Laneway Houses in New Westminster: An Affordable Housing Solution
As the cost of housing in the Lower Mainland continues to rise, more and more homeowners are turning to alternative housing options, such as building a laneway house. A laneway house, also known as a coach house, is a small detached dwelling built on the same lot as an existing single-family home. This type of housing provides an affordable solution for homeowners looking to create extra living space on their property or generate rental income.
New Westminster is one city in the Lower Mainland that has embraced the trend of laneway houses. In 2014, the city updated its zoning bylaws to allow for the construction of laneway houses on most residential lots, making it easier for homeowners in New Westminster to build laneway houses and increase the city’s affordable housing stock.
Laneway houses in New Westminster are typically one or two stories tall and range in size from 500 to 1,000 square feet. They feature modern designs and include amenities like kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas. Some laneway houses are self-contained, while others share amenities with the main house on the property.
One of the most significant benefits of building a laneway house in New Westminster is the potential for rental income. With the Lower Mainland facing a shortage of affordable rental housing, laneway houses offer a more affordable option for renters while also generating income for homeowners. Laneway houses can also provide additional living space for extended family members, such as elderly parents or adult children.
Aside from the financial advantages, laneway houses in New Westminster can also increase the density of established neighborhoods and provide a more diverse range of housing options. They can help reduce the carbon footprint of homeowners by promoting car-independent living.
Constructing a laneway house in New Westminster requires planning and investment, but the benefits of having an extra dwelling unit on your property can far outweigh the costs. With the city’s updated zoning bylaws and growing interest in alternative housing solutions, laneway houses are becoming a more popular option for homeowners in New Westminster.
In conclusion, building a laneway house in New Westminster offers a unique opportunity for homeowners to create additional living space, generate rental income, and provide affordable housing options. With the city’s support for this emerging trend, we can expect to see more laneway houses popping up in New Westminster in the years to come.