Cover Photo Courtesy of Xavieras Design Build

If you look up the expression “belle of the ball”, here’s what the good folks at Merriam-Webster dictionary say it means – “the most beautiful and popular woman at a dance, party, etc., as in, she was the belle of the ball.”

Given our focus on real estate, it shouldn’t be a surprise that when we use that expression, it’s about being the most attractive and popular property on the market – at least to a certain type of buyer.

When we say a certain type of buyer, it’s the buyer for which the home in question has the highest possible value.  After all, no property is suitable for all uses and all buyers, so it is critical to identify where the property has its highest and best use.

If you think of a residential home on a busy street, surrounded by commercial offices and stores, that home’s highest and best use is likely the same as its neighbours, namely a commercial use.  It can continue to be a residential home, but any buyer who wants just a residential home will view the location and level of traffic as a negative rather than a positive.

In most cases, the highest and best use of a property stays constant for long periods of time.  A rural property zoned for agriculture use isn’t suddenly a great option for a high rise office tower.  It is possible, over time, for the character and zoning of an area to change though, and when that happens, it may bring about a change in the highest and best use for properties in that area.

While such changes can take a long time to come about, shifts in the current use can occur in a much quicker timeframe.  A perfect example of that is when we see a change in the highest and best style or type of residential home in a neighbourhood.  Consider a bungalow or small home sitting on a good size lot in an increasingly in demand neighbourhood.  While the home on the lot may have been the most suitable when it was built, current trends may dictate a larger home, with a more open concept layout, higher ceilings and updated design style.

Take a drive through an established neighbourhood in a good part of your city and we bet you’ll see examples of in-fill properties, where the existing homes have either been torn down completely, or substantially renovated and expanded.

We often work with seller clients who are in the fortunate situation of seeing their street and neighbourhood grow in popularity over time.  As that happens and homes are sold, you start to see a shift in the size and style of homes in the area, with smaller, single storey homes replaced with larger, two (or even three) storey homes.

When such new, custom build homes are sold, they fetch a considerable premium over the smaller, older stock of homes in the area.  If you’re seeing that happen on your street, does it mean that the value of your home has also skyrocketed?  The answer depends on a number of factors but at its core, it’s all about the numbers.  If the price to buy the existing home, plus the anticipated cost of rebuilding or building an addition, are equal to or less than what a newly built or renovated home in the area sells for now, then a builder isn’t the best buyer for your home.

If you think that your place might be a good fit for a builder, let’s review what information can be shared that will make the case!

Location

  • Emphasize the neighborhood’s key strengths—close to top schools, transit options, shopping, parks, and other amenities.
  • Highlight any recent or upcoming neighborhood developments that improve value.
  • Mention the quietness, privacy, or unique aspects of the street or area.

Land Characteristics

  • Provide precise details on lot size, dimensions, and shape.
  • Share recent surveys or property documents that show boundaries clearly.
  • Note if the lot is mostly flat or gently sloped, which can reduce construction complexity.
  • Mention any existing structures and their condition (if demolition will be required).

Utilities and Infrastructure

  • Confirm the availability of city water, sewer, electricity, gas, and high-speed internet hookups.
  • Note the ease of access to these utilities and any recent upgrades.
  • Describe road access, street width, and parking options—especially important in a dense city like Toronto.
  • Highlight any convenient driveway access or alleyways.

Legal and Regulatory Factors

  • Share your knowledge of the zoning classification and permitted uses.
  • Inform the builder of any easements, rights-of-way, or restrictions on the property.
  • If your property has heritage designation or is in a regulated conservation area, disclose this upfront.
  • Provide details on previous permitting history if available.

Environmental Concerns

  • Share any flood risk assessments or environmental reports.
  • Reassure the builder if the property is outside floodplains or hazardous zones.
  • Mention noise levels and air quality if you know them.

Budget and Cost Implications

  • Be transparent about your asking price and any flexibility.
  • Mention if you have recent quotes for demolition or site preparation.
  • Share info about any municipal development charges or fees that the builder might expect.

Design Compatibility

  • Describe how the lot’s size and shape can accommodate various home designs.
  • If possible, share any conceptual designs or approvals you’ve received.
  • Highlight potential for maximizing natural light or outdoor spaces like balconies or rooftop patios.
  • Mention any neighborhood design guidelines or restrictions that may affect construction.

Resale Value

  • Share recent comparable sales in the area to support the property’s value.
  • Highlight the strong market demand for custom homes or renovations in your neighborhood.
  • Point out features that increase appeal, like proximity to transit or unique lot characteristics.

As you can tell, there are a lot of things that can be provided to a builder to make the case for your home being a great option for a custom home build.

If the list of information to provide seems a bit daunting, don’t worry, we’re here to help!  We regularly work with clients who want to explore this possibility and whenever we list a home that is suitable for a new build, we develop a package specifically focused on custom home builders.  If that sounds like the sort of approach you’d like to see in the sale of your home, then get in touch with us to discuss it further!