Looking into buying a suite in one of these buildings. On the plus side, the area is nice and the units are quite large. But on the minus side, they have no balconies, and the condo fees are quite high compared to newer buildings, and don't even include heat or hydro. Also parking is always an extra cost in these buildings too...

What do you guys think?

I have a friend who lived in this building for a few years. She was extremely proud of her place and loved the neighbourhood. I only visited a few times, but it's a pretty nice neighbourhood and very convienient if you work in the core.

The Summit is one of the best condo deals in town. Use your own judgment in terms of what it has or doesn't have in regards to your own personal taste and lifestyle, but as a condo corp with a proven track record, amenities most condos can only dream of, and at a rate per square foot far cheaper than any of the new buildings, it's simply hard to beat. And considering that area's stock is still on the way up, a good equity pop in the future is always a nice position to be in.

As far as the condo fees, make sure you are comparing apples to apples...condo fees vary wildly from condo to condo. I also don't see them as particualarilly high anyway. Also, remember, this condo has been around for a long time, and the fees have adjusted to the realities of long term building maintenance....some people in new condos may be in for a rude awakening down the road.





KGB

Any opinions on these buildings vs the cityplace ones on front street? What about the two areas vs each other?

The lack of balconies is a huuuuuuuuuge minus in my books. Not sure if you lived in many non-balconied places, so this may be no problem for you if you have and you don't mind, but if you haven't, try it out first. I found it a biiiiiiiiiig problem, but you might not.

Almost all condos that are being built these days do not include heat or hydro in their condo fees. Its to create accountability and ultimately should be cheaper for you if you don't abuse utilities.

keep in mind that the condo fees in new buildings are artificially low to attract buyers

The highrise units in Summit do not have balconies, but if it's an consolation, they do have their own private little park, complete with open grass areas, BBQ's, outdoor pool, etc. Just one of the advantages to this older development, which owns an entire city block.

You might want to think about one of the townhomes in the development...the lower uinits have their own private little backyard, and the larger upper units have a large deck off the back.

The Summit uses heat pumps, so the bulk of the cost of heat and AC is included in your fees (you only pay for the electricity that runs the compressor/heat exchanger)...not to actually create the heat, but just to move it.

Common elements have been recently replaced/upgraded or remodeled...or in the process of doing so. With few exceptions, the place looks every bit as good as anything new.

As for comparing King West to Cityplace...there is no comparison as far as I'm concerned....King West is far more stylish, and as time goes on, will widen the gap.




KGB

King West==the new yorkville. City Place=the new harbourfront.

where do you wanna live? Amongst urban yuppies or suburban yuppies?

I lived in the Summit for 2 years and liked it a lot. We rented a 2 bedroom plus solarium, 1.5 bathroom off the owner of the unit we were in. There's quite a few amenities including gym, gymnasium, indoor pool, outdoor pool, hot-tub, movie theater and probably others I never noticed.

In my opinion there's no comparison between the CityPlace neighbourhood and the one the Summit is in - King West by far. That said they're both relatively close to everything.

Almost all condos that are being built these days do not include heat or hydro in their condo fees. Its to create accountability and ultimately should be cheaper for you if you don't abuse utilities.

I don't buy that, I used to live in a condo at McCowan & 401, the utilities were included in the condo fee which was quite reasonable at around $650 a month (in addition to mortgage which was $1100 a month)

Now, I moved into a condo in Pickering of all places and I pay $700 a month for condo fees and utilities are separate (mortgage is $1400), I'm paying about $250 on utilities in this place and I use the SAME amount I did in Scarborough. :ohno:

Frankly, if you can get a nice condo that includes utilities with their condo fees...GRAB IT.

Thank goodness I'm moving again soon.

I pay $700 a month for condo fees

Wholly crap! Unless you have a rather large unit this sounds like a very inefficient building.

I'm paying about $250 on utilities
That too!

My utilities are separate and still come under $100 a month.

Does anyone know if you can install a washer/dryer in the units at Summit Condos? I have heard of units that have.

utilities are fucking ridiculous nowadays, 1250 sqft unit and 800/month here, that's a lot, that's a mortgage.

1300 sqf and about a $1000/m in maintenance fees.

Then again, all your utilities including HD VIP cable + two parking spots are included in that price. I guess it evens out.

Hi...I am looking for opinions from people who have either lived or been to the Summit condos on King street west. Is it a good condo corp to live in? I am getting a place there and a little nervous.