Buying a Calgary Condo for Aging in Place

Test the whole route in person

1. From outside to your door. Start at the sidewalk, drop-off and parking stall. Look for curb cuts, slopes, door weight, thresholds, lighting and winter maintenance. Ask how visitors, deliveries and home support enter.
2. Between floors. Ride the elevator from parking to the suite. Check door width and turning space using your own mobility aid if applicable. Ask management about outages, planned elevator work and the building’s emergency procedures.
3. Inside the suite. Measure the route to the bedroom and bathroom. Check the tub or shower threshold, door swings and controls. Ask what approvals are required before adding grab bars, changing fixtures or widening a doorway.

Try the trips you’ll make every week

Check the actual route to your pharmacy, grocery store, clinic and any other regular destination. Try it at the time you normally go. Check crossings, winter access, slopes, seating and the trip home with groceries.

If transit matters to you, check the route, stop accessibility and service for your usual times. Ask someone you trust to join the tour if you want another set of eyes, and keep your own priorities at the centre of the decision.

Official resources: Accessible transit and trip planning

Confirm occupancy rules and ongoing costs

If a listing says 55+, ask for the current registered bylaw and how it applies to everyone who would live with you. Ask your lawyer about any guest, caregiver or occupancy provisions that matter to you. Alberta’s human rights rules distinguish seniors-only housing from older age restrictions, so check the rule for the specific corporation.

On a fixed income, compare the current fee and its inclusions with taxes, unit insurance and a buffer for increases. Ask a document reviewer whether planned elevator, parkade or building work could affect access, monthly costs or assessments.

Official resources: Human rights in condominiums · Condominium reserve funds