Introduction: The Rise of Generational Housing in Canada
Across Canada, homeowners are grappling with an unsettling reality: many of their adult children may never afford a home of their own. As housing prices remain high and mortgage qualification remains difficult—even with recent interest rate reductions—young adults are finding themselves locked out of the market. In fact, according to Statistics Canada, 46.5% of Canadians aged 20–29 were still living with at least one parent as of the latest 2021 census—a significant jump from 41% in 2001, and a trend that has only intensified through the pandemic and into 2025.
For parents who once saw homeownership as a natural milestone of adulthood, this new normal can be disheartening. But some are responding not with frustration, but with strategy—rethinking how their properties can support their families and serve future generations through generational housing.
What Is Generational Housing?
Generational housing refers to a living arrangement where multiple generations of the same family share housing or live on the same property. This setup offers a number of benefits: shared expenses, stronger family ties, greater support for caregiving, and most importantly in today’s housing climate—affordability for younger generations.
But these homes aren’t your traditional “in-law suites.” Generational housing today is being built with intention. It’s part architectural strategy, part financial planning, and part social shift. And one housing type is proving especially suited to the task: the multiplex.
Why Multiplexes Make Sense
The word “multiplex” might evoke images of postwar duplexes or aging apartment blocks—but today, it’s increasingly a symbol of forward-thinking homeownership. A multiplex is a low-rise residential building containing two to four self-contained units, and under Toronto’s new city-wide zoning reforms, they can now be built in virtually any neighbourhood previously zoned for single-family homes.
For homeowners, this represents more than just an opportunity to add value. It’s a pathway to future-proofing their most valuable asset—while creating real housing solutions for their families.
Take a couple in their late 50s living in East York. They’ve just finished converting their bungalow into a triplex: one unit for them, one for their son and his partner (saving them years of down-payment struggle), and one unit they rent out to a young professional. The rental income helps cover the renovation loan. Their son, meanwhile, finally has his independence—with a front door of his own.
Stories like this are no longer the exception. They’re quietly becoming part of a wider trend.
How to Convert Your Home into a Multiplex
- Start with a Feasibility Check
- Not every property is suited for multiplexing. Evaluate your lot size, structural condition, and parking potential. Tools like ReHousing.ca’s “Property Analysis” feature can give you a head start.
- Work with the Right Professionals
- Make sure to check if your architect or contractor has experience specifically with multiplex conversions. Building a multiplex is not the same as constructing a single-family home or doing a kitchen renovation—it involves unique design and code compliance challenges that require specialized knowledge.
- Apply for Permits
- Submit architectural drawings to the City of Toronto for review. Thanks to the recent zoning reforms, you can skip the lengthy and costly rezoning process. Bonus: development charges are waived for up to four residential units per lot, cutting thousands off your cost.
- Consider Construction Phasing
- Some homeowners opt to convert in stages—starting with a basement unit, then tackling the second floor later. This phased approach allows more flexibility, especially if you’re living in the home during renovations.
- Think Like a Long-Term Planner
- Beyond immediate needs, consider how each unit could flex over time. Maybe today it’s for your adult child, but five years from now it could serve as a rental, an aging parent’s suite, or even a short-term furnished rental.
You Might Also be Interested: Missing Middle: Overcoming the Emotional Resistance to Change
Conclusion: Generational Housing Is a Transition, Not a Trend
The rise of multiplex conversions is not about jumping on a trend. While many investors are pursuing this opportunity, for families, it’s a response to a deeper need: adapting to a generational challenge with long-term vision. For parents worried about their children’s futures, this isn’t about bailing them out—it’s about building something sustainable together.
In cities like Toronto, where space is limited and housing pressure is high, these quiet conversions are beginning to reshape entire blocks—discreetly, elegantly, and with purpose.
Multiplex housing isn’t just about buildings with extra units. They’re blueprints for resilience, family continuity, and smarter urban living.
If you’re considering a similar project or want to explore your property’s potential, talk to our Design-Build team. Whether you’re in the idea stage or ready to take the next step, we can help you evaluate your options and bring your vision to life.
