The search for affordable housing in Southern Ontario can be challenging. With the cost of owning or renting ever-increasing, it’s no wonder that so many people struggle to find an affordable place to call home.
But now there’s hope on the horizon in the form of garden and laneway suites which can help bring down housing costs and make it more achievable for everyone!
In this blog post our garden and laneway experts here at Urban Garden Suites will explore what they are, why they’re becoming increasingly popular as a source of affordable housing in Southern Ontario, and how homeowners can benefit from building one on their property.
So let’s get the mini answer first before we head into details.
Garden and laneway suites are a cost-effective, low-impact housing option which uses existing land. The Canadian government is introducing regulations to promote garden and laneway suites. Homeowners may benefit from additional rental spaces, increased property value and extra convenience for visiting family/friends.
Now we have the takeaway in place, so you can understand a little more easily how garden and laneway suites can provide an affordable solution to housing, let’s find out exactly what they are.
What are garden and laneway suites?
Garden and laneway suites are becoming popular housing options in southern Ontario as a way to re-imagine your living space.
They offer a cost-effective and low-impact way to create new housing units as they don’t take up existing land but rather use existing private land.
This new type of dwelling also offers a great opportunity for homeowners to increase their property’s value by developing unused space, while also providing an alternative solution to help bridge the gap in affordable housing needs in the area.
Usually defined as a self-contained, secondary dwelling, garden and laneway suites are convenient for homeowners who welcome the extra income they can generate through rentals, sales or even providing a nearby self-contained annex for family members long or short-term.
These secondary suites can be built in the backyard, or integrated into a laneway alleyway between two houses.
Most suites feature their own bedrooms, bathrooms, and separate entrances while some even include a kitchen.
Since they are detached from the main house, they are an attractive option for those looking to rent out a space in Southern Ontario and beyond!
Not only do these suites provide financial benefits for landlords but they also increase population density in urban areas without sacrificing precious green space or privacy.
So why are these types of affordable housing increasing in popularity?
Read on to discover more.
Why are the government backing garden and laneway suites?
Canada is a large country with over 38 million people spread out over its vast expanse, and with many citizens calling metropolitan cities home.
Unfortunately, the cost of housing in major cities has skyrocketed out of reach for many Canadians.
In response to this issue, the government is now promoting and backing plans to introduce accessible and affordable housing options through garden and laneway suites through the More Homes, More Choice Act, 2019 and Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022
The focus is on smaller dwellings that occupy less space but can still offer numerous benefits such as
- Easy accessibility
- High level of urbanization
- An improved quality of life for residents.
All in all, by finding creative solutions to common problems like housing shortages and costliness Canada’s government is helping more citizens have a chance at homeownership.
The government recognizes the potential for these suites to help alleviate the housing crisis and is taking steps to support building more of them in Southern Ontario.
However, it’s worth understanding more about howw secondary dwellings must adhere to strict rules and guidelines established by provincial legislation. This includes meeting certain floor area limits, environmental protection requirements, and other considerations.
Regulations to encourage garden and laneway dwellings
Garden and Laneway Suites are seen as an alternative solution to create affordable housing as we’ve previously discovered, while also preserving green space, creating vibrant neighbourhoods and providing employment opportunities.
The government regulations supporting Garden and Laneway Suites such as Bill 109, More Homes for Everyone Act, 2022 and Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 make it possible for homeowners to add up to three dwelling unit on the same lot and rent them out at below-market rates. This provides an innovative solution which helps bridge the gap between rising housing costs in Southern Ontario.
Recently, the provincial government passed several regulations designed to encourage builders, homeowners and municipalities to build these alternative housing options.
The government is also focusing on increasing the availability of affordable rental units by:
- Implementing Rent-geared-to-income policies
- Creating new subsidies and programs
- Working with developers to add more affordable housing projects within communities.
These regulations are intended to make it easier for homeowners to build Garden and Laneway Suites on their properties while also ensuring that they meet local zoning requirements.
The regulations also provide incentives for developers to create affordable housing projects based on Garden and Laneway Suites models.
This includes zoning changes, building code amendments and regulatory changes to facilitate their construction.
Additionally, local governments are offering incentives such as tax exemptions and fee waivers to encourage the creation of these types of housing.
Hopefully, this alternative approach will successfully address the issue of affordable housing in the region.
It is an important step towards providing equitable and secure housing for all.
This gives individuals the chance to use their space, while also providing a way to help those in need of cheaper and more affordable housing.
Initiatives promoting sustainable living
In addition to government regulations supporting the development of Garden and Laneway Suites, the province of Ontario has also implemented various programs to help make these alternative housing solutions more widely available.
These initiatives are designed to promote sustainable living and reduce costs associated with owning or renting a property. If you’re looking for an affordable solution that will make your life easier, look into one of these provincial programs today.
You may be able to save money on your rent or mortgage payments – all while helping build a better future for yourself and those around you!
What are the benefits of garden and laneway suites?
If you’re a homeowner in southern Ontario, there has never been a better time to consider investing in garden and laneway suites.
These unique developments are an ideal way to diversify your earning potential and make use of outdoor spaces many don’t have the luxury of utilizing.
Laneway suites can add value to your property while offering some much-needed privacy and room for visiting friends or short-term housing in a safe environment.
For those looking to downsize their living space while also maximizing income potential, garden and laneway suites offer a great solution.
By creating additional living space, these versatile units can open up numerous opportunities that weren’t previously possible for homeowners in southern Ontario.
From parents who want to be close by as their children grow up to retirees looking for more room, these auxiliary homes give homeowners an easy and practical way to update their property without sacrificing much space or causing major disruption.
Plus, they aren’t just beneficial for residents; new investors can benefit from having additional rental spaces for landlords, while laneway suites help offer an affordable housing alternative for tenants who wouldn’t be able to have such access otherwise.
On top of that, these structures can help increase the value of your home and surrounding properties too!
The benefits of garden and laneway suites are clear—they open up exciting opportunities for homeowners!
Affordable Housing with Garden and Laneway Suites – To Finish
Urban Garden Suites is bringing a breath of fresh air to the Greater Toronto Area, offering custom-built superior garden and laneway suites.
We’ve partnered up with top Canadian manufacturers so you can have peace of mind knowing that your product will be made by local experts who use only high-quality materials.
Don’t settle for stock design options – choose from our contemporary interior and exterior finishes to match any existing residential dwellings for a cohesive look to your extra living space.
For more details get in touch with our team of experts for a quote and begin your garden and laneway suite journey or find out now if your home qualifies for a garden suite with a Free Zoning Report.