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Written By
Corinna Frattini
Sep 5, 2024
•Housing
There are many types of housing, from rental apartments to condos to detached homes. Each offers unique features that appeal to people at different stages of life. However, with a range of housing options, you can select the type that best meets your needs, budget, location, and personal preferences while adapting to life in Canada.
Before beginning your search for rental housing in Canada, knowing the different types of houses to rent or buy is helpful. Deciding which type of home is right for you can be difficult. For example, a rental apartment is ideal if you are just settling in Canada.
A condominium is ideal for people who have a busy lifestyle and want to avoid the costly property maintenance of a home. Or, if you have a young family, you may prefer a house with a backyard for your children. Renting any of these homes in Canada rather than committing to homeownership can give you greater flexibility.
You can find various types of apartments in larger buildings or complexes. Apartments typically offer a kitchen, bathroom, and living space. However, you can also find studio apartments with a combined living and sleeping area.
Studio apartments appeal to single people who don’t require a great deal of space and want to save on accommodation costs. Renters can also find one- or two-bedroom apartments that offer more space. Renting an apartment offers greater flexibility, which is important for newcomers. It’s easier to break a lease if you need to move to a new neighbourhood or city.
Renting an apartment is attractive to newcomers when first arriving in Canada. It’s more affordable than buying a home and offers more flexibility than homeownership.
Apartments seem similar to condos, but there are key differences between apartments and condos.
Most basement apartments have a private entrance, kitchen, bathroom, living room, one or two bedrooms, and access to laundry.
In Canada, you can often find below-ground apartments for rent in detached or semi-detached homes. Some homeowners rent out basement space for long- or short-term rentals while they live in the main home.
A benefit of basement apartments is that they are usually less expensive than other housing types. If you are on a tight budget, it’s a great option, especially if you want to live downtown rather than in the suburbs.
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REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARCondominiums (or condos) are a form of ownership that can apply to almost all types of housing. While condominiums are generally large complexes, other types of properties, for example, townhouses, may also have a condo ownership model. You own the unit, or “condo”, but you do not own the land it is built on or any common space outside your unit.
Owning a condo is often more affordable than buying a detached home, and a top reason why condos appeal to buyers. In addition, you have access to on-site amenities such as a swimming pool, fitness room, party room, and guest suites.
You pay monthly condo fees to maintain indoor and outdoor common areas shared by the owners, including parking areas, elevators, entrances, and recreational facilities. Many condos also have a concierge and provide 24-hour security. Monthly fees can vary and are usually based on the square footage of your unit. You pay condo fees in addition to your mortgage payments. If you rent a condo, these fees are usually included in your monthly rent.
This type of housing appeals to people who want a secure, residential setting without the required responsibilities of maintaining a home and yard. Condos are popular in Canada’s urban housing market because of the limited supply of single-family homes.
A single-detached house stands alone and tends to be the most expensive home type due to the land costs. However, detached homes usually provide more space than most apartments or condos and will often have a backyard, parking, and patio space. Because detached homes offer more space and privacy, they appeal to growing families or multi-generational families. When you purchase a house in Canada, you own the home and the land it’s on.
While some newcomers arrive in Canada ready to buy a home, this involves paying the mortgage, property taxes, and utilities such as electricity, gas, and water. As a homeowner, you’re responsible for the care and maintenance of your property and must follow local bylaws. Bylaws are local municipal rules and regulations that vary across Canada. Examples of bylaws include residential property standards to ensure proper home maintenance.
As a homeowner, you can renovate the inside and outside of the house. But, you have to obey local bylaws and apply for building permits to renovate the structure of the home.
Upon deciding to purchase a home, it’s smart to save money for an emergency fund to deal with unexpected or costly repairs.
You can also rent a detached home. Renting a detached home can provide more space without spending time or money on necessary repairs. The homeowner will incur the home repair costs. The cost to rent or buy a detached home is based on local real estate markets, which vary across Canada, and the size.
A semi-detached home is joined to another on one side, but not attached to any other dwelling or structure. Owners are only responsible for the care and upkeep of their side, just like a single-detached house. When you own a semi-detached home, you own your side of the property, including the land it is on.
Semi-detached houses appeal to people who want to own their own house as well as the land it is on. Semi-detached houses are usually less expensive than fully detached houses, although, like all real estate, this depends on the area.
If you’re buying this type of housing, it is usually more affordable than a single-detached home. However, it may offer less privacy. Whether you want to rent or buy a home, it’s smart to find an experienced real estate agent to guide you through the process.
The Canadian housing market is also seeing a growing interest in townhouses. This housing type is a unit attached to other housing units in a row. In each unit, you share a wall on either side with the people beside you. Often, especially in cities, there may also be a smaller unit above each townhouse, so there could also be someone living above or below you. Townhouses (sometimes called row houses) are usually two or three levels tall, and each level is called a storey.
With a townhouse, you may have a private backyard, or ground-level or rooftop patio. Townhouses appeal to people who want to be involved in maintaining their home and property.
This type of housing is becoming more popular, particularly among first-time homebuyers seeking more affordable options in the face of rising home prices.
A duplex or triplex is a building that is divided into multiple units. Like semi-detached houses, each household has its separate entrance and is responsible for the care of the unit. Typically, you would buy the entire property and rent a unit to help offset your mortgage payments. Types of homes that are ‘duplexed’ or divided into two or more separate living units may be detached homes, semi-detached, or row houses.
In Canada, it’s common for homeowners to rent out rooms within their homes and share accommodation. Homesharing provides and an affordable housing option for newcomers, and great living experience, and opportunity to make new friends.
When considering your housing options in Canada, consider the different features that each option offers. With different types of housing, you can select the one that best meets your budget, lifestyle, and preferences.
WRITTEN BY
Corinna Frattini
Senior Editor, Prepare for Canada
Corinna Frattini is the Senior Editor and Content Director for Prepare for Canada. She contributes articles to help newcomers achieve their goals in key areas related to living, working, and settling in Canada. With an extensive background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on what Canadian employers seek and how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada.
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