Condo Dwellers, Take Advantage of Your Amenities!

Feature image: LINK rooftop terrace - via Adi Development Group

At the peak of modernity, Torontonians are living in the finest luxury condos with state-of-the-art amenities that practically render leaving home a thing of the past.

Access to rooftop infinity pools, hot tubs, saunas, gyms, yoga studios, steam rooms, theatres, game rooms, guest suites, party rooms, lounges and so forth - it’s undeniable that we have it good! Yet, aggressive complaints are issued on a regular basis about the cost of condo fees. Lapping up the comfortable lifestyles of urban opulence, it shouldn’t be surprising that it comes at a cost, especially if you consider how much more you would be spending if you were to pay full price at specialty locales.

Via Bazis

If you have an indoor or outdoor pool, you also have the envy of suburban children everywhere who don’t have the luxury. Having a pool is an amenity that most condo seekers consider a ‘must have,’ which makes sense, considering how difficult it is to find good pools nearby. Not to mention scheduling around aquafit classes and lessons when all you really want to do is jump in for a quick dip. It’s difficult to gauge how much money you would be spending on pool memberships because they vary dramatically between locations, but it can be quite costly, with daily passes at the Four Season’s healthclub reaching up to $65!

Another popular amenity is a fully-equipped gym with weight training and cardio. Ranging in membership costs as well, it is safe to assume that paying to attend a gym elsewhere costs between $30-$70 per month. That’s not including the cost of commuting or the inconvenience of getting there and back; having a gym within the same building that is a cost included in the condo fees could help motivate you and promote an overall healthier lifestyle.

Blythwood at Huntington Party Room - via Tridel

The common argument is that many residents are not putting these great amenities to good use. This is truly a shame, think of the money you could save if instead of hitting up a local cinema and shelling out $20 for two tickets (or only going on Tuesdays), you invited a few friends over to watch the latest flick on blu-ray in your private theatre room (granted, some theatre rooms in condos are rented out for an additional cost, but if you invite enough friends, it will only be a few bucks each!).

Condo fees can also include the cost of maintaining outdoor lounge areas and barbecues, which is the ideal setting for an al fresco shindig. As opposed to crowding guests into smaller apartments, host a function in the party rooms and outdoor areas and save the expense of renting out halls or restaurants. Providing ultimate convenience, many condo buildings have several available guest suites where guests can crash after a long day (and night).

The issue isn’t whether or not you need these amenities, chances are, you didn’t grow up with ALL of these in one place, but now that you’ve got them, you should take advantage of them!