sauna.

Le Solano – phase 7

Phase 7 of the Solano is a project of 141 condos spread over 20 floors. The building located on rue de la Commune is “facing the river” and close to Old Montreal. The apartments include one to three bedrooms and cover an area ranging from 566 to 2489 sq.ft. The project, which is scheduled for delivery in the fall of 2018, also includes an indoor swimming pool with sauna, a fitness center and an outdoor swimming pool on the roof.

Noca

Located in the Griffintown district, the Noca real estate project offers 99 condos spread over 8 levels. According to developers DevMcGill, the apartments offer views of downtown Montreal, the Lachine Canal or Old Montreal. Condos range from one to three bedrooms and also include a balcony. Among the common areas planned, there is a training room, a multifunctional sports hall and a roof terrace with a swimming pool.

Gallery – phase 2

The units of phase 2 of the Gallery condo project offer a view of either the Lachine Canal or the city, announce its promoters. The building of 109 apartments spread over 14 levels will be located in the Griffintown district. One- to three-bedroom condos range from 537 to 1,994 sq. ft. Common areas include an indoor glass-enclosed pool, exercise room, and health spa room.