- Lower entry price, 5% minimum down payment.
- Condo fees add to the monthly calculation and vary a lot from one building to another.
- A well-managed condo shows in its documents: budget, contingency fund, planned work.
Why the condo
The entry price is lower, the minimum down payment stays at 5%, and the choice is often wider. In the second quarter of 2026, in the Aylmer area including the Plateau, there were 52% more condos for sale than a year earlier, and they took longer to sell. More choice, less pressure, sellers more open to negotiating.
The real advantage shows a few years later: every payment builds equity. The condo bought today often becomes the down payment on tomorrow's house. That is how many people in the region made the leap.
What to look at closely
The condo fees. They add to the monthly calculation and they vary a lot from one building to another. Before making an offer, you look at the syndicate's budget, the contingency fund and the planned work. A contingency fund that is too low often means a special assessment coming.
For a condo, the Declarations by the seller form has a version specific to divided co-ownership, and your promise to purchase automatically provides for review of the declaration of co-ownership, the building's by-laws and the minutes of meetings. Read the minutes: that is where the building's problems are written in black and white.
The condo is a real way in: 5% down, more choice right now, and equity that builds. Check the contingency fund and read the minutes before offering.
- Add condo fees to your monthly budget from step 4.
- Ask for the budget, the contingency fund and the last three sets of minutes.
- Check planned work and announced special assessments.
- Look at the inspection of the common portions, not only the unit.
Sources : APCIQ, residential barometer by Centris, second quarter 2026, Aylmer area including the Plateau · OACIQ, Buyer's guide (divided co-ownership)
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