Developing a new Sifton neighbourhood is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. From acquiring land to obtaining necessary permits and approvals, there are several milestones that new neighbourhoods go through in order to reach completion. In this blog post, we will explore the 5 key milestones that take place throughout the process of developing a new Sifton neighbourhood.
Before we get started…
Every neighbourhood we develop has a name. We come up with a name for the community and install on-site signage to build awareness of this coming soon neighbourhood. Before plan submission there’s a due diligence phase, which includes testing soils and environmental studies that sometimes take a year or two. Once these studies have been complete and the results are favourable, the Draft Plan Submission and Approval process can begin.
Milestone 1: Planning, Engineering Submissions & Approvals
Timeframe: 1-3 Years
This is the first major milestone of a new Sifton neighbourhood. Draft plan submission and approval means we’ve got the go ahead! At this point – you won’t notice too much activity on site – however, we have plans to build a new community and the plan is now publicly available. This means that homebuyers, neighbours and interested members of the town/city are now aware that a new community is going to be built. During this time, the public has the opportunity to provide their input, and multiple studies and applications are done, including City studies and reviews. Next, detailed engineering takes place, which considers the complexities associated with environment, wastewater treatment infrastructure. The process from application submission to approval can take 1-3 years.
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Milestone 2: Grading & Preparation for Neighbourhood Servicing
Timeframe: 1-3 Months
At this stage, you will start to notice more activity on the site, and we’ve reached the second milestone in the process of building a new Sifton neighbourhood. Grading has commenced, or in other words: dirt is moving! Equipment and workers are on site hard at work – but this doesn’t mean we’re building houses yet. We are preparing the land for servicing (sewers, roads, hydro) which will take place in the coming weeks and months.
Milestone 3: Infrastructure & Roads
Timeframe: 2-9 Months
Servicing is complete – ready to provide power and water to new homes. Construction of homes will begin in 6+ months. Roads are almost complete but the site is still very much a construction zone. The time frame could run anywhere from 2 – 9 months, and can be impacted by contractor and municipal groups’ schedule availability. At this stage you’re encouraged to stay tuned for more builder information and neighbourhood grand opening details!
Milestone 4: Builders are Selected & Home Construction Begins
Timeframe: 7+ Months
It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Builders have been selected and house construction is starting! At this time, we are also able to share price ranges for homes. The builders and types of dwellings available will depend on the community – varying from single family homes (low density) to townhomes (medium density) to apartment buildings (high density). Model homes are now open or underway and you are welcome to visit, or reach out to your preferred builder from our list.
How quickly can a home be built? 7 months from start to finish– if everything goes smoothly. Some builders create homes for “quick possession” meaning they are ready to buy and move in. Others will build when they have a contract with you. Be sure to contact builders early during this milestone to pick your desired lot. Depending on the neighbourhood, Sifton may also be building homes, and we also select partner builders who purchase lots from Sifton and build in the community as well.
Find your new home in a Sifton Neighbourhood
Milestone 5: Official Neighbourhood Grand Opening
Timeframe: Within the 12 months following the start of Milestone #4
We’re ready to welcome potential new homeowners into the community – which we may celebrate with a neighbourhood grand opening event! At this point you are invited to explore the community, tour model homes and meet the builders and pick your desired lot and house plan. We also like to offer special grand opening incentives, goodies and opportunities to win prizes.
Important! The Grand Opening is intended to be a community celebration of the new neighbourhood. If you are interested in a particular lot, be sure to reach out to builders as soon as the community reaches Milestone #4!
Construction in the community will continue to take place after you purchase your new home and move in. It can vary by community, and builders could take 2-3 years to build out all their homes. So, while a community may have hit Milestone #4 over 2 years ago, builders may still have inventory available to purchase – it’s always worth connecting with builders in the neighbourhood!
Bringing a new neighbourhood to market is complex and takes years of planning. Factors such as land acquisition, zoning regulations, infrastructure development, and community consultation all contribute to the length of time it takes to bring a new neighbourhood to life. However, despite the lengthy development process, finding your perfect Sifton neighbourhood is worth the wait. Start your search today and discover the perfect community to call home.
