Understanding Housing Options in Ontario
In Ontario, whether you’re looking to rent or buy, there is a wide range of housing options available. Each type of housing offers different features and benefits, catering to various needs and preferences. Below are some of the most common types of housing you can find in Ontario.
Apartments (Suites or Flats)
An apartment typically includes one or more bedrooms, along with a kitchen, bathroom, and living room. In some cases, you might come across bachelor or studio apartments, which combine the sleeping and living areas into a single room. Apartments can be located in large buildings or within houses.
Apartment buildings come in two main forms:
- Highrises: These buildings are tall, often between 6 and 30 stories, and have elevators.
- Lowrises: These buildings are shorter, usually fewer than 6 stories, and may not have elevators, earning them the nickname “walk-ups.”
Apartments are generally owned by a landlord and managed by a superintendent, who often lives on the premises.
Condominiums (Condos)
A condominium is a type of homeownership where you purchase a unit within an apartment building or townhouse complex, but you do not own the land on which it stands. Condo owners sometimes rent out their units to tenants.
Condominium owners are part of a corporation that manages the property. They elect a board of directors to oversee building and land maintenance. Each owner is responsible for their own mortgage, property taxes, utilities, and a monthly fee that contributes to the upkeep of common areas.
Duplexes and Triplexes
A duplex is a house divided into two separate living units, one on top of the other, while a triplex has three units. The owner of the property may reside in one of the units and rent out the others.
These types of houses can be:
- Detached: A standalone building.
- Semi-detached: Attached to another house on one side.
- Townhouse: Part of a row of houses, each with its own entrance.
Rooms (Shared Accommodation)
In a shared accommodation setup, a single room within an apartment, house, or other types of housing is rented to one person. The tenant typically shares common spaces such as the kitchen, bathroom, and living room with others. These rooms are often furnished, and in some cases, meals may also be provided.
Availability and Assistance
The availability of these housing types may vary depending on the city or area you are considering. Community agencies can offer valuable assistance if you are searching for information on renting or buying a home. To find help, you can visit IndoCanadaProfessionals and search for “settlement services” in your area.
Summary
- Apartments come in various sizes and configurations, including highrises and lowrises, and are usually managed by a superintendent.
- Condominiums are individually owned units within larger buildings or complexes, with owners sharing responsibility for common areas through a corporation.
- Duplexes and triplexes offer multiple living units within a single building, where the owner may live in one unit and rent out the others.
- Shared accommodations involve renting a room within a larger living space, with common areas shared among tenants.
These different housing options provide flexibility and cater to various living preferences, whether you are renting or buying in Ontario.
Last modified: February 23, 2025
