From Europe to Niagara: A New Appreciation for Character Homes

Last week I was away.

I left the Niagara Region in crisp cold air and layered snow… and returned to fog and rain. As most of us know, that kind of weather is not ideal for showings. Snow tends to highlight a home’s structure and setting. Rain can make everything feel heavier.

While I was away, I visited Amsterdam, Bruges, and Riga — three countries in nine days.

Each city carries its history through its architecture. Narrow canal homes, medieval brick buildings, Art Nouveau facades. What stood out most was the preservation. There is clear effort to maintain original structures, protect heritage, and integrate old buildings into modern living.

It made me think about our own market.

For the past 15 years, Niagara has experienced steady growth and significant new construction. New homes offer efficiency, open layouts, and modern finishes. They serve an important role in meeting demand.

But we also have character properties throughout the Niagara Region — homes with original trim, hardwood floors, solid brick exteriors, and craftsmanship that is difficult to replicate today. Many of these properties simply need thoughtful updates rather than full reinvention.

In Europe, preservation is expected. Here, it is sometimes overlooked.

There is value in understanding both:
• the function of new construction
• and the lasting appeal of established neighbourhoods and heritage homes

Markets move in cycles. Trends shift. But well-located character properties with strong bones continue to hold relevance.

Sometimes it just takes a different perspective — even a short trip abroad — to see what we already have at home.