Tag: housing affordability

  • Canada’s Expanded Loan Program Empowers Homeowners to Build Secondary Suites and Increase Affordable Housing

    Estimated reading time: 5 minutes Key Takeaways Revamped Loan Program: Homeowners can now borrow up to $80,000 at a low 2% interest rate, repayable over 15 years. Enhanced Refinancing: Ability to refinance up to 90% of the post-renovation home value (up to $2 million) with up to 30-year amortizations. Affordable Housing Boost: Increased opportunities to…

  • B.C. Ends Secondary Suite Incentive Early, Encourages Homeowners to Access Expanded Federal Housing Support

    Estimated reading time: 7 minutes Key Takeaways Program Transition: B.C. is concluding its pilot secondary suite incentive program earlier than planned, redirecting funds towards broader housing initiatives. Forgivable Support: Homeowners had been offered up to $40,000 in forgivable loans to develop secondary suites under specific rental conditions. Federal Expansion: The federal Canada Secondary-Suite Loan Program…

  • The Future of Multi-Unit ADU Investment: Maximizing Rental Income and Community Development in 2025

    The Future of Multi-Unit ADU Investment: Maximizing Rental Income and Community Development in 2025 Estimated reading time: 7 minutes Key Takeaways Increased Rental Income: Multi-unit ADUs provide diversified and stable monthly rental streams. Enhanced Property Value: By adding multiple dwelling units, property owners can significantly boost home value. Community Benefits: These developments support affordable housing…

  • Major Banks Now Offering Secondary Suite Refinancing to Help Canadian Homeowners Unlock Rental Income Opportunities

    Estimated reading time: 6 minutes Key Takeaways Refinancing Potential: Canadian homeowners can refinance up to 90% of their property’s value, with a cap of $2 million. Rental Expansion: The program supports the conversion or addition of up to four rental units including basement apartments, in-law suites, or laneway homes. Major Lender Participation: Leading banks like…

  • Everything You Need to Know About Adding a Secondary Suite to Your Canadian Home

    Estimated reading time: 8 minutes Key Takeaways Enhance Property Value and Income: A secondary suite is a great way to add value and create flexible living spaces. Meet Regulations: Zoning by-laws, permits, and fire & safety standards are essential for a legal and safe suite. Thoughtful Design: Adequate planning around layout, privacy, and durability can…

  • ADU Grants Canada: How to Unlock Municipal Incentives and Build Affordable Secondary Suites

    ADU Grants Canada: Unlock Municipal Incentives and Build More Affordable Homes Estimated reading time: 5 minutes Key Takeaways ADU grants help cover construction, renovation, permit fees, and inspection costs for secondary suites. Municipal incentives such as tax rebates, fee waivers, and low-interest loans further reduce project costs. Successful applications require thorough documentation, clear timelines, and…

  • ADU House Hacking: The Smart Path to Affordable 2025 Housing

    ADU House Hacking: The Smart Path to Affordable 2025 Housing Estimated reading time: 8 minutes Key Takeaways ADU House Hacking leverages accessory dwelling units to reduce personal housing expenses and generate rental income. The strategy offers a pathway to mortgage-free living by offsetting mortgage costs with rental income. Understanding local zoning, permitting, and financing is…

  • Surrey Now Allows Secondary Suites in Townhouses to Boost Affordable, Transit-Friendly Housing Options

    Estimated reading time: 6 minutes Key Takeaways New Housing Options: Secondary suites are now permitted in townhouses, increasing housing diversity. Transit-Oriented: The changes focus on transit-oriented neighbourhoods, enhancing accessibility. Economic Benefits: Homeowners can generate extra income, easing mortgage burdens. Affordable Rentals: This initiative contributes to more affordable and flexible rental options. Table of contents Overview…

  • Tiny Home Co-Ownership: Exploring Collaborative Living and Shared Ownership as a Solution to Canadian Housing Challenges

    Estimated reading time: 5 minutes Key Takeaways Affordability: Co-ownership drastically reduces the financial burden through shared costs. Accessibility: Enables diverse groups—young professionals, retirees, non-traditional households—to access home ownership. Sustainability: Tiny homes promote an eco-friendly, minimalist lifestyle with lower resource use. Community: Shared decision-making and responsibilities foster deeper interpersonal bonds and community support. Legal Importance: Early…

  • Calgary Marks One Year of Success with Secondary Suite Incentive Program: Over 2,500 Suites Completed and Major Community Benefits

    Estimated reading time: 5 minutes Key Takeaways Over 5,703 applications received, with 2,522 secondary suites completed, demonstrate strong community interest. Incentive benefits include up to $10,000 for safety upgrades, $1,900 for energy efficiency, and $7,500 to enhance accessibility. Registry growth by over 60 per cent highlights a transparent and expanding housing market. Processing times dropped…

  • Tiny Home Financing Canada: Your Complete Guide to Buying and Funding a Tiny Home

    Tiny Home Financing Canada: Your Complete Guide to Buying a Tiny Home Estimated reading time: 8 minutes Key Takeaways Tiny Home Financing in Canada requires unique options due to non-traditional structures and building standards. Alternative funding such as specialized loans, personal loans, and manufacturer financing are often necessary. Understanding down payment requirements and government programs…

  • How Nearly 90% of B.C. Communities Are Adopting Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing to Boost Affordable Living

    Estimated reading time: 6 minutes Key Takeaways Widespread Support: Nearly 90% of B.C. communities have embraced small-scale multi-unit housing initiatives. Local Action: 162 out of 188 local governments have updated their bylaws, with 9 more working to align with provincial rules. Housing Growth: The initiative is projected to generate between 216,000 and 293,000 new housing…