Pre Move-In
Pre Move-In Calgary
Condo Living Benefits
Condo Living
Understanding
Condominium Living
When you buy a condominium, you are purchasing a private
unit within a multi‑unit residential building or community. While each unit is
individually owned, all owners share joint ownership of the building’s common
elements.
Condominium living offers many benefits, including shared
amenities, professional condominium management, and a reduced level of
individual maintenance. At the same time, it differs from freehold
homeownership in important ways. Understanding these differences before you
take possession will help you enjoy your condo lifestyle to its full potential.
This Condo Fact Sheet provides a quick summary.
In a condominium, it’s important to understand what
constitutes your ‘unit’, the portion of the building you own outright.
Your Agreement of Purchase and Sale, along with your
condominium documents, describe the boundaries of your unit. These documents
outline what is included within your ownership and what falls outside of it.
Reviewing this information before possession can help clarify responsibilities
related to maintenance, repairs, and future personalization to your space.
Common elements are the shared areas of the condominium that are jointly owned by all unit owners.
These typically include spaces such as lobbies, corridors, elevators, amenity areas, parkades, garbage rooms, roofs, building exteriors, gardens, balconies, and any other areas not owned by an individual unit owner. Because these areas are shared, their care and upkeep are a collective responsibility.
Your monthly condominium fees contribute to the maintenance, operation, and insurance of these common elements, helping ensure the building and shared spaces are properly managed and maintained.
Condominium Documents
Along with your Agreement of Purchase and Sale, you’ll receive a set of condominium documents. These typically include the condominium declaration, and bylaws. Together, these documents guide how the condominium operates and outline the responsibilities and expectations of all owners. They address topics such as unit use, common element use, and community standards within the building or development.
It’s a good idea to review these documents carefully during your conditional period so you feel informed about your purchase.
As part of your condominium documents, you’ll find a set of
bylaws that outline how the building is intended to operate.
At this stage, the bylaws represent an early version of the
rules for the condominium. They are put in place to support the initial
operation of the building and may be updated over time once a formal Board of
Directors, comprised of homeowners, is established.
Reviewing the bylaws is a great way to understand what to
expect as an owner. They often include helpful information such as:
- Whether pets are permitted and any restrictions
- Limitations on certain types of rentals, including short term rentals
- Guidelines around renovations or changes within your unit
- Expectations for the use of common areas and shared spaces
Becoming familiar with the bylaws early can help you better understand how the condominium intends to operate and support a positive experience for all residents.
Your condominium documents include a preliminary budget, which outlines estimated costs required to operate and maintain the community.
This budget is prepared during the sales phase and is based on early estimates for services such as utilities, insurance, maintenance, and management. Like the condominium bylaws, it should be viewed as an early version that is expected to evolve.
Changes to the budget are expected, particularly in communities where homes are purchased well in advance of completion. Over time, factors such as inflation and changing service costs can impact the final operating budget.
The condominium fees included in your Agreement of Purchase and Sale are based on this preliminary budget. These amounts are estimates and are subject to change, and it’s common for adjustments to occur within the first year of ownership as actual operating costs become clearer and service agreements are finalized.
Key Dates: Possession and Closing
In a new condominium, there are two key milestones to be aware of: possession (also called occupancy) and final closing. The order and timing of these steps can vary depending on when required approvals and registration are received.
In many cases, registration is in place before possession begins, allowing homeowners to move directly to final closing and receive title to their unit right away. In other situations, possession may occur before final closing, with ownership transferring at a later date.
When your Occupancy or Closing Notice is issued, it will confirm your possession or Closing Date and outline whether you’ll be moving directly to closing or taking possession before registration.
Possession is the day your keys are released and you’re able to move-in to your unit.
Before possession occurs, required permits must be received, confirming that the building is safe and ready for residents. Once these approvals are in place, you’ll receive a formal notice at least 30 days in advance confirming the date your unit will be ready.
In some instances, homeowners may take possession (occupancy) of their unit before final closing. This can happen if possession begins while the condominium registration process is still underway.
When this occurs, homeowners can live in their unit during this period, even though legal title has not yet transferred. This period is typically short-term, and final closing follows once registration is complete.
If possession occurs before final closing, occupancy fees may apply for the period between possession and closing.
These fees are outlined in your Agreement of Purchase and Sale and are a combination of:
- Common expense fees
- Property taxes
- Interest on the remaining balance of the purchase price
Final closing is when legal title to your condominium unit transfers into your name.
At closing:
- Ownership of the unit (and any applicable parking and/or storage lockers) is registered in your name
- Your mortgage comes into effect
- Any remaining balance of the purchase price is settled
- Ongoing condominium fee collection can begin under the condominium corporation
Utilities & Services:
What to Set-up Before Move‑In
Utility and service arrangements can vary depending on the
type of condominium purchased and how the building is designed.
In many high-rise and mid-rise buildings, electricity is
individually metered and set up directly by the homeowner, while other
utilities, such as gas and water, are typically shared and managed collectively
as part of the condominium’s common expenses, which your monthly condo fees
contribute toward.‑rise and mid‑rise buildings, electricity is individually
metered and set up directly by the homeowner, while other utilities
In condo townhomes, it’s more common for each home to have
utilities individually metered and billed directly to the homeowner.
Closer to your possession date, you’ll receive guidance on
what utilities you’ll need to arrange in advance of move‑in.
Getting the Right Insurance
Before receiving your keys, you’ll need to secure an
appropriate condominium owner insurance policy.
While most lenders require proof of insurance prior to
closing or possession, the condominium corporation also has specific insurance
requirements that owners must meet. These requirements are outlined in the
condominium documents and bylaws and may include minimum coverage amounts and
required deductibles.
It’s important to review the bylaws before securing your
policy, as they often contain details related to deductible responsibilities
and chargebacks that may apply if damage originates from your unit.
Building Readiness at Move In
As homeowners begin moving into a newly completed
condominium, some building systems and amenities may still be under
construction.
During early move‑ins, elevators are often in service for a
combination of resident use, ongoing construction activity, and final
inspections. You may also notice temporary protective boards installed inside
elevators to prevent damage during move‑ins.
These measures are temporary and are part of the normal
process of welcoming residents into a new condominium community.
What's Next
Looking
ahead, additional resources for once you’ve received your keys are available here.
Post-Move in
We're here to help
Your Customer Experience Coordinator can provide any answers or connect you with the right person to address any questions - during regular business hours.