The original condos on Market Square - 80 Front Street E. & 35 Church Street were little more than apartments that were available for purchase in the European way. There was nothing really special about the units or the buildings they stood in. In fact, you were lucky to get a security door in the front of the building and a balcony in your unit. However, since then condos have exploded in popularity and developers find themselves competing with one another to offer the newest and best features. Here are some interesting condo innovations you might want to look for.

Active Security

In the old days, security for apartment and condo buildings was passive. It mostly consisted of a locked door through which guests could not pass unless they called up to their friend's Toronto condos to be buzzed in. Today many condo developers take security much more seriously. It is not unusual to find the front entrance guarded 24/7 with roving security patrols in the parking areas and closed circuit TV cameras in the public spaces. Even the elevators will not operate without a special tenant's key.

Complimentary Services

Condos in Toronto, Ontario have come a long way from their beginnings as glorified apartment buildings. Now many of the more upscale buildings have more in common with luxury hotels than with apartment buildings. They offer tenants complimentary services such as a front desk, concierge, and bellhop who can do anything from send away for takeout to help you with your groceries. Some also have a shoe shine and in-house laundry. There may even be attendants in the workout or swimming pool facilities with complimentary towels.

Luxury Amenities

Many condo developers are getting people to stay in their home cities instead of renting condos in Troncones for a week by offering them endless things to do without leaving their own buildings. Even the lowest end buildings will have a gym, while the higher end buildings will also have a swimming pool, rooftop garden, and even a shopping mall on the lower floors. There are even some buildings in Toronto and Vancouver that sport their own private movie theaters.

Trendy Fittings

Of course, common areas are only part of the equation. Most people buy their Richmond, VA real estate based on how it looks on the inside, and what people want these days are modern fixtures: hardwood floors, raised sinks, huge tiled showers, in-unit laundry machines, dishwashers, and gleaming stainless steel kitchen appliances. Most condo developers oblige, and some will even throw in extras like an indoor fountain, balcony, and sunroom. Most will even let the buyer choose the fixtures if they agree to buy before the unit is complete.