The future of housing is shifting, and the movement
is growing away from properties consisting of solely single-family homes. With housing policies in Canada pushing for density and affordability, single family builds are not only becoming harder to justify; they are increasingly difficult to afford. Driven by rising costs of housing, or lack thereof, accessory dwelling units are a prudent investment if you’re looking for a mortgage helper.
Accessory Dwelling Units
What are accessory dwelling units or ADUs? They are independent, detached living spaces that include their own kitchen, bathroom, sleeping, and living area. They are situated on the same legal lot as a primary residential unit and are typically located in the backyard or above a garage.
ADU’s can be found in the form of carriage or coach homes, which are typically found on top of garages, as well as garden suites, laneway houses, or tiny homes, which stand on their own, and secondary suites, which are in or linked to the primary dwelling. In higher density spaces, modular or prefabricated housing options present the potential for homeowners to reduce construction times and disturbance of neighbours.
Accessory dwelling units (ADU) are becoming the norm in municipalities across Canada and as a result, our communities are witnessing the advantages. In addition to increasing the value of your property, they also offer flexible, multi-generational living spaces addressing issues such as urban sprawl, provide you with a consistent rental income, and support our growing communities by contributing to more long-term rental housing. By providing housing options within existing neighbourhoods, ADUs support sustainable infill development and help accommodate diverse housing needs and help combat housing shortages and affordability challenges.
The BC Government introduced legislation aimed at increasing small scale, multi-unit housing in the province by forcing municipalities to change zoning rules to make it easier to build ADUs. It permitted municipal zones that allowed one single detached dwelling as the principal use to also include one attached suite the no minimum site area requirement, no owner occupancy requirement, and no special regulations concerning the access to the suite.
Building an ADU is not just about enhancing your property value; it’s about creating a space that caters to your needs and contributes to the community.
Whether for rental income, multigenerational living, or simply for the joy of creating something unique, an ADU is a rewarding investment that can transform your way of living.
Be sure to consult with your municipality if you’re thinking of building an ADU to confirm your zoning regulations and if you are looking for assistance with this process, reach out to us and we’d be happy to chat with you and help guide you along the way.
Get in touch with questions.
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This article was included in June 2025’s edition of the Valley Voice:
