What is a walkout basement home?

A walkout basement is a lower-level living space with direct access to the backyard or exterior ground level. These basements have full-sized windows and doors that bring in more natural light and typically open to patios, decks, or landscaped yards—making them ideal for recreation rooms, guest suites, home offices, or independent rental units.

What are the benefits of buying a home with a walkout basement?

Walkout basement homes offer several advantages: brighter living spaces and better daylight compared to traditional basements; direct access to outdoor space for entertaining, relaxing, or letting kids play; potential for legal suites, in-law or guest accommodation, and rental income; higher resale value, especially for homes on view, ravine, or lake lots; and greater flexibility for multi-generational families or work-from-home setups.

Which Calgary communities have the most walkout homes?

Popular Calgary communities with many walkout homes include Arbour Lake, Cranston, Signal Hill, Springbank Hill, Tuscany, Evergreen, Mahogany, McKenzie Lake, Aspen Woods, and newer developments such as Glacier Ridge and Alpine Park.

How much more does a walkout basement cost?

Walkout basement homes usually sell at a premium over comparable homes without walkout features. The extra cost often reflects larger windows, upgraded rear landscaping, and the value of lower-level access and daylight. Premiums tend to be highest on ravine, lake, and view lots. In many cases, buyers can expect to pay tens of thousands of dollars more for a walkout, depending on the neighborhood and current market conditions.

Is a permit needed to finish or build a walkout basement in Calgary?

Yes. Finishing or creating a walkout basement in Calgary requires a City of Calgary building permit and may also need planning approval, especially if structural changes, new doors or windows, or secondary suites are involved. Homeowners should always review the latest City of Calgary regulations and consult a licensed professional before starting construction or renovations.

Are walkout basements suitable for legal suites or rentals?

Many walkout basements are well suited for secondary suites or rentals because they already have a private entrance, good natural light, and direct access to the yard. However, to be considered a legal suite in Calgary, the space must meet city code for safety, egress, ceiling height, heating, cooking facilities, and other requirements. Buyers should verify zoning and obtain all necessary permits and inspections.

Can I get alerts for new walkout homes on the market?

Yes. Buyers can sign up for custom MLS alerts to receive instant notifications when new Calgary homes with walkout basements hit the market in their preferred neighborhoods, price ranges, or property types. You can also contact Diane Richardson directly to set up tailored searches and early access to suitable walkout listings.

Chinook ParkSouthCalgary

Calgary Real Estate by Area & Quadrant

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1328 Craig Road SW in Calgary: Chinook Park Detached for sale : MLS®# A2278804
1328 Craig Road SW Chinook Park Calgary T2V 2S8

1328 Craig Road SW Calgary T2V 2S8 Chinook Park

$949,900

Residential

Status:

Active

MLS® Num:

A2278804

Bedrooms:

4

Bathrooms:

3

Floor Area:

1,371 sq. ft.127 m2

Located on a quiet street in the desirable southwest community of Chinook Park, don't miss your wonderful opportunity to own a well-situated home with timeless appeal. Set on a generous lot with mature trees, this property immediately feels welcoming, combining privacy, functionality, and a strong sense of neighborhood charm. The main floor welcomes you with a spacious living room and dining area, perfectly suited for both everyday living and entertaining. Large windows flood the space with natural light, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere throughout. The updated kitchen is both stylish and functional, featuring newer stainless steel appliances and a layout that connects seamlessly with the main living areas. Upstairs, the home is highlighted by a generous primary bedroom retreat complete with a private ensuite offering dual vanities and a large walk-in closet. An additional bedroom and a full bathroom on this level provide comfortable accommodations for family or guests. The lower levels offer exceptional versatility, featuring a large family and entertainment room ideal for movie nights or gatherings. Two additional bedrooms are complemented by a spacious five-piece bathroom, making this level perfect for extended family or visitors. An infrared sauna adds a unique and luxurious touch, creating a private in-home wellness retreat. Outside, the backyard is thoughtfully designed for relaxation and functionality. A large deck with a covered area provides an ideal space for outdoor dining and year-round enjoyment, while a dedicated dog run, hot tub, and wood shed add convenience and character. An oversized, heated double garage completes the property, offering ample space for vehicles, storage, and projects, and rounding out this impressive and well-rounded home. More details

Listed by RE/MAX First

LISTING DETAILS
- DIANE RICHARDSON
- CIR Realty
- 1 (403) 397 3706
- Diane@mypadCalgary.com
224 8235 Elbow Drive SW in Calgary: A-117 Apartment for sale : MLS®# A2254010
224 8235 Elbow Drive SW A-117 Calgary T2V 1K6

224 8235 Elbow Drive SW Calgary T2V 1K6 A-117

$188,500

Residential

Status:

Active

MLS® Num:

A2254010

Bedrooms:

2

Bathrooms:

1

Floor Area:

861 sq. ft.80 m2

You’ll love this bright and spacious unit, perfectly situated in a quiet and convenient location near Elbow Drive and Heritage. This is the best located unit among the three buildings in The Chinook Garden. Sitting on the sofa in your large, west-facing living room, you can see the sky, huge and complete pine trees, the community, rooftops, and distant snow capped mountains. Both two bedrooms have south-facing windows, where the windows let in abundant natural light and even provide a clear view of your car—perfect for remote starting on chilly mornings. This unit is uniquely positioned at the westernmost side of the building, offering peace and quiet with no traffic noise from Elbow Drive, while still benefiting from a highly accessible location. Unlike many buildings, your private storage room is conveniently located right next door to your unit—no trips to the basement needed! Just minutes from Chinook Centre, Rockyview Hospital, Heritage Park, and only a 10-minute walk to the LRT. It only takes 8 minutes to drive to Costco, T & T Supermarket, Superstore, Walmart and IKEA. The designated schools for this house are the renowned Woodman Junior High School and the leading Henry Wise Wood High School. This unit is located in the middle of these two schools. It only takes 5 to 8 minutes to walk from here to these two schools respectively. This beautiful apartment is priced to sell – don’t miss out! More details

Listed by Skyrock

LISTING DETAILS
- DIANE RICHARDSON
- CIR Realty
- 1 (403) 397 3706
- Diane@mypadCalgary.com

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Data was last updated January 17, 2026 at 06:05 AM (UTC)

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