For many families, home is becoming more than a place for parents and children. Grandparents, adult children, parents, and grandchildren are increasingly choosing to live together under one roof, creating households that can offer more connection, shared responsibilities, and financial flexibility.

According to the latest detailed Statistics Canada analysis available, 2.4 million Canadians lived in multigenerational households in 2021. Ontario accounted for more than half of Canada’s population living in this type of household, showing just how relevant multigenerational living has become across the province.

However, buying a multi-generational home requires a different approach than a typical home search.

It is not simply about finding more bedrooms.

The right property needs to balance togetherness with privacy, accommodate different generations and stages of life, provide enough functional space, and ideally remain adaptable as the family’s needs change over time.

Led by Sarah Kiani, Realtor, Kiani & Co. helps families throughout Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, Mississauga, Ancaster, Grimsby, Toronto, and surrounding communities approach important real estate decisions with thoughtful planning and personalized guidance.

If your family is considering three generations under one roof, here is what to look for when buying a multi-generational home in Ontario.

Why More Families Are Considering Multi-Generational Living

Multi-generational living can appeal to families for many different reasons.

Some are financial.

Combining households may allow family members to share housing expenses instead of maintaining two or three separate properties.

Other reasons are practical.

Grandparents may help with childcare. Adult children may provide support to aging parents. Families may want to remain physically closer without living in completely separate homes.

For others, living together is simply a preferred family or cultural arrangement.

According to Statistics Canada’s study of multigenerational households, the number of multigenerational households in Canada increased by 21.2% between 2011 and 2021, outpacing the 12.4% increase in households overall.

Ontario was home to 50.2% of Canadians living in multigenerational households in 2021.

There is no single reason families choose this lifestyle.

The important question is whether the property supports the way your family wants to live.

1. Start With the Family Before Starting With the House

One of the biggest mistakes when buying a multi-generational home is beginning the property search before the family has discussed how everyone expects the arrangement to work.

Before browsing listings, talk openly about questions such as:

  • Who will live in the home now?
  • Could additional family members move in later?
  • How much privacy does each generation want?
  • Will everyone share a kitchen?
  • Does anyone want a completely self-contained living area?
  • Will childcare happen regularly in the home?
  • Does an older family member have mobility considerations?
  • How many vehicles need parking?
  • How will household expenses be handled?
  • Will anyone work from home?
  • Are there pets to accommodate?
  • Is the arrangement intended to be temporary or long term?

The answers influence the type of property you should search for.

A home that works beautifully for grandparents who share most spaces with their children may be completely wrong for a family that wants two largely independent households at one address.

2. Privacy Should Be a Priority

Living together does not mean everyone needs to be together all the time.

Some of the most successful multi-generational homes provide areas where different family members can retreat and enjoy privacy.

Look for layouts that offer separation between living areas.

Useful features can include:

  • Bedrooms on different levels
  • Separate living rooms
  • Finished basements
  • Main-floor bedroom suites
  • Separate entrances
  • Multiple bathrooms
  • Dens or sitting rooms
  • Upper-floor retreats
  • Basement suites
  • Above-garage living areas

Consider daily life rather than simply counting rooms.

If grandparents go to bed early while younger family members regularly entertain downstairs, will the layout create unnecessary noise?

If two adults work from home, is there enough quiet office space?

If one family wants to watch television while another wants to entertain guests, are there separate areas to do both?

A thoughtfully designed home can allow family members to enjoy one another’s company without feeling that they have sacrificed independence.

3. Look for Multiple Living Areas

One oversized family room may look impressive during a showing, but two or three well-positioned living spaces may be much more valuable for a multi-generational household.

For example, a home might offer:

  • A formal living room
  • A family room
  • A finished basement recreation room
  • A loft
  • A den
  • A sitting area within a bedroom suite

These spaces create flexibility.

Grandparents might use one area during the day while children play in another. Someone working from home can close a door. Teenagers can spend time with friends without taking over the primary living room.

When several generations live together, having choices about where to spend time becomes an important part of making the home comfortable.

4. Consider Bedroom Placement Carefully

Four or five bedrooms do not automatically make a home ideal for a large family.

Where those bedrooms are located matters.

For aging parents, a main-floor bedroom can be particularly valuable because it may reduce dependence on stairs.

Look for properties with:

  • Main-floor bedroom suites
  • Main-floor full bathrooms
  • Bedrooms near quieter parts of the home
  • Larger secondary bedrooms
  • Lower-level bedrooms that meet applicable legal requirements
  • Flexible offices or dens that may serve future needs

Also think ahead.

A grandparent who comfortably uses stairs today may find them more difficult ten years from now.

Buying with future accessibility in mind can reduce the need for another major move later.

5. Main-Floor Living Can Be Extremely Valuable

If an older parent or relative will live in the property, consider how much of their daily routine can happen on one level.

Ideally, important areas may include:

  • Bedroom
  • Full bathroom
  • Kitchen access
  • Living area
  • Laundry access
  • Exterior entrance

Even when all these features are not available today, a home’s layout may make future modifications possible.

A spacious main floor with a den near a bathroom, for example, may provide more flexibility than a property where every bedroom requires climbing one or two flights of stairs.

6. Think About Accessibility Before You Need It

Accessibility should be considered proactively when a multi-generational household includes older adults.

Features worth evaluating may include:

  • Minimal steps at entrances
  • Wider hallways
  • Wider doorways
  • Walk-in showers
  • Main-floor bathrooms
  • Space for future grab bars
  • Lever-style door handles
  • Good lighting
  • Non-slip flooring
  • Laundry on an accessible level
  • Space for a future ramp
  • Space for a stair lift if necessary

You do not necessarily need a fully accessible home today.

Instead, ask whether the property could reasonably adapt if someone’s mobility changes later.

That can protect both quality of life and the family’s long-term investment in the property.

7. Decide Whether You Need One Kitchen or More Than One

Kitchen requirements can dramatically change the type of home you need.

Some families genuinely prefer one central kitchen because cooking and eating together are important parts of family life.

Others want a second kitchen or kitchenette to give another generation greater independence.

A self-contained unit may include its own:

  • Kitchen
  • Bathroom
  • Bedroom
  • Living area
  • Private entrance

This moves the conversation into what municipalities commonly refer to as an Additional Residential Unit, or ARU.

If creating a secondary living unit is part of your plan, investigate municipal requirements before purchasing the property.

Do not assume that because a basement looks large enough for an apartment, it can automatically be converted into one.

8. Understand Ontario’s Additional Residential Unit Framework

Ontario has expanded opportunities for additional housing units on many residential properties.

The provincial guide to zoning bylaws and Additional Residential Units explains that Ontario’s general framework allows certain residential properties to accommodate up to three units within the main house, or up to two units in the main house plus one unit in an ancillary building such as a garage.

However, other requirements can still affect what is possible on a particular property.

Depending on the project and location, considerations may include:

  • Setbacks
  • Building height
  • Servicing
  • Building permits
  • Fire and building code requirements
  • Lot configuration
  • Municipal standards

This is an important distinction.

Provincial permission does not mean every lot is automatically suitable for every type of secondary suite.

If an additional unit is essential to your family plan, confirm what the property can accommodate before purchasing it.

9. Burlington Buyers Have More ARU Options in 2026

For families considering Burlington specifically, the city’s approach to additional residential units has evolved significantly.

Burlington’s new Residential Zoning By-law came into force on March 2, 2026.

The City describes Additional Residential Units in Burlington as self-contained living units with their own kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping areas.

The City currently allows applications for one, two, or three ARUs on eligible properties, subject to zoning, building, and other requirements.

Possible configurations can include:

  • Basement conversions
  • Garage conversions
  • Upper-level conversions
  • Main-floor additions
  • Units above garages
  • Separate accessory buildings

The City also makes it clear that not every property will be able to accommodate additional residential units.

If your family plan depends on adding another unit, investigate zoning and building feasibility before making the purchase firm.

A house with renovation potential is only valuable if the renovation you are planning can actually be approved and completed.

10. Look Beyond the House and Evaluate the Lot

For some multi-generational families, the lot can be almost as important as the house.

A larger or well-configured property may potentially provide room for:

  • An addition
  • An accessible entrance
  • Expanded parking
  • Outdoor living spaces for different generations
  • A detached Additional Residential Unit where permitted
  • Garage conversion
  • Future accessibility improvements

Pay attention to:

  • Lot width
  • Lot depth
  • Building setbacks
  • Garage placement
  • Driveway configuration
  • Grade changes
  • Backyard accessibility
  • Existing structures

If future expansion is essential to your buying strategy, a contractor, architect, planner, or municipal building department may need to assess the property before you commit.

11. Make Sure There Is Enough Parking

Parking is easy to overlook during a showing, but it can become a daily frustration after moving in.

A household with several working adults may have three, four, or more vehicles.

Consider:

  • Garage capacity
  • Driveway width
  • Driveway length
  • Whether vehicles will constantly block one another
  • Street parking restrictions
  • Winter parking rules
  • Future parking needs

If you are creating an Additional Residential Unit, determine whether municipal parking requirements affect your plans.

A beautiful home can quickly become inconvenient if every morning begins with moving several vehicles so one person can leave for work.

12. Pay Attention to Everyday Functionality

Multi-generational households place greater demands on the everyday features of a home.

Bathrooms are a good example.

A five-bedroom home with two bathrooms may be less functional than a four-bedroom property with four bathrooms.

Consider:

  • Ensuite bathrooms
  • A full bathroom on the main floor
  • Bathroom access for each living zone
  • Powder rooms for guests
  • Space for future bathroom additions

Laundry also matters.

Several generations can generate a significant amount of laundry, so features such as main-floor laundry, larger laundry rooms, or plumbing for a second laundry area can improve daily life.

Sound separation is another consideration.

If one generation will occupy a finished lower level, consider how much noise may travel between floors. If grandparents will use a bedroom near a busy kitchen or family room, think about what daily activity will sound like.

Thoughtful room placement, solid doors, insulation, and soundproofing can make shared living considerably more comfortable.

13. Location Needs to Work for Every Generation

The right neighbourhood needs to work for more than one person.

A young family may prioritize:

  • Schools
  • Parks
  • Daycare
  • Sports facilities
  • Commute

Older family members may prioritize:

  • Healthcare
  • Grocery stores
  • Walkability
  • Community centres
  • Transit
  • Places of worship
  • Friends and family nearby

Adult children may need access to employment, transit, or post-secondary education.

When several generations share one address, location becomes a balancing exercise.

Kiani & Co.’s community guides can help families compare Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, Ancaster, Mississauga, Grimsby, Toronto, and surrounding communities based on lifestyle and housing options.

Families considering Burlington can also explore our Burlington neighbourhood guide to get a better sense of the communities available throughout the city.

14. Consider the Financial Structure Before Buying

Multi-generational purchases can involve more complicated financial arrangements than a conventional purchase by one household.

Family members may need to discuss:

  • Who will contribute to the down payment?
  • Who will be on title?
  • Who will be on the mortgage?
  • How will monthly expenses be divided?
  • Who pays for renovations?
  • What happens if someone wants to move?
  • What happens if the home is eventually sold?
  • How will ownership interests be treated?
  • What happens if one owner dies?

These questions should be addressed before purchasing, not years afterward.

Your Realtor can help you understand property values and the buying process, but ownership agreements, estate planning, tax consequences, and legal rights should be discussed with qualified legal and financial professionals.

Clear expectations can help protect both the property investment and family relationships.

15. Do Not Assume Combining Incomes Automatically Solves Financing

Multiple adults contributing to a household can create greater purchasing power, but mortgage qualification depends on more than total household income.

A lender may consider:

  • Who will be borrowers
  • Income
  • Credit histories
  • Existing debts
  • Down payment
  • Property type
  • Number of legal units
  • Intended occupancy
  • Mortgage rules

Speak with a qualified mortgage professional before determining your purchasing budget.

This is particularly important if your plans involve converting the property after purchase or creating another residential unit.

16. Investigate the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit

Families planning certain renovations may also want to investigate the federal Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit, or MHRTC.

The Canada Revenue Agency explains that the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit relating to certain qualifying renovations that create a self-contained secondary unit.

The secondary unit must generally allow a qualifying senior or an adult eligible for the Disability Tax Credit to live with a qualifying relative, and specific requirements apply.

Under current CRA guidance, eligible individuals can claim up to $50,000 in qualifying renovation expenses for an eligible renovation.

For 2026, the credit is calculated at 14.5% of eligible costs, producing a maximum refundable credit of $7,250 for a qualifying renovation.

This does not mean every renovation undertaken for a multi-generational household qualifies.

Families should review the CRA eligibility rules and speak with an appropriate tax professional before assuming the credit will apply to their project.

17. Buy for Flexibility as Well as Today’s Needs

Family arrangements change.

Children grow up.

Grandparents age.

Adult children move out.

A family member may marry.

Caregiving needs may increase or decrease.

The most valuable multi-generational homes are often properties that can adapt rather than homes designed around only one exact arrangement.

Look for spaces that could serve different purposes over time.

A lower-level suite might initially house grandparents and later become space for adult children.

A main-floor bedroom could eventually become an office.

A separate living area could someday become guest accommodation.

A property with legal secondary-unit potential may also appeal to future buyers who do not share your exact family structure.

Flexibility supports both lifestyle and resale value.

18. Think About Future Resale Before You Buy

Even if your family intends to remain in the property for many years, it is worth considering who might purchase the home from you someday.

Highly specialized renovations can sometimes reduce the number of future buyers interested in a property.

The strongest multi-generational designs often maintain broad functionality.

Features with wider appeal can include:

  • Main-floor bedroom and bathroom
  • Legal secondary suites
  • Finished basements
  • Separate entrances
  • Multiple living areas
  • Large driveways
  • Functional floor plans
  • Additional kitchens where legally permitted
  • Accessible features
  • Flexible office or bedroom spaces

These features can appeal not only to multi-generational households but also to investors, families with adult children, homeowners who work from home, and buyers seeking guest accommodations.

Kiani & Co.’s All-Inclusive Buying services place a strong emphasis on evaluating resale considerations alongside immediate lifestyle needs.

A home should work beautifully for your family now while still making sense as a long-term real estate asset.

Should You Buy an Existing Multi-Generational Home or Renovate One?

There are two main approaches.

Buy a Home That Already Has the Right Layout

This can reduce the amount of work required after closing.

You may find properties with:

  • Existing in-law suites
  • Legal secondary units
  • Walkout basements
  • Main-floor bedroom suites
  • Second kitchens
  • Separate entrances

If a listing advertises a separate residential unit as legal, verify the appropriate documentation rather than relying exclusively on marketing language.

Buy a Home With Renovation Potential

The second approach is finding a strong property in the right location and adapting it.

This can give your family more control over the finished layout.

However, renovation costs, building permits, zoning, timelines, and construction feasibility need to be considered in the purchase decision.

A lower-priced property is not necessarily a better opportunity if creating the spaces your family needs will require extensive structural work.

What Type of Home Works Best for Multi-Generational Living?

There is no single perfect property type.

Bungalows

Bungalows can be appealing because primary living areas are on one level and many have substantial lower levels with secondary-suite potential.

Side-Splits and Back-Splits

These homes often have distinct levels that can create natural separation between generations.

Two-Storey Detached Homes

Larger detached homes may provide more bedrooms, multiple living spaces, substantial basements, and greater separation between sleeping areas.

Homes With Walkout Basements

A walkout can make a lower-level living area feel more independent and provide direct exterior access.

Homes With Main-Floor Suites

These can be particularly attractive when aging parents are part of the household.

Properties With Detached Structures or Larger Lots

Where zoning and building regulations permit, these properties may offer additional options for future living space.

The best property type depends on how your particular family intends to share the home.

How Kiani & Co. Helps Multi-Generational Families Buy

A multi-generational home search involves more variables than simply selecting a neighbourhood and bedroom count.

We begin by understanding how everyone plans to use the property.

From there, Kiani & Co. can help your family:

  • Establish the features that matter most
  • Identify suitable neighbourhoods
  • Compare property types
  • Evaluate floor plans
  • Identify potential privacy challenges
  • Consider accessibility
  • Assess parking and lot configuration
  • Identify possible secondary-suite opportunities
  • Evaluate long-term resale potential
  • Compare renovation opportunities with move-in-ready homes
  • Connect with trusted mortgage, legal, renovation, and other professionals

Our goal is not simply to find a larger house.

It is to help you find a home that supports the people who will live there, provides the quality and comfort your family expects, and remains a sound real estate decision for the future.

You can learn more about our personalized home buying approach or explore the communities Kiani & Co. serves before beginning your search.

One Address Should Still Feel Like Home to Everyone

The greatest advantage of multi-generational living can also become its greatest challenge.

Family members are close.

That can mean shared meals, built-in childcare, more time together, support for aging parents, and shared housing expenses.

Closeness works best when everyone also has room to live comfortably and independently.

That is why buying a multi-generational home requires looking beyond square footage.

Consider privacy.

Consider accessibility.

Consider kitchens and bathrooms.

Consider parking.

Consider location.

Consider whether the home can change as your family changes.

And consider whether the property continues to make sense as a long-term real estate investment.

The goal is not simply putting three generations under one roof.

It is creating a home where every generation can genuinely feel at home.

If your family is considering a multi-generational home in Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, Mississauga, Ancaster, Grimsby, Toronto, or the surrounding area, contact the Kiani & Co. team to begin building a personalized buying strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Multi-Generational Home

What is a multi-generational home?

A multigenerational household generally includes three or more generations of the same family living together, such as grandparents, parents, and children. In real estate, the term is also commonly used more broadly for properties designed to accommodate multiple generations or related family households.

What features should I look for in a multi-generational home?

Prioritize privacy, multiple living areas, enough bathrooms, thoughtful bedroom placement, parking, accessibility, storage, and a layout that can adapt over time. Separate entrances or a legal secondary suite may also be valuable depending on how independently each generation plans to live.

Are basement apartments legal in Ontario?

A basement can potentially contain a legal residential unit, but simply having a kitchen, bedroom, and separate entrance does not automatically make it legal. Provincial requirements, municipal zoning, building permits, fire and building codes, and other regulations can apply.

Can I add a second unit to a home in Burlington?

Burlington permits Additional Residential Units in many circumstances, including basement conversions, garage conversions, additions, upper-level conversions, and accessory structures. However, not every property can accommodate every configuration. Buyers should confirm zoning and building feasibility for the specific property.

Can family members share a home without creating a legal apartment?

Yes. Family members can share a home without necessarily creating a separate residential unit. The regulatory considerations change when renovations create an independent dwelling unit with features such as its own kitchen, bathroom, sleeping space, and other required elements. Municipal guidance should be obtained for specific renovation plans.

Is there a Canadian tax credit for creating a space for aging parents?

Certain families may qualify for the federal Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit when creating an eligible self-contained secondary unit for a qualifying senior or an adult eligible for the Disability Tax Credit to live with a qualifying relative. Current rules allow a refundable credit of 14.5% on up to $50,000 of qualifying expenses, for a maximum credit of $7,250 per qualifying renovation.

Are multi-generational homes a good investment?

They can offer attractive flexibility, but investment quality still depends on location, purchase price, condition, layout, legality of additional units, renovation costs, and future buyer demand. Features that can serve many types of households generally provide greater resale flexibility.

Should every family member be on the mortgage and title?

Not necessarily. The appropriate ownership and borrowing structure depends on each family’s financial and legal circumstances. Before purchasing together, speak with a mortgage professional and lawyer about financing, ownership, estate planning, and what happens if someone’s circumstances change.

Which Ontario communities are good for multi-generational families?

The best community depends on the needs of each generation. Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, Mississauga, Ancaster, Grimsby, and other GTHA communities offer different combinations of lot sizes, housing stock, transit, healthcare, schools, amenities, and price points. A personalized search is more useful than choosing a city based on one factor alone.