What Are the Types of Houses in Canada
There is a variety of houses you can purchase in Canada, including condominiums, townhouses, and detached and semi-detached homes.
If you plan to rent or buy a house in Canada, you must decide which house fits you or your budget. Since each type of house has unique features, you will have to familiarize yourself with the characteristics associated with each one to kickstart your real estate search.
Detached Houses
In Canada, most houses are detached. These houses stand alone on their own land, and their walls are not attached to other houses. Additionally, many of them have both a backyard and a front yard, making them the best choice for families looking for lots of room.
Detached homes are often the most expensive compared to other types of houses. This is due to their extra privacy and space. Their bigger size may attract more property taxes and maintenance than other types of houses.
Types of detached houses
Bungalows
One type of detached home is a bungalow. These houses are unique because of their single-story layout, which minimizes stairs. Usually, all sleeping and living spaces are on the same level, although some have one flight of stairs leading to an extra bedroom. Most bungalows have basements, which homeowners utilize as functional spaces. Bungalows are considered an ancient architectural style, which has led to a decrease in their construction since many people are moving to two-story homes.
Split-level homes
Although newly built split-level houses are rare, some people still prefer them. The homes often have several levels. The main level usually consists of shared living spaces such as the living room and kitchen. Bedrooms are usually located on the upper level, while the level usually hosts a family room. The most common layout of split-level homes is back split and side split, although they can have other layouts.
Duplexes/Triplexes/fourplexes
Duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes are specially designed to hold two, three, and four housing units all in a single property. The units might be on different floors, each with a door. Typically, in Canada, one person owns the entire property and rents out the additional units. In some instances, though, the units can be owned by different people, and each person occupies their own section of the building.
“Plex” occupants might share some amenities, such as parking areas or a yard, depending on how the living arrangements are organized. These types of homes still exist in many cities, but it’s unusual to see them being newly constructed.
Semi-detached homes
Semi-detached houses vary in size, but they all share one thing in common: a wall attached to another. These houses might also share other things, such as a driveway and fence.
Semi-detached homes usually cost less than detached houses. However, you sacrifice a bit of privacy for the lower price. If your house is constructed correctly, you might not hear your neighbour, although this is not guaranteed.
Townhouses
A townhouse refers to a line of house where each unit shares walls on both sides with its neighbours unless you get an end unit.
Townhouses are often less expensive than semi-detached and detached houses because they’re often narrower. However, some luxury townhomes nowadays can cost quite a lot.
Owners have exclusive access to private backyards in certain townhouses, while others boast rooftop or ground-level patios. Each individual owner has the responsibility to ensure proper upkeep of the property.
Types of townhouses
Condominium townhouses
In a condominium townhouse, you own your unit, but a condo corporation takes care of and owns things such as parking spaces, yards, and common areas outside. Residents who live there pay monthly upkeep fees for these places and for using the shared amenities.
Condo townhouses might look different from regular ones. Most of them are stacked, meaning you might have a neighbour living below or above you. But most still have their own private outdoor space, like a rooftop, balcony, or patio.
Freehold townhouses
A freehold townhouse is just like a condo townhouse in terms of the property itself, but how you own it is different. With a freehold townhouse, you own both the property and the land it’s on.
You don’t have to pay monthly maintenance or condo fees to a condo association, but you are responsible for maintaining your home’s exterior spaces.
Condominiums
Condominiums, or condos, are big buildings with many smaller housing units inside. Each unit belongs to one owner, but shared spaces like the yard, pool, parking garage, and lobby exist.
A condo corporation, also known as a strata or syndicate corporation in certain provinces, is responsible for managing all the shared spaces. It ensures the building runs smoothly and stays within its budget. In addition, it offers suggestions for picking contractors and making repairs.
As a resident, you have the right to vote on decisions made by the condo corporation. Each resident pays monthly condo fees to contribute towards maintaining amenities and building maintenance.
Movable houses
This group comprises mobile homes, also called trailer homes, and unique living spaces resembling houseboats.
While movable houses are often cheaper than the other housing types mentioned, securing a mortgage to purchase them can be difficult.
For instance, a mobile home might not increase in value as quickly as condos or detached houses, and selling them can be slower due to lower demand. Lenders might hesitate to finance properties that could be hard to resell if foreclosure happens.
What Is the Cost of Houses in Canada?
The price of a house in Canada varies greatly depending on your geographical location. In January 2023, the Canadian Real Estate Association reported that the national average sale price was $612,204. However, if you exclude Vancouver and Toronto, the average price is around $500,000.
The average price from CREA includes all types of houses, so it might not tell you the average cost of the house you’re looking for in your area. To find out the prices for the house you want in your neighbourhood, check Realtor.ca.
In general, the cost of a home depends on these factors:
- Supply and demand in the local market
- Condition of the house
- Location
- Size of the house
- Type of house
When you’re thinking about buying a home in Canada, the price is just one piece of the puzzle. To figure out what you can truly afford, it’s a good idea to talk to a mortgage advisor. They can help you calculate the numbers and might even pre-approve you for a mortgage.
If you’re not ready to talk to a mortgage advisor yet, you can use a mortgage affordability calculator. This tool helps you determine which type of home best fits your budget.