A garden suite is a detached, self-contained residential unit built in the backyard of a property, separate from the main house. Unlike laneway homes, garden suites do not require a laneway and can be built on lots with no rear laneway access.

A laneway home is a small, self-contained residential unit built at the rear of a property, typically facing a laneway. It functions as a secondary suite to the main house.

Eligibility depends on your municipality’s zoning bylaws. In general, your lot must:

• Be located in a residential zone that permits garden suites

• Have enough rear and side yard space

Meet access and fire code requirements

•  Dwellink Homes offers lot assessments to confirm if your property qualifies.

Eligibility depends on several factors:

• Your property must abut a public laneway.

• There must be sufficient laneway access for emergency services.

Your lot must meet minimum size and zoning requirements (e.g. width, depth, and rear yard space).

• A property review or feasibility study can confirm eligibility.

• Laneway homes must back onto a public laneway
   

• Garden suites can be built on lots with no laneway access, making them more widely applicable in suburban areas

Yes. You will need:

• A building permit

• Possibly a minor variance, depending on your design

Our team handles the entire permitting process for you.

No. In most Ontario municipalities that permit laneway homes (including Toronto), no additional parking is required for the suite.

Yes! Garden suites are legal rental units and can provide a long-term rental income stream, or serve as housing for family members. Short-term rentals (e.g. Airbnb) may be restricted by local bylaws.

Yes. Most municipalities allow laneway suites to be rented out as long-term rentals (typically not for short-term Airbnb-style stays). Always check local zoning laws.

No. Garden suites are considered secondary dwelling units and cannot be sold separately from the main house

Garden suites and laneway homes are usually connected to the main house’s services (water, sewer, hydro, gas). Some setups allow for separate meters depending on design and municipal rules.