Multigenerational living is becoming an option for families looking to bring parents, adult children and other generations under one roof. It can offer greater flexibility, shared expenses and the opportunity to stay connected while maintaining some independence.In Vancouver, changes to housing rules have created more possibilities for families considering a secondary suite, a renovated home or a multiplex.
But finding a property with enough space is only part of the decision. The bigger question is whether the arrangement will work legally, financially and practically—not just today, but five or ten years from now.
Before buying, renovating or building, here are seven questions worth asking.
Multigenerational living can be an effective way to bring families together, share housing costs and support different generations. But success depends on more than the number of bedrooms or the possibility of adding a suite.
The right decision requires a clear understanding of the property's permitted use, the full financial commitment, the ownership arrangement and how the plan might evolve over time. You do not need to have every answer before exploring your options. You do need to know which questions to ask—and which professionals should help you answer them.
Considering multigenerational living in Vancouver?
Whether you're thinking about buying a home, renovating an existing property or exploring a move that accommodates more than one generation, the starting point is understanding which property options make sense for your family.
I can help you assess the real estate considerations, compare the available options and identify the questions worth resolving before you commit.
Contact Michael Tudorie, Vancouver Real Estate Advisor, for a conversation about your plans. No pressure, no obligation—just a clearer understanding of your options.
Before buying, renovating or building, here are seven questions worth asking.
1. Can the property legally accommodate our plans?
A basement with a kitchen and separate entrance may look like an ideal in-law suite, but those features alone do not make it a legal secondary suite.
The property must meet applicable City of Vancouver requirements, including permitting and building regulations. The possibilities depend on the property's zoning, existing approvals and proposed use.
Why does this matter? An unapproved living space can create complications involving insurance, financing, renovations and a future sale.
Before committing: Confirm what is permitted for the specific property rather than assuming an existing or proposed suite is legal. Contact me to find out about secondary suite requirements.
2. Do we want separate living spaces or separate ownership?
These are two very different objectives.
A secondary suite allows a family member to live independently within a larger home, but it cannot be separately strata-titled. A properly structured multiplex may offer the possibility of separate ownership, subject to applicable zoning, approvals and strata requirements.
The distinction matters if adult children want to build equity independently, parents want to retain control of their own assets, or family members may eventually want to sell their homes separately.
Before committing: Decide whether your priority is privacy, independent living, shared ownership or the ability to sell individual units in the future. The best property for one family may not be the right structure for another.
3. Have we calculated the full cost?
The purchase price or construction estimate is only the starting point.
Depending on the project, additional costs may include:
- Architectural, engineering and other professional fees.
- Permits, construction and utility upgrades.
- GST and other applicable taxes.
- Insurance, maintenance and property-tax changes.
- Temporary accommodation during major renovations or construction.
- Ongoing operating costs if the property has multiple units or strata arrangements.
Not every project will incur every cost, and the amounts can vary significantly.
Before committing: Build a realistic budget that includes professional estimates, contingency funds and ongoing expenses—not simply the cost of buying the property or completing the renovation.
4. Have we agreed on money and responsibilities?
Families can have the same housing goal but very different expectations about how to achieve it. One person may contribute the down payment, another may provide the land, and someone else may take responsibility for construction or ongoing care.
Questions can arise quickly. Who pays if construction goes over budget? Who makes decisions about renovations? How are expenses divided? What happens if one family member contributes more than another?
These conversations may feel uncomfortable before a project begins, but they are easier to have before money and expectations become entangled.
Before committing: Discuss contributions, responsibilities and decision-making. Where ownership or substantial financial commitments are involved, seek independent legal advice and document the arrangement appropriately.
5. Will the home work as our needs change?
A property that works for an independent parent today may not work as well if mobility or care needs change. A ground-floor bedroom, for example, does not automatically make a home accessible. Step-free access, suitable doorways, bathroom design and safe movement through the home may become increasingly important.
There is also the human side of caregiving. Who will coordinate appointments, arrange home support or help with daily responsibilities if those needs arise?
Before committing: Consider accessibility, privacy and future care needs while evaluating the property. Planning ahead may be more practical and less costly than making major changes later.
A basement with a kitchen and separate entrance may look like an ideal in-law suite, but those features alone do not make it a legal secondary suite.
The property must meet applicable City of Vancouver requirements, including permitting and building regulations. The possibilities depend on the property's zoning, existing approvals and proposed use.
Why does this matter? An unapproved living space can create complications involving insurance, financing, renovations and a future sale.
Before committing: Confirm what is permitted for the specific property rather than assuming an existing or proposed suite is legal. Contact me to find out about secondary suite requirements.
2. Do we want separate living spaces or separate ownership?
These are two very different objectives.
A secondary suite allows a family member to live independently within a larger home, but it cannot be separately strata-titled. A properly structured multiplex may offer the possibility of separate ownership, subject to applicable zoning, approvals and strata requirements.
The distinction matters if adult children want to build equity independently, parents want to retain control of their own assets, or family members may eventually want to sell their homes separately.
Before committing: Decide whether your priority is privacy, independent living, shared ownership or the ability to sell individual units in the future. The best property for one family may not be the right structure for another.
3. Have we calculated the full cost?
The purchase price or construction estimate is only the starting point.
Depending on the project, additional costs may include:
- Architectural, engineering and other professional fees.
- Permits, construction and utility upgrades.
- GST and other applicable taxes.
- Insurance, maintenance and property-tax changes.
- Temporary accommodation during major renovations or construction.
- Ongoing operating costs if the property has multiple units or strata arrangements.
Not every project will incur every cost, and the amounts can vary significantly.
Before committing: Build a realistic budget that includes professional estimates, contingency funds and ongoing expenses—not simply the cost of buying the property or completing the renovation.
4. Have we agreed on money and responsibilities?
Families can have the same housing goal but very different expectations about how to achieve it. One person may contribute the down payment, another may provide the land, and someone else may take responsibility for construction or ongoing care.
Questions can arise quickly. Who pays if construction goes over budget? Who makes decisions about renovations? How are expenses divided? What happens if one family member contributes more than another?
These conversations may feel uncomfortable before a project begins, but they are easier to have before money and expectations become entangled.
Before committing: Discuss contributions, responsibilities and decision-making. Where ownership or substantial financial commitments are involved, seek independent legal advice and document the arrangement appropriately.
5. Will the home work as our needs change?
A property that works for an independent parent today may not work as well if mobility or care needs change. A ground-floor bedroom, for example, does not automatically make a home accessible. Step-free access, suitable doorways, bathroom design and safe movement through the home may become increasingly important.
There is also the human side of caregiving. Who will coordinate appointments, arrange home support or help with daily responsibilities if those needs arise?
Before committing: Consider accessibility, privacy and future care needs while evaluating the property. Planning ahead may be more practical and less costly than making major changes later.
6. What happens if the family arrangement changes?
Family circumstances are not static. Someone may marry, separate, relocate, experience financial difficulty or need to move into assisted living.
If several people own or finance a property together, these changes can have significant consequences. Consider how a family member could exit the arrangement, whether another owner could buy their share, how a sale would be handled and what happens in the event of death or a dispute.
Before committing: Establish an exit strategy and have a lawyer address ownership rights, buyouts, transfers and dispute resolution. A good plan should account for the possibility that living together may not be the right solution forever.
7. Will the property still make sense in five or ten years?
A home designed around one family's exact needs may not appeal to every future buyer. The future options depend on the property's legal configuration. It might be sold as one home, used for permitted rental purposes or, where a properly approved and stratified structure allows it, sold as separate units. These are not interchangeable outcomes.
Before committing: Consider how the property could be used or sold if your family's needs change. Resale flexibility is worth evaluating before you make a substantial financial commitment.
Family circumstances are not static. Someone may marry, separate, relocate, experience financial difficulty or need to move into assisted living.
If several people own or finance a property together, these changes can have significant consequences. Consider how a family member could exit the arrangement, whether another owner could buy their share, how a sale would be handled and what happens in the event of death or a dispute.
Before committing: Establish an exit strategy and have a lawyer address ownership rights, buyouts, transfers and dispute resolution. A good plan should account for the possibility that living together may not be the right solution forever.
7. Will the property still make sense in five or ten years?
A home designed around one family's exact needs may not appeal to every future buyer. The future options depend on the property's legal configuration. It might be sold as one home, used for permitted rental purposes or, where a properly approved and stratified structure allows it, sold as separate units. These are not interchangeable outcomes.
Before committing: Consider how the property could be used or sold if your family's needs change. Resale flexibility is worth evaluating before you make a substantial financial commitment.
The bigger picture: Plan the property around your life
Multigenerational living can be an effective way to bring families together, share housing costs and support different generations. But success depends on more than the number of bedrooms or the possibility of adding a suite.
The right decision requires a clear understanding of the property's permitted use, the full financial commitment, the ownership arrangement and how the plan might evolve over time. You do not need to have every answer before exploring your options. You do need to know which questions to ask—and which professionals should help you answer them.
Considering multigenerational living in Vancouver?
Whether you're thinking about buying a home, renovating an existing property or exploring a move that accommodates more than one generation, the starting point is understanding which property options make sense for your family.
I can help you assess the real estate considerations, compare the available options and identify the questions worth resolving before you commit.
Contact Michael Tudorie, Vancouver Real Estate Advisor, for a conversation about your plans. No pressure, no obligation—just a clearer understanding of your options.
