The average cost of a single-family home in September was $440,625, and $287,832 for a condo. And with changes to mortgage insurance rules that now require a minimum five per cent down payment and a maximum 35-year amortization period, affording a home has become more difficult for many Calgarians.

That’s why it’s so pleasing to find new, affordable homes with appealing features in the desirable southeast community of Auburn Bay. Built by Hawthorne Homes, there is a series of town and row homes, in the case of the Mosaic project, and stacked homes for their Montage project. They offer perks not normally found in multi-family housing, like a private entrance (meaning no common spaces like a lobby or hallway buildings) and in some of the homes, private garages. 

While they may be classified as multi-family, they certainly don’t feel like it.

“The best features of the homes are the value for the price,” says Rachelle Norris, Hawthorne Homes’ senior marketing manager. “The price point is a big draw with the obvious benefits of the community lifestyle.” 

Indeed, Norris can attest to the advantages of living in Auburn Bay, since she is also a resident. She mentions the 43-acre private lake as the biggest benefit, where residents can participate in swimming, boating and fishing in the summer and skating and tobogganing in the winter. There is also space for picnics and barbecues, and a fountain park for the kids. Norris also praises Auburn House, the 7,000-square-foot community centre, which offers programs like yoga exclusively for community members. 

Hawthorne Homes currently has two show suites to view (625 Auburn Bay Boulevard S.E.), also displaying floor plans for the Mosaic row townhomes, of which there are four to a building. The first is the Crimson model, an interior unit that offers visitors a look at Mosaic’s standard features. When walking into the home, two steps divide the tiled entrance from the great room, which has a laminate floor in a warm hardwood  design. At 1,008 square-feet over two levels, the Crimson does a good job of feeling open and spacious by using tricks like hanging large mirrors in the great room to simulate the feel of windows. At the back of the home is the kitchen, with a granite-topped island housing a sink, dishwasher and cupboard space, which also offers space for two to sit side-by-side at a breakfast bar and features hardwood cabinets and a small pantry. From the kitchen, the open-riser stairs lead to the second level, and the show suite demonstrates how the flex area under the staircase can be used to the homeowner’s benefit, in this case by placing a buffet there, but could also work for dining or a desk and computer. A powder room completes the main level.

Upstairs shows one of two possible layouts, featuring a master suite with full ensuite and a second bedroom. There is a second full bathroom accessible from the hall as well as a stacked washer and dryer. In lieu of a typical basement is a small utility room and a two-car garage, accessed from the rear of the home. 

The second model on display, the Primrose, is an example of the upgrades Hawthorne offers. An outside unit sized at 1,203 square-feet, the Primrose has room on the main floor for a dining area in addition to the great room. The most noticeable upgrade is a rich chocolate-brown hardwood floor, which suits the overall coffee-and-cream décor. The open floor plan layout in this model begins with the great room at the front of the house, progresses into the dining area with space for a table for six, and finishes with the kitchen at the back of the home. The kitchen features upgraded cabinet fixtures and a stainless steel appliance package. The flex area in this show suite is used to create a small seating area, perfect for a casual coffee with a friend. 

The upstairs displays the three-bedroom option, with a master suite with ensuite, walk-in closet and two other bedrooms, one of which is furnished as an office. There is also a second full washroom upstairs. The basement of the Primrose is split between a two-car garage and an unfinished area that could be turned into a bonus room, as the two spaces are completely separated. The washer and dryer are also in the basement, tucked out of sight. 

Norris says the Mosaic and Montage homes are most appropriate for first-time buyers or those wanting more space than what a traditional condo offers. Prices for Montage suites start at $235,000 and $290,000 for Mosaic, making these some of the more affordable homes in the city right now.