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.

39 Varsity Estates Park NW in Calgary: Varsity Row/Townhouse for sale : MLS®# A2276925

**OPEN HOUSE: Saturday 2-4pm** Experience the perfect "right-size" lifestyle in this meticulously renovated end-unit townhouse. Backing directly West onto a serene park, this home offers the ease of main-floor living with a stunning primary ensuite featuring in-floor heating, a dual vanity, and an oversized walk-in shower. The chef’s kitchen shines with new quartz counters, a gas cooktop, and built-in wall oven. Guests will love the private upper loft—complete with a bedroom, full bath, and spacious lounge. The finished basement adds a rec room, additional bath, and a dedicated woodshop for hobbyists. Enjoy summer evenings on your new composite deck overlooking the greenspace. Steps from Varsity Plaza and Silver Springs Golf Course. Luxury, location, and lock-and-go convenience.

General Info:

Property Type:: Residential

Property Sub Type:: Row/Townhouse

Condo Type:: Conventional Condo

Transaction Type:: For Sale

Possession:: Signup

Possession Date:: Signup

Suite:: No

Num Legal Suites:: 0

Num Illegal Suites:: 0

Home Style:: 1 and Half Storey

Total Living Area:: 2,045.49 sq. ft.190 m2

Main Level Finished Area:: 1,319.52 sq. ft.123 m2

Upper Level Finished Area:: 725.97 sq. ft.67.4 m2

Lower Level Finished Area:: Signup

Above Grade Finished Area:: Signup

Below Grade Finished Area:: 1,206.24 sq. ft.112 m2

Taxes:: Signup

Tax Assessed Value:: Signup

Condo Fee:: $716.86

Condo Fee Includes:: Common Area Maintenance, Insurance, Maintenance Grounds, Professional Management, Reserve Fund Contributions, Snow Removal

HOA Fee Includes:: Signup

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:: East

Reg. Size:: Signup

Reg. Size Includes:: Signup

Unit Exposure:: East

Entry Level:: 1

Levels:: One and One Half

End Unit:: 1 Common Wall

Total Rooms Above Grade:: 6

Year built:: 1998 (Age: 28)

Bedrooms:: 2 (Above Grd: 2)

Bedrooms Above Grade:: 2

Bedrooms Below Grade:: 0

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

Plan:: 9812094

Additional Info:

Heating:: Forced Air

Basement:: Full, Finished, None

Foundation:: Poured Concrete

New Constr.:: No

Construction Material:: Brick, Composite Siding, Wood Frame

Structure Type:: Other

Roof:: Asphalt Shingle

Ensuite:: Yes

Flooring:: Carpet, Hardwood, Vinyl

Cooling:: Central Air

Fireplaces:: 1

Fireplace Details:: Gas

Garage:: Yes

Garage Spaces:: 2

Parking:: Double Garage Attached

Parking Places:: 2

Parking Total/Covered:: 2 / -

Laundry Features:: Main Level

Condo Fee Frequency:: Monthly

Condo Name:

Varsity Park West

Community:

Varsity

Amenities:

Parking, Visitor Parking

Appliances:

Bar Fridge, Built-In Oven, Central Air Conditioner, Dishwasher, Garburator, Gas Cooktop, Microwave, Range Hood, Refrigerator, Washer/Dryer, Water Purifier

Inclusions:

N/A

Restrictions:

Pet Restrictions or Board approval Required

Pets Allowed:

Restrictions

Room Information:

Floor
Type
Size
Other

Main Floor

Breakfast Nook

11'9" × 7'5"

Main Floor

Dining Room

14'7" × 11'3"

Main Floor

Kitchen

14'6" × 8'5"

Main Floor

Living Room

17'11" × 15'1"

Main Floor

Bedroom - Primary

12'10" × 12'5"

2nd Floor

Bedroom

14'4" × 10'10"

2nd Floor

Family Room

20' × 18'10"

Basement

Game Room

24'2" × 20'

Basement

Storage

22'8" × 9'9"

Basement

Workshop

18'3" × 8'7"

Basement

Furnace/Utility Room

19'11" × 10'4"

Bathrooms:

Floor
Ensuite
Pieces
Other

Main Floor

6'1" x 4'10"

Main Floor

Yes

7'8" x 9'3"

2nd Floor

10' x 9'10"

Basement

4'11" x 8'8"

Land Info:

Title to Land:: Fee Simple

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

Interior Features:: Built-in Features, Ceiling Fan(s), Central Vacuum, Closet Organizers, Double Vanity, No Animal Home, No Smoking Home, Open Floorplan, Primary Downstairs, See Remarks, Skylight(s), Storage, Vaulted Ceiling(s), Vinyl Windows, Walk-In Closet(s)