Ask a Wahi REALTOR®: How To Research Future Construction Near a Home You Want To Buy

There’s loads of information available about new and future developments — if you know where to look. Here’s how to research future construction near a home.

By Josh Sherman | 2 minute read

“Buy land, they’re not making it anymore.”

So goes the famous quote attributed to Mark Twain, which sums up why real estate is considered to be such a good investment. Though Twain uttered these words of wisdom more than a century ago, the sentiment (mostly) still holds true today (even the laudable mind of one of America’s greatest writers never imagined gigantic artificial archipelagos sprouting off of Dubai’s coastline).

While we may not be creating much in the way of new land, how we use the parcels that already exist often changes over time. Whether it’s the revitalization of a former industrial site into a new community, or a low-rise neighbourhood becoming denser with condos, this evolution is seemingly constant, especially in the urban centres most Canadians call home.

When it comes to the land that you buy, dramatic (or even modest) changes to nearby existing properties can boost local property values. But they can also be a drag. If you’re buying a condo, you may find that the view you fell in love with will soon be obstructed by another development. The house you purchased could end up overshadowed by a new high-rise.

That’s to say nothing of the nuisance of living near an active construction site, sometimes for years on end in the case of a large-scale condo development.

Consequently, if you’re dipping your toes in the real estate market, you should learn how to research future construction near a home you want to buy, says Wahi Broker of Record Anne Alkok. “The best place to start your research is with the local planning and development department to see what is permitted in surrounding areas and whether any applications for new builds, additions, changes of use, subdivision or redevelopment have been submitted,” Alkok explains.

But how exactly does a homebuyer go about that? Below, here are three tips on how to research future construction near a home you want to buy. 

1. Familiarize Yourself With Local Zoning Bylaws

Chances are, there are local zoning bylaws that dictate what can be built in and around your city or town. With the exception of certain unincorporated municipalities, cities and towns typically codify local zoning bylaws. As Alkok suggests, your local municipality should have lots of relevant information concerning the prospect of future construction near a home you want to buy. For starters, get to know what zoning in your desired neighbourhood permits.

Larger cities are more likely to have such information online. The City of Toronto, for example, has an interactive zoning bylaw map. In smaller towns and cities, you may need to directly contact the appropriate municipal authorities. Note that zoning bylaws aren’t written in stone. Land owners can apply for certain exemptions to allow for different uses.

2. Be Aware of Municipal, Provincial, and Federal Policies  

Zoning bylaws are set by the local municipality, but policies from higher levels of government at times contradict (and override) these rules. It pays to be aware of these broader policies.

For example, in Ontario, the provincial government implemented legislation that permits buildings of 20-to-30 storeys in height on properties within 500 metres of an existing or planned transit station — regardless of what local zoning bylaws have to say about it.

3. Stay Informed About Local Development Applications

Canada’s most populous provinces all mandate that municipalities make formal development applications available to the public. Major Canadian cities tend to have online development-application portals, such as the City of Vancouver’s database, that you can peruse. There are also pre-construction housing platforms that track new developments. Examples include Urban Toronto and Livabl. Using these resources, check the pulse of forthcoming construction projects.

What to Look out for When You Research Future Construction Near a Home You Want to Buy

Educating yourself on local rules and regulations, development plans, and broader policies dictating development in your area are all good steps to take when you research future construction near a home you want to buy — but there’s more you can do. Here are a few other things to consider:

• Want predictability in a neighbourhood that won’t change overnight (or, like, ever)? Consider purchasing a home in a designated heritage district. These communities prohibit new development. However, they also typically have rules dictating what sorts of changes you can make on your own property — which might not work for all homebuyers — and the prices in these communities skew higher than average. Here’s what you need to know before buying a Canadian heritage home.

   

• Properties located adjacent to parks are less likely to see new development in the immediate vicinity. Cities often work to expand their park networks rather than sell off parks as assets. Schools and other municipal buildings, such as libraries, are also reasonable safe bets, although they do get redeveloped from time to time. Historic sites are normally sheltered from new development, too.

   

• Smaller towns and villages are known for offering a slower pace of life, and that applies to new developments as well. There is a tradeoff to keep in mind, though. Namely, access to amenities will likely be more limited, as are employment opportunities. The upside is real estate is commonly more affordable outside of big cities.