Welcomed elsewhere as laneway housing, Canadian container home hits B.C. Home & Garden Show
By now, Vancouverites are used to seeing shipping containers repurposed as temporary housing for those ...
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Laneway Homes
City of Vancouver has permitted laneway housing in all single-family neighbourhoods(RS zoning). A number of residents are adding laneway homes to their existing property, while others have decided to build them alongside their new construction. On average, 11 laneway house permits were issued per month during the first 100 laneway homes built in Vancouver, according to a study done by the city. 1645 LWH have been approved and 1147 have been given final inspection as of April 30, 2015.
What Is A Laneway House?
Laneway housing is a detached dwelling on a single-family lot, facing the back laneway where the garage is located. One exterior parking space (minimum) is required on all lots with a laneway home. Houses that already have a secondary suite are still eligible. Note that STRATA TITLING IS NOT PERMITTED, as these dwellings are non-saleable.
Why Build A Laneway House?
Every owner has their own reason for wanting to build a laneway home, but most cite the need for alternative housing options. Here are the most common reasons:
- Aging parents: A home in the backyard provides close proximity for parents who are fairly independent but still need some care. This could also be a space for caregivers.
- Adult children: Instead of moving out entirely, a separate space on the same property provides growing children a cheaper alternative to renting their own place while going to school or starting their career.
- Extra income: The laneway house can be rented out as an extra income earner.
- Downsizing: Owners can move into their laneway house and rent out their main residence when downsizing.
- Building community: Having a home face the back of the property adds liveliness to the back lane, as well as adding the option to plant greenery where there would otherwise be only a garage and concrete.
- Being green: Adding more housing options on unused space increases housing density and adds an alternative form of rental housing for years to come. Laneway homes are part of Vancouver’s EcoDensity program and must comply with the new Green Homes Program.
SELLING
How Big Are Laneway Homes?
Laneway housing can be built in 1 and 1½ storey configurations. The maximum floor area can be determined by multiplying the lot area by 0.16.
- On standard 33’ x 122’ lots, this allows a maximum of an approximately 644 square foot home.
- On a 50’ x 122’ lot, this allows a maximum of approximately 900 square feet.
If you choose to build a 1 storey house it is limited to the same maximum height as a garage which ranges from 12ft flat and 15 ft sloped roof. Also they allow you to build 32 feet from the alley instead of 25feet which will give you a larger foot print.
There are many other criteria that need to be looked into, like cost, specific lot dimensions, age of the house, house location on the property, and corner lot considerations. If you have questions about your specific property, you can email or call me directly. I look forward to speaking with you about your project.
Below is a common lot floor plan for a laneway house.
Matt Henry
Your Laneway Real Estate Specialist
When buying or selling a property with an attached laneway home or coach house, you need specialized advice and understanding of the market. Matt Henry and his experienced team have in-depth knowledge of the dynamics at play and how these properties may affect overall value.
Matt Henry
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Buying or selling a property with a laneway or coach home is different than a regular real estate transaction. Matt Henry and his team of industry partners understand how laneway homes affect property value.
Working hard and being there for my clients is super important to me, but also enjoying memories, nature and building community is a key piece as well
Remax Select Realty
Matt Henry
RE/MAX Select Realty
4806 Main Street
VANCOUVER, BC V5V 3R8
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The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the REBGV, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the REBGV, the FVREB or the CADREB.
The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the REBGV, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the REBGV, the FVREB or the CADREB.