Exploring the Main Types of Houses in Canada: What Buyers Should Know

Canada’s housing market is incredibly diverse, shaped by geography, lifestyle, and affordability. From detached houses in suburban neighbourhoods to high rise apartments in downtown cores, understanding the different types of houses in Canada can help buyers make confident decisions—especially in competitive markets like Greater Vancouver.

Whether you’re searching for your first home or upgrading to your dream home, knowing the most common housing types will help you compare costs, lifestyle benefits, and long-term value.

The Landscape of Housing Types Across Canada

Canada offers a wide range of housing types, including detached homes, semi detached houses, row houses, apartment buildings, condo townhomes, movable dwellings, and other single attached houses. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, these housing types reflect how occupied private dwellings are structured and owned.

Across Greater Vancouver, housing options range from low rise condos in quieter communities to high rise condos designed for urban city life.

Read more about 10 Surprising Factors That Can Affect a Home Appraisal here.

Why Detached Houses Remain the Gold Standard

Detached houses are one of the most desirable options among many homeowners in Canada. These single detached houses sit on their own land with no shared walls, offering privacy, outdoor space, and flexibility.

Detached homes often feature front yard areas, integrated garages, sloping roof designs, and additional space for families. Many include two storey houses or split level homes, providing generous living space across multiple floors.

While detached homes offer more space, they typically come with higher property taxes and maintenance responsibilities compared to other housing types.

High-Density Living in Apartment Buildings

Apartment buildings are a major part of urban housing in Canada. These buildings contain multiple apartment units within an entire building owned by a single entity rather than individual owners.

Apartment buildings can include low rise apartments, mid rise developments, and high rise apartment buildings with five or more storeys. In Greater Vancouver, such buildings often feature shared amenities like parking garage access, swimming pool facilities, and party halls.

Rental apartment options are common in city centres and appeal to residents seeking flexibility and fewer long-term financial commitments.

How Houses in Canada Reflect Lifestyle and Geography

Houses in Canada vary significantly depending on location. In rural areas, movable houses and mobile home communities offer affordability and flexibility, while urban areas prioritize condos and apartment units.

Movable dwellings and split houses provide alternative options for buyers seeking lower costs or unique layouts. These dwelling units highlight how Canada’s housing market adapts to evolving lifestyle needs and affordability challenges.

Detached Homes vs Shared-Wall Living

Detached homes stand apart from semi detached homes and row houses because they do not share a common wall with neighbouring properties. This independence often appeals to buyers who value privacy and outdoor space.

Many detached homes include main floor living areas and upper level bedrooms, along with exterior elements like rooftop patios. For many buyers, detached homes represent a long-term investment and a symbol of stability in the Canadian real estate market.

Condo Townhouses: A Hybrid Ownership Model

Condo townhouses combine townhouse design with condominium ownership. In this structure, the condo corporation owns common areas and exterior elements, while condo owners hold title to individually owned units.

Condo townhouses often come with monthly condo fees that cover building maintenance and shared amenities. Monthly maintenance fees vary depending on the condo building, services, and overall infrastructure.

In Greater Vancouver, condo townhouses are popular among buyers who want more space than a condo apartment but fewer responsibilities than detached houses.

Condo Townhomes for Modern Buyers

Condo townhomes are increasingly common in new developments across Canada. These homes often feature stacked townhouses, separate entrance access, and multiple levels of living space.

Because the condo corporation owns shared components, condo owners pay condo fees or a monthly fee to maintain common areas. This model appeals to buyers who want the convenience of condo living with the feel of a townhouse.

Low-Rise Living: Fewer Than Five Storeys

Buildings with fewer than five storeys are typically categorized as low rise condos or low rise apartments. These developments often offer fewer amenities but quieter environments compared to high rise condos.

In Greater Vancouver, low rise condos attract buyers seeking a balance between affordability and community living, especially in suburban neighbourhoods.

Freehold Townhouses: Ownership Without Condo Fees

Freehold townhouses provide full ownership of both the property and land. Although these homes may share a common wall with neighbouring units, they usually do not require monthly condo fees.

Freehold townhouses often include front yard spaces, integrated garages, and additional space across multiple levels. They appeal to buyers who want townhouse living without ongoing condo-related costs.

Laneway House: Vancouver’s Unique Housing Solution

A laneway house is a secondary dwelling built on the same lot as a detached house, typically facing a rear lane. In Greater Vancouver, laneway house developments have grown rapidly due to zoning changes and housing affordability pressures.

Laneway homes can provide rental income, temporary accommodations, or flexible living arrangements for multi generational families.

City Life and the Rise of High-Rise Living

City life in Canada is increasingly shaped by high rise condos and high rise apartment buildings. These developments offer proximity to transit, workplaces, and entertainment, along with shared amenities such as rooftop patios and parking garage facilities.

While monthly condo fees and property taxes are important considerations, many homeowners choose high rise living for convenience and lifestyle benefits.

Choosing the Right Home for Your Dream Home Goals

Selecting the right housing type depends on lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals. Whether you’re considering detached houses, condo townhomes, rental apartment options, or movable houses, each option comes with unique benefits and trade-offs.

For many buyers in Greater Vancouver, the journey to a dream home involves balancing affordability, living space, and location. Understanding the different types of houses in Canada can help you navigate the market with confidence and make smarter real estate decisions.