Are you interested in rental income? Thinking about downsizing? Are you looking for a rental opportunity? If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to any of the questions, laneway houses might just be the answer. Laneway houses are being suggested as one way to gently increase density in the city of Toronto, referred to as the “missing middle” solution to the housing crisis in Toronto. Other types of more traditional kinds of “missing middle” solutions are duplexes, triplexes, townhomes & low rise apartment buildings. In 2018 when a bylaw was finally passed in Toronto to make it much easier to build the city started the Laneway Suites project to work on how to expand this option.
What exactly is a laneway house?
“A Laneway Suite is a self-contained residential unit located on the same lot as a detached house, semi-detached house, townhouse, or other low-rise house. A Laneway Suite is typically located in the backyard next to a public laneway and is generally smaller in size, and completely detached from the main house on the lot. Laneway Suites provide new rental housing opportunities within established neighbourhoods, contributing to a wider range of housing options.” -Changing Lanes: Laneway Suites in the City of Toronto
Who would laneway suites appeal to?
Laneway suites offer different demographics more affordable opportunities to live in established neighbourhoods. They can be attractive to young professionals, 50+ looking to downsize but stay in their neighbourhood and it creates opportunities for multi-generational living and extra income for the property owner.
Does my home qualify to have a laneway house?
To qualify for the approval of a laneway house you need to have a residential property with access to a public laneway.
If you’re interested in finding out more about Laneway suites in Toronto I would be happy to sit down with you to discuss them.
Here are some links you also might find interesting:
City of Toronto “Changing Lanes: Laneway Suites in the City of Toronto”
The Laneway Project, it is a not-for-profit social enterprise. They have some great resources.
This information should not be relied on as legal advice, financial advice, or a definitive statement of the law in any jurisdiction. For such advice, please consult your own legal counsel or financial representative.
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