Heritage Lakes Home Styles: A Buyer's Guide to ST2s, BUNGs & Bi-Levels

Heritage Lakes has a dominant personality, and it's written in the home styles. Walk any street and you'll see it: two-storey homes with their gabled roofs and double garages, bungalows with mature gardens and wide driveways, and bi-levels tucked onto corners with their split-entry charm. Since 2010, the MLS has recorded three clear style leaders — and each one attracts a different kind of buyer.

The Style Breakdown

Two out of every three homes sold in Heritage Lakes fall into the top three categories. The two-storey dominance — 46.5% of all sales — is the defining characteristic of this neighbourhood. Here's what each style means for your life, your budget, and your future resale.

Two-Storeys: The Heritage Lakes Default

445 two-storey sales make this the undisputed king of Heritage Lakes. These homes stack bedrooms above living space, creating the separation that families crave. Most were built between 1985 and 1998, with 1,600–2,400 sqft of total living space and lots that actually accommodate a backyard.

Who They're For

• Young families with 1–3 kids who need three or four bedrooms
• Move-up buyers trading a condo or starter home for their first detached house
• Buyers who want main-floor entertaining space separate from kid zones upstairs

What They Cost

Entry-level two-storeys with original finishes start around $375K. Mid-range updated two-storeys — newer kitchen, finished basement, double garage — run $425K–$525K. Premium two-storeys on larger lots or with major renovations push $550K–$600K. Above $600K, you're competing with Oakmont, so Heritage Lakes two-storeys rarely stretch that far.

The Resale Case

Two-storeys are the most liquid home style in Heritage Lakes. When a family outgrows their starter home, they need bedrooms. The buyer pool is deep, consistent, and need-driven. A three-bedroom two-storey in good condition at $450K will sell in any market — that's why 445 of them have traded since 2010.

Watch Out For

• Roof age — many two-storeys in Heritage Lakes are approaching 25–35 years. Budget $12K–$18K for asphalt shingle replacement.
• Furnace and hot water tank — original mechanicals from the 1990s are reaching end of life. A $6K–$10K mechanical update isn't a dealbreaker, but factor it in.
• Driveway condition — original concrete driveways may have settling or cracking. Resurfacing runs $3K–$8K depending on size.

Bungalows: The Long-Term Hold

197 bungalow sales make this the second pillar of Heritage Lakes housing. Single-storey living on one level — bedrooms, kitchen, living room, all without stairs. Most Heritage Lakes bungalows were built 1980–1995 on generous lots with mature landscaping.

Who They're For

• Empty-nesters downsizing from larger two-storeys in Erin Ridge or Oakmont
• Retirees planning aging-in-place — no stairs means no future mobility concerns
• Buyers with accessibility needs — single-level living, wider doorways, no basement required

What They Cost

Original-condition bungalows start around $350K. Updated bungalows with renovated kitchens, developed basements, and modern bathrooms run $400K–$475K. Premium bungalows on oversized lots or with extensive additions reach $500K–$525K. Beyond that, buyers usually look to newer neighbourhoods.

The Resale Case

Bungalows hold value because demand never disappears — it actually grows as demographics age. A well-maintained bungalow in Heritage Lakes is a safe long-term hold. The 197 sales since 2010 prove the market is there, and as St. Albert's population ages, that buyer pool will only deepen.

Watch Out For

• Basement moisture — older bungalows may have undeveloped basements with moisture issues. Budget $15K–$35K for proper waterproofing if you plan to finish the basement.
• Windows — original windows from the 1980s are single-pane or early double-pane. Replacement runs $8K–$15K for a full bungalow.
• Electrical panels — some older bungalows still have 60-amp service or original fuse panels. Upgrading to 100-amp runs $2K–$4K.

Bi-Levels: The Flexible Compromise

149 bi-level sales round out the Heritage Lakes style mix. Bi-levels split living space across two half-levels — main floor with kitchen, living room, and bedrooms; lower level partially below grade with additional bedrooms, family rooms, or rental suites.

Who They're For

• Multi-generational families who want separation without full basement isolation
• Buyers who need a legal or non-legal basement suite for rental income or adult children
• First-time buyers who want maximum square footage per dollar — bi-levels often deliver 1,800+ sqft at lower cost per foot than two-storeys

What They Cost

Entry bi-levels start around $325K. Updated bi-levels with finished lower levels, modern kitchens, and good curb appeal run $375K–$450K. Premium bi-levels with developed suites, separate entrances, and newer mechanicals push $475K–$500K.

The Resale Case

Bi-levels appeal to a specific buyer — one who values flexibility over layout perfection. The 149 sales since 2010 show consistent demand, particularly from buyers who see the lower level as income potential or future in-law space. Resale velocity is steady but slightly slower than two-storeys, since the buyer pool is more niche.

Watch Out For

• Lower-level ceiling height — some bi-levels have 6'8" or 7' ceilings in the lower level. Verify this meets your needs before you fall in love with the main floor.
• Separate entrance feasibility — if you're counting on rental income, confirm the grade and layout actually allow for a separate entrance. Not all bi-levels do.
• Stair railings and headroom — the split staircase is a high-traffic area. Check for loose railings and adequate head clearance.

Which Style Is Right for You?

Not sure which style fits your family and budget? Call 780-937-7534 or email john@johncarle.com — I'll walk you through active listings in each style and show you what your dollar actually buys in Heritage Lakes right now.

Data source: 30,844 St. Albert MLS records (2010–2026 Q1). Style classifications from MLS property type fields.