Toronto Garden Suites

Toronto Garden Suites
Picture of Adrian Trott

Adrian Trott

Adrian Trott is the co-founder of The Kormendy Trott Team and Renti, a residential property management company. With a reputation for innovative strategies and exceptional client service, Adrian has helped transform the real estate and property management experience for homeowners, tenants, and investors. Outside of work, Adrian is a tech enthusiast, fitness advocate, and family man dedicated to finding creative solutions for every challenge in the real estate world.

Share this story:

Toronto Garden Suites

Garden Suites in Toronto

In February 2022, Toronto City Council introduced the Garden Suites Official Plan Amendment and Zoning by-law Amendment, making it officially legal to build backyard garden suites as a form of housing.

Today, Ariel and Adrian discussed Toronto’s newest housing trend and answer questions regarding requirements, size and parking restrictions, and property division.

What Is a Garden Suite?

In-law suites within a home have been around for a long time. But garden suites—also known as coach houses and coined garden villas in this podcast—are detached secondary homes, usually located in the backyard of an existing residence.

In Toronto, you can have a 2-storey coach home with a basement in your backyard. In many ways, they’re the perfect solution for housing loved ones or providing rental income, giving people more privacy since they’re completely separated and detached from the main house.

Garden villas are sure to be popular in big cities like Toronto, where there’s a real need for more housing, and affordable real estate is a big problem. For example, Adrian has a friend in Vancouver renting a coach home in his backyard for $2,000 a month.

How is the Property Divided?

Since you’re now allowed to have two dwellings on one property, it raises questions about sharing a backyard and whether Ariel will feel comfortable grilling sausages in his underwear while his tenants watch? However, there are potentially the same privacy issues in a condo with an open balcony. You can put fences, foliage, or a privacy screen with a coach home, so it’s almost like two lots.

The Perks of Garden Suites

  • Garden villas are a great idea for lots of reasons:
  • Ideal for people who want to have their elderly parents living with them
  • Create much more affordable detached homes
  • Can subsidize costs for homeowners
  • They offer more rental options, especially in high-demand areas like Toronto, where the only rental choice may be a condo.
  • Garden villas offer the chance to live in a house in a previously unaffordable area.
  • A great option for people with big yards that aren’t used. You might even get the renter to take care of the lawn as part of the deal.

Toronto Parking Requirements for Coach Houses

In Toronto, there is no requirement for additional parking, which is not a big deal since many use public transit. Although some places, like Hamilton, where coach houses are permitted, do have parking requirements, there, for example, you will have to have three legal parking spaces.

First-Time Buyers and Investors

Garden or coach villas are an excellent option for first-time buyers and investors. Now you can have a primary house, a legal basement apartment, and a garden villa. The combined extra income may even cover all of your carrying costs.

Suppose you’re a contractor who knows how to build. In that case, you could capitalize on this opportunity and specialize in coach villas by developing a business model and branding yourself as a coach villa builder.

Tiny Home Trends and Size

Toronto garden villa size is restricted to 645 square feet.

Setback restrictions in Toronto are:

  • 5 metres back from the principal house
  • 7.5 metres back from the principal house for 2-storey villas
  • 1.5 metres in from the rear property line

For Adrian’s weird x-rated tenant story, watch the podcast at 13:17. The guys get sidetracked with why you shouldn’t take a black light on vacation, which somehow leads to a debate on the pros and cons of Dyson vacuums and battery stories.

Other Areas That Have Approved Garden Suites

Right now, there are only about three or four municipalities in Ontario that allow garden suites. But as housing becomes harder to find and afford, that seems likely to change as cities reach capacity for land usage.

Guelph approved coach homes about three or four years ago, and Kitchener also allows for these buildings on most properties depending on zoning.
If you’re interested in learning more, your best bet is to contact your municipality.

If you live in Toronto, here’s a link to a summary of rules and regulations for garden suites.

LISTEN | THE REAL ESTATE PODCAST

Read | REAL ESTATE BLOGS

Buying, Selling, or Leasing?

Contact KT today for a no obligation conversation.

Inspired? Confused? Comment.

Read More

How to Price Your Rental

Owning rental property in Milton can be a fantastic source of passive income—if you find the right tenant! This guide from KT Realty’s Milton real estate agents covers smart pricing strategies, tips for attracting reliable renters, and why setting your rent just below market value can make all the difference.

Read More »

First time buying a home?

Buying your first home in Canada can be more affordable than you think. From the First Home Savings Account and Home Buyers’ Plan to Land Transfer Tax rebates and new mortgage rules, there are plenty of ways to save thousands on your purchase. Learn how these programs work and what you need to consider so you can make the most of your homeownership journey.

Read More »

Are Real Estate Agents Worth the Cost?

Selling your home can be overwhelming, but having a trusted Milton Realtor makes all the difference. From strategic pricing to expert marketing and seamless negotiation, a real estate agent ensures you get top dollar for your biggest financial asset—without the stress. Here’s why working with a pro is the smart move for sellers in Milton and beyond.

Read More »

Compare

Open House Terms & Privacy Agreement

for KT Open Houses

  1.  

1. Visitor Etiquette: All visitors are required to maintain a respectful and safe environment in our client’s property by adhering to the following etiquette guidelines unless otherwise directed by a representative of The KT Team:

  • Footwear: Please remove footwear upon entry to help preserve the property’s cleanliness.
  • Washroom Facilities: Visitors are kindly asked to refrain from using washroom facilities.
  • Personal Belongings and Furniture: For privacy and safety, please avoid touching personal belongings or opening furniture not part of the sale. Examples include dressers, media consoles, and most free-standing furniture.
  • Food and Beverages: Outside food and beverages are prohibited while touring the property.
  • Furniture: To respect our client’s space, please avoid sitting or lying on any furniture.
  • Pets: Pets are not allowed within the property.
  • Children: Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring children follow these guidelines.

2. Visitor Tracking and Safety: To ensure the safety of our clients’ property and personal belongings and the security of our real estate agents, all visitors are required to provide accurate and complete contact information. This information is used to track attendees and ensure accountability.

3. Digital Communications and Follow-Up: By providing your contact information, you consent to receive digital communications from our real estate team, including information about this property, future open houses, and other relevant real estate opportunities. These communications may include marketing or promotional messages, and we aim to keep them relevant to your interests.

4. Opting Out: You may opt out of receiving digital communications at any time by contacting us directly at the contact points below or following the unsubscribe link provided in messages. Opting out will remove you from future marketing communications, although we may retain your contact information for internal records related to visitor tracking.

KT Realty
229 – 336 Bronte Street South
Milton ON L9T 7W6
[email protected]
1 (800) 617-0090

4. Prospecting and Sales Activity: Our real estate team may use your information for prospecting and follow-up purposes. We ensure these communications are conducted respectfully and aim to provide opportunities aligned with your interests.

5. Privacy and Data Protection: We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. Your details will not be shared with third parties, except as required by law or for purposes directly related to the safety of open house events.

6. Acknowledgment: By submitting this form, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms and conditions. You agree to adhere to any additional requests or instructions the real estate agents provide to maintain a safe and secure environment during your visit.