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Surrounded by more modestsingle-family suburban homes, the sprawling residence that once occupied a 1.5-hectare estate at 1240 Britannia Rd. W. stuck out like a sore thumb.
Today, the Mississauga property’s outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts are no more as site developer National Homes begins construction on its 109-unit Whitehorn Woods townhome infill project, which recently launched its second phase of public sales.
“We’ve sold more than 75 per cent, which we’re very happy with given the challenging market conditions,” says Jason Pantalone, National’s president and managing partner. “The first phase sold out quickly during COVID despite the challenges of a virtual sales environment, but due to subsequent interest rate hikes we temporarily paused the next release.”
Now, with rates steadily coming down, the appeal of Whitehorn Woods’ remaining three-storey townhomes revolves around three main factors, Panatone says. The first, its relative affordability compared to the surrounding subdivisions has been achieved through a combination of higher residential density, unit sizes ranging from 1,501-square-foot two-bedrooms to 2,754-square-foot four-bedrooms, and design choices such as including apartment units in the lower levels of some homes so buyers can earn rental income or transition to multi-generational living.
While Whitehorn Woods’ starting prices of just under $1 million are about $400,000 below average listings in the surrounding East Credit neighbourhood, corners haven’t been cut, Pantalone says. Kitchens and bathrooms, for instance, feature quartz countertops and frameless glass showers. Master bedrooms come with walk-in closets, while living spaces feature engineered prefinished strip hardwood flooring, “family centres” with built-in desks, drawers and USB ports, and “drop zone” entryway shelves and hooks.
All units include central air conditioning, nine-foot ceilings, oversized windows, smart home features like thermostats, doorbells and light switches, private garages and backyards, and elegant brick and stone exterior finishes. Seven townhomes will be built using pre-fabricated Panergy building envelopes, which are said to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by three times, cut energy costs by as much as 15 percent, enhance fire and moisture protection, and expedite construction.
The second factor is Whitehorn Woods’ setting in well-established East Credit, which provides residents with proximity to established schools, shopping and dining options, and public amenities such as parks, multi-use trails and golf courses, as well as easy access to highways 401, 403 and 407. “This isn’t a master-planned community where amenities are still being built. Residents are moving into a fully developed neighbourhood,” Panatone says, adding that Whitehorn Woods’ 17 townhome blocks are being built around a new community park, and that National is supporting upgrades to the City of Mississauga’s nearby Garcia Park.
As the GTA real-estate market begins to stabilize following a period of volatility, the third factor — investment opportunity — becomes all the more appealing, says Deena Pantalone, National’s managing partner and director of marketing and innovation. “Many of our buyers, 80 percent of whom are South Asian, see Canadian real estate as a solid investment, especially compared to other global markets. Despite the recent down market, further interest rate drops should help normalize the market, creating an even stronger case for investment.”
And if residents want a swimming pool and tennis courts, River Grove Community Centre is a nine-minute bike ride or five-minute drive south.
Three things
Slated for completion in the spring of 2025, Phase 1 of the Credit Meadows Park expansion will see new multi-use trails connect the existing Creditview Road parking lot to a pair of new pedestrian bridges spanning the Credit River. Interpretive signage is also being added to the 62-hectare expanse of woodlands and meadows. 6545 Creditview Road
Totalling 6,335 yards from the back tees, the City of Mississauga’s 18-hole BraeBen Golf Course provides superb views from the loftiest landscape in the city. There’s also a nine-hole par-3 track, driving range and roomy clubhouse. 5700 Terry Fox Way
As well as being home to more than 180 retail stores, the Heartland Town Centre outdoor shopping complex, one of the largest in Canada, offers 50-plus dining venues. Many specialize in multicultural dishes ranging from Filipino cakes to Pakistani biryani. 6045 Mavis Rd.