January 24, 2008
New Must-Have Luxury Home Features
Did you know that luxury homes are increasingly being customized to reflect today’s lifestyles? Royal LePage’s latest Carriage Trade report lists the top must-have luxury home features, which include… walk-in refrigerators; professional spas including yoga studio, steam rooms and massage areas; wine cellars and tasting rooms; gift-wrapping rooms; media rooms; extensive security features including remote viewing and control for second properties; and heated driveways, walkways and garages. Some garages now have car lifts to expand storage capacity and an on-premise, indoor car wash.
June 13, 2007
Carriage Trade Report 2007
Did you know that sales of carriage trade homes have increased in almost all major centres across Canada, according to the newly released 2007 Royal LePage Carriage Trade Survey? The average national unit increase was 24%. Royal Lepage CEO Phil Soper explains, ” Buoyant economic conditions and confidence in the market have ignited a growing passion for investing in luxury property among an increasing number of Canadians. Consequently, homes in this market niche have been trading briskly.” Amplifying the growth is the trend among affluent Canadians to own more than one home. Soper adds, “Prosperous Canadians see real estate as an important element in their investment portfolios. In fact, 25% of wealthy homeowners own two properties, and 8% own three residences or more.”
May 11, 2007
Luxury Home Amenities
Did you know that some of the most popular amenities in luxury homes are security systems (85%), gourmet kitchens (77%) and designer landscaping (64%)? When asked what amenities they plan to buy, 39% of luxury homeowners would add home theatre systems. Water features are popular, with 51% owning or planning a hot tub and 42% owning or planning an in-ground pool. (National Association of Realtors Website) When marketing a carriage trade home, it’s important to know your customers’ preferences! (April 1, 2006)
May 11, 2007
Origin of the Term “Carriage Trade”
Did you know that the term “carriage trade” originally described those from the upper class who preferred to not set foot in the dirty, hectic streets of old-time cities? They would pull up outside various shops in their carriages, and the clerks would run out with merchandise for their appraisal. The clients would make their purchases from the carriage… thus the term “carriage trade!” (October 14, 2006)
May 11, 2007
Luxury Home Sales Grew Significantly in 2006
Did you know that unit sales of luxury homes increased dramatically in 2006? The Royal LePage Carriage Trade Report found that luxury home sales out-paced the general market across Canada. The surge in luxury home sales ranged from just over 20% in Toronto to more than 150% in Calgary and Halifax. “The pronounced increase in the number of luxury homes sold is a strong reflection of Canadians’ confidence in the economy and the real estate market,” said Phil Soper, CEO Royal LePage Real Estate Services. If aspirations are a factor, this market will stay strong, as fully one-third of Canadians either live in a luxury home now, plan to buy soon or aim to live in a luxury home in the future. (January 27, 2007)
May 11, 2007
Growing Interest in the Luxury Home Segment
Did you know that there is growing interest in the luxury home segment? The most important criteria for purchasing a luxury home are investment potential, proximity to excellent schools, the prestige of the neighbourhood, luxurious amenities throughout the house, and the size of the house. The property feature that is most attractive to luxury buyers is a gourmet or commercial-style kitchen. Other features of interest to luxury buyers are smart wiring, media rooms, fitness rooms, indoor or outdoor swimming pool, heated floors and driveways. (February 3, 2007)
