Attention Torontonians! Garden suites will be popping up near you! As options for affordable housing dilute in Toronto, a variety of housing types are beginning to be introduced. Thanks to a new Toronto by-law, garden suites are now permitted to be constructed in the backyard of an existing home, if certain eligibility requirements are met.
A garden suite is defined as a housing unit in the rear lot of a property. Unlike other secondary dwellings, however like garages, garden suites are complete homes containing all essential rooms and utilities. Garden suites are usually used for guest housing, offering individuals their own extra space without having to get a mortgage that they may not be able to afford.
There is an extensive list of benefits to building a garden suite, resulting in the popularity of the option. Some may include with applicable approvals and permits:
Higher affordability housing in Toronto’s market
Multigenerational family living
A place for guests
Additional income (rent)
Raised property value