If only purchasing a home were as easy as getting the key and moving in. However, there may be some questions that still need to be answered before taking the plunge and making an offer. Aside from location, there are different house types to take into consideration to fit your needs. If you’re thinking of buying a house but don’t know which style is right for you, you’ve come to the right place.
Read on for the pros and cons of each house type in Canada with help from real estate agent Tina Xia.
Related: Should You Buy a Condo or a House? The Pros and Cons
What Are the Most Common Houses in Canada?
The most common types of houses in Canada are semi-detached homes, detached (single-detached), townhouses, condos/apartments and plexes. Let’s break down some of their key features, shall we?
1. Townhouse
A townhouse is a two or three-storey home attached to other units on either side with a shared wall. Townhouses have a private entrance and may also have their own separate front yards and backyards that are usually smaller than semi-detached and detached houses. There are different types of townhouses in Canada: freehold, condo townhouses and stacked.
Pros: Lower Fees
Townhouses have lower property taxes and fees compared to other house types. Some have either no fees or a small POTL (Parcel of Tied Land) fee, costs around $150 to $300, to cover private road maintenance, some utilities and other shared costs.
Cons: Limited Private Outdoor Space
Townhouses sit on property that is usually smaller than detached houses, so outdoor space may be smaller. This is something to take into consideration if entertaining is big for your lifestyle or owning a pet. Another con is although they are bigger than condos, staircases are counted into the layout’s square footage. So, a 1,500 square foot townhouse could feel more cramped than a 1,500 square foot condo.
2. Single-Detached
Single-detached homes are one of the most common types of houses in the country. These are essentially a house that don’t share a common wall or aren’t attached to another house and has open space on all sides. These houses have a front yard and a backyard and offer more privacy and space. These homes are also better for customization — it’s easier to remodel and renovate — and have a bigger capacity for growing families or those looking for more space. These houses also increase in value with more land and the maintenance of the home.
Pros: Lots of Privacy
Single-detached homes offer a significant amount of privacy compared to other homes. You get reduced noise from neighbours, increased control and freedom over outdoor space, where you can entertain, garden or create your own backyard oasis. Plus, if you have a pet, outdoor space is an advantage.
Cons: Can Get Costly
Single-detached homes can get more costly in the long run. Aside from the purchase price being higher than other homes like townhouses, split-levels and condos, detached homes have a higher maintenance cost due to upkeep because of their larger size and outdoor property space. Utility bills like electricity, water and cooling, plus property taxes (depending on the area), can be higher. This is something to consider, especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer with budget in mind.
See also: Canadian Home Prices Are Dropping — Is Now the Right Time to Buy?
3. Semi-Detached
Semi-detached houses are houses where two dwellings share a common wall. These homes have their own front yard and backyard, but usually share a driveway and fences.
Pros: More Privacy and More Space Than a Condo
Semi-detached homes are definitely larger than condos. You get way more space for the value and more privacy than townhouses and a much larger outdoor space. If community is a big deal, semis could be for you. It’s easier to build a sense of community because you physically live closer to your neighbours.
Cons: Limited Flexibility/Renovation Capacity
Since you have a shared wall and shared roof, consulting neighbours on certain changes may be a challenge. Although joint repairs can be more cost-effective, they might not want to upgrade at the same time as you, or they may not agree with the same changes you had in mind.
4. Bungalow
A bungalow is a type of detached home where all the rooms are on one level and may or may not have a basement. Typically, bungalows are found in more suburban neighbourhoods and less in the city. Bungalows can also be half-storey homes with a half-sloped or gable roof. Bungalows have many characteristics that distinguish them, which may include a study room, an open floor plan or a porch. If you’re looking for a craftsman-style house with character and no stairs, this might be your cup of tea.
Pros: Single-Story Layout
Bungalows are a great choice for those who have mobility issues. Since everything is on one floor, the kitchen, living room and bedrooms are all accessible on the same level without using any stairs.
Cons: Ground-level Bedrooms
Since bedrooms are all on the ground level, some people have concerns about sleeping. Upper floor bedrooms are more private and quiet, especially if you live on a busy street and feel “safer” with better security.
Related: Am I Ready to Buy A Home? Here’s What Real Estate Agents Say
5. Plex
There are different types of Plex houses. The most popular in Canada, especially outside of Quebec, is a duplex. Duplexes are a single building with two dwelling units with separate entrances. The living spaces are either side by side or on top of each other. A triplex or fourplex has units on the upper floors and is accessible by external staircases.
Pros: Great Investment Potential
Plexes are a solid investment potential. Depending on the plex, you can have one to three tenant groups renting, earning you extra cashflow. Many homebuyers purchase a plex and live in one unit themselves while renting out the other.
Cons: Lots of Work to Manage Tenants
If it’s your first time purchasing a plex house, it’s important to keep in mind that they could be a lot of work. Managing different tenants and keeping up with issues can be difficult, especially if they know you live right next door.
6. Split-Level
A split-level house is a home where the main floor is split across different levels that are connected with just a short flight of steps. The main level usually has the living, dining and kitchen areas where a few stairs lead up to the bedroom, while another half flight of stairs lead down to the basement. Split-level homes have specific characteristics like integrated garages, low-pitched roofs and attics. However, these kinds of houses are rarely built today.
Pros: More Affordable Than Single Family Homes
Split-level houses are generally more affordable and priced lower since they have smaller lot sizes. However, they generally have more ample living space than modern family houses these days.
Cons: Dated Looking
Split-level homes were very popular during the 1970s, so there are fewer houses with this layout being built today. For buyers looking for open concept and modern layouts, split-level homes would not be their ideal model.
7. Apartment
Apartments are units in a multi-storey building. Whether low-rise, mid-rise or high-rise, apartments are different configurations and sizes that can be one bedroom, two bedroom or even studios. There is a shared entrance to the building, while each apartment has its own door from within the building. Apartments are often for rentals and have fewer amenities.
Pros: Less Worry for Travellers
Those who travel a lot will find apartments the best choice of home. Many apartment buildings — like condos — have a lot more security (like front desk guards or concierges) and management that can help keep an eye on your unit.
Cons: Less Control Over Maintenance Costs
Just like condos, maintenance fees are typically fixed and can increase over time due to various factors. If renting an apartment, this may affect rent.
You may also like: These Apartment Amenities Are Worth the Extra Bucks
8. Condo
Also known as condominiums, these types of homes are privately owned units within a larger multi-unit building. Owners pay a mandatory maintenance fee to the condo corporation or board that covers the shared areas, the building’s exterior and amenities like a lobby, concierge, pool, fitness gym or courtyard. If you’re a first-time home buyer or downsizer, a condo is a popular and good option to consider, as condo prices have stabilized and have gone down in many areas across the country.
Pros: (Generally) More Affordable Than Single Family Homes
Younger first-time homebuyers tend to lean more toward condos. In this market, they are more affordable and come with amenities that Gen Z and younger millennials are looking for. Everything is in the same building and included in costs.
Cons: Condo Board Directors
Condos have a board of directors that makes decisions regarding the building. Generally, they manage the finances. Most times, if you need to make a decision regarding your unit like renovating your balcony, the board of directors need to be informed and have to approve the project beforehand.
9. Movable House/Mobile Home
Movable houses are single-dwelling homes that are capable of being relocated or transported from one site to another. The owners of these houses don’t own the land they are placed unless purchased separately. In Canada, the most common movable houses are mobile homes, caravans and floating homes that are designed to float on water.
Pros: Very Affordable
Movable houses are pretty affordable compared to the other common house types in Canada. They are smaller than traditional homes and are built fairly quickly due to their smaller footprint and size, so material and labour costs are low.
Cons: Depreciate in Value Quickly
Since movable houses are less common, they can be more difficult to finance and sell, leading them to depreciate in value quickly. Mobile houses and caravans don’t necessarily have to sit on land that you own, so some communities have restrictions where movable homes can be placed.
Related: So You Want to Rent a Motorhome? Here’s What You Need to Know
