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Exploring the Types of Houses in Canada: A Newbie’s Guide

Moving to a new country is like opening a treasure chest full of surprises. For us, one of those surprises was discovering the different types of houses in Canada. As a newbie (you can read about our arrival story here), I’ve been busy observing and learning about all the fascinating things around us. Among those are the housing styles—a little different from what we were used to in Sweden and Nigeria. Naturally, my curious mind went into research mode, and here’s what I found!


This article is my way of documenting what I’ve learned so far so I don’t have to keep Googling every time 😉. It’s also for anyone new to Canada or curious about North American housing. Let’s explore the five most popular types of houses in Canada.


1. Condominiums (Condos)
A condominium, or condo, is more than just a type of housing; it’s a unique form of ownership. Condos are usually found in apartment buildings but can also apply to townhouses or other property types. When you own a condo, you own your specific unit but not the land it’s built on or any shared spaces like parking, hallways, or elevators.

Condo owners pay monthly fees to maintain these shared areas and amenities. These fees vary depending on the property and are in addition to your mortgage. Each condo property has its own set of rules that residents must follow.

Quick Tip: Condos are ideal if you prefer low-maintenance living, but make sure to check those monthly fees before committing!


Image from Millards.com
This is a high-rise building which is also a Condo. Image from here

2. Townhouses
Townhouses, also called row houses, are a series of homes attached in a row, sharing walls with neighbors on either side. These homes are typically two or three stories tall, offering a house-like feel in an urban setting. In some cases, there might be additional smaller units above or below your townhouse.

Did You Know? Townhouses are a great option for families who want more space than a condo but don’t mind sharing walls with neighbours.

 

3. Semi-Detached Houses
Semi-detached houses are often more affordable than detached homes, making them a popular choice for those on a tighter budget. Just remember, being a good neighbour is key since you’ll share a wall!

Quick Fact: Semi-detached houses first gained popularity in the 19th century as a way to maximize space and housing in urban areas.

 

Image from NilayErtemur

4. Detached Houses
As the name suggests, a detached house stands alone without any shared walls. This type of home offers maximum privacy and freedom, but it often comes with a higher price tag due to the land costs. Detached homeowners are responsible for all repairs, maintenance, and utility bills.

Why Choose a Detached Home? It’s perfect if you value privacy and want the freedom to customize your home inside and out (within local bylaws, of course).


Image from Virtual Tour GTA

5. Acreages
If you dream of living surrounded by open space and nature, an acreage might be the perfect choice. Acreages are properties located on large plots of land, typically in rural or semi-rural areas. They offer plenty of space for gardening, farming, or even building additional structures. However, they come with added responsibilities, like maintaining the land and possibly managing private water and septic systems. They are also one of the most expensive housing options due to the size of the land and its upkeep.

Did You Know? Living on an acreage offers unparalleled privacy and freedom, but it also means being farther away from urban conveniences.


Image from Houseplan Hunters

Things to Consider When Choosing a Home
Here are some key factors to keep in mind when deciding on the right type of house for you:

  • Cost: What’s your budget? Don’t forget to account for extra costs like maintenance and utilities.

  • Location: How close do you want to be to the city, your workplace, or amenities? Consider your commute and neighborhood vibes.

  • Size: How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Do you need extra storage space or a backyard?

  • Features: What’s on your must-have list—like a fireplace, swimming pool, or garage?

  • Lifestyle: Think about your daily life. Are you okay with the responsibilities of maintaining a large property, or would you prefer something low-maintenance?

  • Family & Friends - Do you want to stay close or far away from family and friends?


That will be all from me today. I hope this article will be useful to any curious mind like me out there. Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the internet today. Until next time...💋

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