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.

81 Legacy Woods Place SE in Calgary: Legacy Detached for sale : MLS®# A2278350

Beautifully upgraded and meticulously maintained, this exceptional 5-bedroom home is nestled in the highly sought-after, family-oriented community of Legacy—where convenience meets comfort. Enjoy being just steps away from grocery stores, schools, Tim Hortons, parks, playgrounds, and an extensive network of walking and biking pathways. From the moment you arrive, the pride of ownership is undeniable. The fully developed front-attached garage with an aggregate driveway sets the tone for the quality found throughout. Inside, the main floor impresses with gleaming hardwood flooring and a stunning kitchen featuring full-height cabinetry with risers and crown moulding reaching the 9-ft ceiling. High-end stainless steel appliances—including a built-in microwave/oven combination and a premium Fisher & Paykel gas cooktop—create a chef-inspired space perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The open layout is anchored by a cozy centre gas fireplace, ideal for those winter evenings. Upstairs, you’ll find three generously sized bedrooms, including a luxurious primary suite complete with a 5-pc spa-inspired ensuite. A spacious bonus room with an upgraded tray ceiling adds versatility for family gatherings or movie nights. The upper-level side-by-side laundry room offers exceptional convenience and ample space. The fully developed basement extends the home’s functionality with two additional well-sized bedrooms, a comfortable family room, a 4-pc bathroom, and its own side-by-side laundry—perfect for extended family or guests. Located close to bus stops, schools, shopping, and with quick access to major routes such as Stoney Trail, this home offers unmatched convenience for commuting anywhere in the city. This property shows 10/10—beautifully cared for by its original owners and truly move-in ready. Don’t miss your opportunity to own this remarkable home. Call today to book your private viewing!

General Info:

Property Type:: Residential

Property Sub Type:: Detached

Condo Type:: Not a Condo

Transaction Type:: For Sale

Possession:: Signup

Possession Date:: Signup

Suite:: No

Num Legal Suites:: 0

Num Illegal Suites:: 0

Home Style:: 2 Storey

Total Living Area:: 2,125.28 sq. ft.197 m2

Main Level Finished Area:: 941.45 sq. ft.87.5 m2

Upper Level Finished Area:: 1,183.33 sq. ft.110 m2

Lower Level Finished Area:: Signup

Above Grade Finished Area:: Signup

Below Grade Finished Area:: 864 sq. ft.80.3 m2

Taxes:: Signup

Tax Assessed Value:: Signup

HOA Fee Includes:: Signup

Acreage:: No

Lot Area:: 3,950 sq. ft.367 m2

Lot Frontage:: 33'7"10.2 m

Acres Cleared:: Signup

Acres Cultivated:: Signup

Acres Irrigated:: Signup

Acres Leasehold:: Signup

Acres Not Cultivated:: Signup

Acres Freehold:: Signup

Acres Seeded:: Signup

Acres Tame Hay:: Signup

Acres Treed:: Signup

Acres Waste:: Signup

Acres Water Rights:: Signup

Front Exposure:: South

Reg. Size:: Signup

Reg. Size Includes:: Signup

Levels:: Two

Total Rooms Above Grade:: 7

Year built:: 2018 (Age: 8)

Bedrooms:: 5 (Above Grd: 3)

Bedrooms Above Grade:: 3

Bedrooms Below Grade:: 2

Bathrooms:: 4.0 (Full:3, Half:1)

Plan:: 1711069

Additional Info:

Heating:: Forced Air, Natural Gas

Basement:: Full, Finished, Other

Foundation:: Poured Concrete

New Constr.:: No

Construction Material:: Wood Frame

Structure Type:: House

Roof:: Asphalt Shingle

Ensuite:: Yes

Flooring:: Carpet, Laminate, Tile

Cooling:: None

Fireplaces:: 1

Fireplace Details:: Gas

Garage:: Yes

Garage Spaces:: 4

Parking:: Aggregate, Double Garage Attached

Parking Places:: 4

Parking Total/Covered:: 4 / -

Laundry Features:: Laundry Room, Lower Level, See Remarks

Community:

Legacy

Appliances:

Dishwasher, Gas Cooktop, Oven-Built-In, Range Hood, Refrigerator

Inclusions:

N/A

Restrictions:

None Known

Room Information:

Floor
Type
Size
Other

Main Floor

Dining Room

13' × 11'7"

Main Floor

Kitchen

13'9" × 11'7"

Main Floor

Living Room

14'6" × 13'5"

Main Floor

Mud Room

7'8" × 5'8"

Main Floor

Storage

5'1" × 4'3"

2nd Floor

Bedroom - Primary

14' × 13'9"

2nd Floor

Bedroom

12'10" × 9'4"

2nd Floor

Bedroom

12'10" × 9'3"

2nd Floor

Family Room

16'6" × 15'8"

2nd Floor

Walk-In Closet

10'11" × 6'2"

2nd Floor

Laundry

6'9" × 5'7"

Basement

Bedroom

13' × 11'6"

Basement

Bedroom

13'3" × 10'4"

Basement

Game Room

18'6" × 12'6"

Basement

Other

8'11" × 8'7"

Bathrooms:

Floor
Ensuite
Pieces
Other

Main Floor

4'11" x 5'2"

2nd Floor

Yes

11'8" x 10'11"

2nd Floor

9'5" x 9'2"

Basement

9'8" x 4'11"

Land Info:

Title to Land:: Fee Simple

Community Features:: Park, Playground, Schools Nearby, Shopping Nearby, Sidewalks, Street Lights, Walking/Bike Paths

Interior Features:: Breakfast Bar, Crown Molding, Double Vanity, Granite Counters, Kitchen Island, Pantry, See Remarks, Soaking Tub, Tray Ceiling(s), Vinyl Windows, Walk-In Closet(s)