Multigenerational Homes in Richmond Hill and Markham: A Buyer's Guide for Families Who Want to Live Together

More families in York Region are choosing to live together than almost anywhere else in Canada. Grandparents, parents and adult children sharing one home is not a compromise. For many families it is the plan. This guide covers why multigenerational living is growing in Richmond Hill and Markham, what to look for in a home that works for multiple generations, how Ontario's secondary suite laws have changed and how to make the financial and legal math work before you buy.

Table of Contents

• Why Multigenerational Living Is Growing in York Region
• The Financial Case for Buying Together
• What to Look for in a Multigenerational Home
• Bill 23 and Secondary Suite Rules: What You Can Legally Build
• Best Neighbourhoods for Multigenerational Families
• Four Layout Options That Work
• Legal and Mortgage Considerations
• Common Mistakes Multigenerational Buyers Make
• Frequently Asked Questions

Why Multigenerational Living Is Growing in York Region

The numbers tell the story clearly. In the 2021 Census, 2.4 million Canadians lived in multigenerational households, a 50% increase since 2001 and the fastest-growing household type in the country. Among Canadian cities with at least 10,000 people, Markham ranked third at 9.5% (behind Brampton at 14.3% and Surrey at 9.6%). The broader Toronto CMA had the highest proportion of any major metropolitan area at 11.6%.

York Region sits at the centre of this trend for three reasons that compound each other. First, the cultural makeup: over half of people living in multigenerational households nationally are racialized (52.7%) and 40.5% were born outside Canada. Richmond Hill and Markham have some of the highest immigrant populations in Ontario, with large South Asian, East Asian and Middle Eastern communities where multigenerational living is not a fallback but a preferred family structure. Second, housing costs: when a detached home in Richmond Hill averages $1.8M, pooling resources across generations is often the only way to afford freehold ownership in a strong school zone. Third, caregiving: nearly one in four members of the oldest generation in multigenerational households do not speak English or French fluently, making proximity to family essential for daily life, medical appointments and social connection.

This is not a temporary trend driven by the pandemic. Multigenerational living has been growing steadily for 20 years and the structural forces behind it (immigration patterns, housing costs, aging demographics) are accelerating, not slowing.

The Financial Case for Buying Together

The financial logic of multigenerational buying is straightforward once you see the math. A family buying alone at the current median detached price in Richmond Hill ($1,525,000) needs a minimum 20% down payment of $305,000 and qualifies for a mortgage of approximately $1,220,000, which at 4.5% over 25 years translates to roughly $6,700/month in mortgage payments alone. Add property tax ($700/month), utilities ($400/month) and maintenance ($300/month) and the total monthly carrying cost is approximately $8,100.

Now consider the same home purchased by two generations pooling resources. If the parents contribute $200,000 from existing home equity and the children contribute $105,000 in savings, the same $305,000 down payment is covered but the mortgage qualification is based on combined household income. The monthly costs are split across two contributing households. Even without a formal basement apartment, the carrying cost per household drops to approximately $4,050/month. With a legal basement suite generating $1,500 to $2,500/month in rental income (if one generation occupies it and the other rents it out when circumstances change), the effective carrying cost drops further.

Beyond monthly cash flow, there are structural savings that compound over time. Shared utilities, shared property taxes, shared home insurance. Grandparents providing childcare can save families $435+ per month compared to regulated daycare costs (Statistics Canada, 2025). Fewer multigenerational households are in core housing need (4.6%) compared to other household types (10.3%), suggesting that shared costs translate into genuine financial stability.

The current buyer's market amplifies this advantage. With 6.5 months of inventory in Richmond Hill and 4.49 months in Markham, multigenerational families pooling a larger budget have the leverage to negotiate strongly on price, conditions and closing timelines. The same home that would have cost $2.2M in 2022 may now be available for $1.7M or less.

What to Look for in a Multigenerational Home

Not every large home works for multigenerational living. The features that matter most are about privacy, accessibility and the ability to operate as connected but independent households under one roof.

Separate Entrances

A side entrance or walkout basement entrance is the single most important feature for multigenerational comfort. It allows grandparents or adult children to come and go independently without disrupting the rest of the household. In Richmond Hill and Markham, homes with walkout basements on sloped lots (common in Oak Ridges, Rouge Woods and Bayview Hill) offer the best natural separation.

Main-Floor Bedroom and Full Bathroom

If an aging parent is living in the home, a main-floor bedroom with a full bathroom eliminates the need to navigate stairs daily. This is a non-negotiable for aging-in-place safety and comfort. Some newer Richmond Hill and Markham homes include main-floor guest suites or flex rooms that serve this purpose. Older homes may require renovation to add this feature.

Second Kitchen or Kitchenette

Meal preparation is where shared living creates the most friction. A second kitchen in the basement (or a kitchenette with a sink, counter space and small appliance area) allows each generation to cook independently. Note that under Ontario Building Code, a full second kitchen in a basement triggers secondary suite requirements (fire separation, egress, smoke alarms). A kitchenette without a stove may be permissible without triggering full suite classification, but always verify with your municipality before assuming.

Separate HVAC Zones

Different generations often have different temperature preferences. A home with separate heating and cooling zones (or one that can be retrofitted with a ductless mini-split system) avoids the thermostat wars that undermine shared living comfort.

Sound Insulation Between Floors

Noise transfer between floors is the most common complaint in multigenerational homes. Older construction (pre-2000) often has minimal insulation between the main floor and basement. Budget $5,000 to $15,000 for professional soundproofing (resilient channels, insulation batts, double drywall) if the existing separation is inadequate.

Lot Size and Parking

A multigenerational household typically has 3 to 4 vehicles. A double-car garage with a long driveway (ideally fitting 2 to 3 additional vehicles) is essential. Narrow-lot townhomes and semis with single garages will create daily parking conflicts. Detached homes on 40-foot+ lots in Richmond Hill and Markham are best suited for this requirement.

Bill 23 and Secondary Suite Rules: What You Can Legally Build

Ontario's Bill 23 (More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022) fundamentally changed what homeowners can do with their properties. Before Bill 23, adding a secondary suite often required a zoning amendment, public hearings and months of uncertainty. Now, most residential lots in Ontario can have up to three residential units as of right, meaning no rezoning application is needed.

The three-unit breakdown typically works as follows: the main dwelling counts as one unit, a basement apartment or secondary suite within the house counts as the second and a detached garden suite or laneway house in the backyard counts as the third. For multigenerational families, the most relevant configuration is two units in the main house (main floor and upper levels for one generation, basement suite for another).

Critical point: Bill 23 removed the zoning barrier but did not remove the building permit requirement. A building permit is still mandatory and full Ontario Building Code compliance (fire separation, egress windows, smoke alarms, ceiling height, electrical) is required. In Markham, which now permits up to four legal units per lot, the framework is even more permissive. Always consult your municipal building department before starting construction. A legal suite protects your family and adds 15 to 20% to your property value at resale.

Best Neighbourhoods for Multigenerational Families

Richmond Hill

Oak Ridges offers larger lots on sloped terrain with walkout basements ideal for separate-entrance in-law suites. Proximity to the Oak Ridges Community Centre, Lake Wilcox and 150+ km of trails gives the older generation outdoor lifestyle access without driving. Average detached approximately $1.3M. Rouge Woods has 4 to 5-bedroom homes on generous lots with strong schools and quiet streets. Many homes were built in the 1990s with basements that can be converted to legal suites. Average detached approximately $1.4M. South Richvale offers estate-scale lots and custom homes at $2M+ with the space for true independent living within one property, but the price point is the trade-off. Jefferson and North Richvale deliver mid-range detached homes ($1.3M to $1.6M) with strong school catchments and established community infrastructure.

Markham

Berczy is the top family neighbourhood with Pierre Elliott Trudeau HS (#12 in Ontario) and French Immersion access. Detached homes here often have the lot size and layout for basement suite conversion. Unionville offers heritage character, walkability to Main Street and GO station access, which matters for older family members who may not drive. Detached averages $1.7M+. Cachet and Angus Glen ($2M to $4M+) feature custom-built homes where some builders have already incorporated main-floor suites or separate wing designs. Cornell (~$988K average detached) is the most accessible entry point with newer construction and modern floor plans that adapt well to multigenerational use. Greensborough offers Mount Joy GO access, Swan Lake Park and 100% SP/LP ratios showing strong demand in a newer community.

Four Layout Options That Work

1. Basement In-Law Suite

The most common and most affordable configuration. One generation lives in the basement with a separate entrance, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and living area. The rest of the family lives on the main and upper floors. Cost to build or renovate: $75,000 to $150,000 depending on scope and whether it meets legal suite requirements. Best suited for: homes with 9-foot+ basement ceilings, walkout or walk-up access and adequate natural light.

2. Main-Floor Suite for Aging Parents

Converts a main-floor bedroom, den or flex room into a self-contained suite with a private bathroom and kitchenette. Eliminates stairs entirely for older family members. Cost: $30,000 to $80,000 for renovation. Best suited for: open-concept floor plans with a ground-level bedroom near a bathroom, or homes with a main-floor den that can be enclosed.

3. Garden Suite or Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

A detached unit in the backyard (Ontario's third permitted unit under Bill 23). Provides complete independence while keeping family on the same property. Cost: $150,000 to $300,000+ for a prefab or custom-built garden suite. Best suited for: larger lots (50 feet+ wide) with rear lane access or adequate side clearance for construction and emergency access. Most common in Oak Ridges, Cachet and rural-adjacent areas with larger properties.

4. Separate Wing or Level Division

In larger homes (3,500+ sq ft), one wing or entire floor is designated for the second household with its own bathroom, sitting area and kitchenette. This is common in the luxury tier ($2M+) where homes already have multiple living areas. Cost: $20,000 to $60,000 for modifications (adding a kitchenette, sound insulation, separate HVAC zone). Best suited for: Cachet, Angus Glen, South Richvale and other luxury neighbourhoods where the home size already supports division.

Legal and Mortgage Considerations

Ownership Structure

When two generations buy together, you need to decide how to hold title. Joint tenancy means all owners have equal shares and the property passes to the surviving owner(s) upon death. Tenancy in common allows unequal shares and each person's share passes through their estate. The right structure depends on your family's financial contributions, estate plans and tax situation. Consult a real estate lawyer before closing to ensure the ownership structure protects all parties.

Mortgage Qualification

Most lenders allow co-borrowers from different generations. The combined household income improves qualification, but all borrowers are equally liable for the mortgage. If one generation has weaker credit or no income (retired parents), the other generation may need to qualify on their own with the parents as guarantors or co-signers. Some lenders offer specific multigenerational mortgage products. Speak with your mortgage broker about options before shopping for homes.

Tax Implications

If part of the home generates rental income (a basement suite rented to a non-family member), that income is taxable and the corresponding portion of expenses (mortgage interest, property tax, utilities, maintenance) is deductible. If the suite is occupied by a family member who does not pay rent, there is no rental income but also no deductions. Capital gains exemptions may also be affected depending on how the property is used. Speak with an accountant before structuring the arrangement.

Family Agreement

This is the step most families skip and the one that causes the most problems later. Before purchasing, agree in writing on how monthly costs will be shared, what happens if one party wants to sell, how decisions about renovations and maintenance will be made and what happens upon the death of a family member. A family agreement does not replace legal counsel but it ensures that everyone starts from the same understanding. Have a lawyer formalize the key terms.

Common Mistakes Multigenerational Buyers Make

Buying for Size Without Evaluating Layout

A 4,000-square-foot home with one kitchen, one entrance and no basement walkout is not a multigenerational home. It is a large single-family home. Size alone does not create the privacy and independence that make multigenerational living sustainable. Evaluate layout, entrances, bathroom count and potential for separation before focusing on square footage.

Assuming Any Basement Can Become a Legal Suite

A basement with 6-foot ceilings, small windows and no separate entrance may not meet Ontario Building Code requirements for a legal secondary suite. The new code permits secondary suites with a minimum ceiling height of 6 feet 5 inches, but egress windows, fire separation and electrical requirements must still be met. Get a building inspector's assessment before purchasing a home with the plan to convert the basement.

Not Addressing Parking Before Purchase

Three to four vehicles require a double garage and a long driveway. Street parking restrictions in many Richmond Hill and Markham neighbourhoods (especially during winter overnight parking bans) make this a daily issue, not a minor inconvenience.

Skipping the Family Agreement

Money and family are complicated enough separately. Combined, they require clear written terms. Who pays what, who owns what, what happens if circumstances change. The families who thrive in multigenerational homes are the ones who had the uncomfortable conversation before they moved in, not after a conflict forced it.

Note: This guide is for general information purposes only. Secondary suite regulations, building code requirements and municipal bylaws vary and may change. Mortgage qualification, ownership structures and tax implications should be discussed with licensed professionals (mortgage broker, real estate lawyer, accountant) before making purchasing decisions. Census data referenced is from Statistics Canada 2021 Census of Population. Market data reflects York Region conditions as of early 2026.