Will a semi-detached house in Toronto be big enough for your needs? Let’s frame up these questions and unpack a number of questions that need to be addressed in order for you to know whether buying a semi-detached house in Toronto is the right move for you.
Let’s get some context first – that way, we can sort out whether this makes sense to pursue further. We don’t want to you to feel let down by answering the question with a “it depends.” So let’s unpack this question.
Wondering if a semi-detached house in Toronto will have enough space for you and your family? This blog is for you!
What Are You Living Now?
Is your current space big enough? Specifically, are you in a condo or a rental apartment? If you have grown somewhat accustomed to living in a one—or two-bedroom condo, there is a good chance that a semi will provide ample space by comparison. It’s quite possible that the condo floor plan could fit (and more) on each floor of the Toronto semi. Context is everything. But let’s not stop here, there is more to unpack.
What’s Your Why?
Why are you looking at a semi? Are you getting married? Planning kids? Are the kids growing out of a shared bedroom? Are you downsizing? There can be so many reasons to move into a semi, if it may be the right amount of room to grow into, and could be the right amount of space to move into as empty nesters. There are so many ins and outs.
Semis Can Have More Space Than You Think!
Is the semi on a wide lot? The average downtown Toronto semi is 17.5 feet wide, which can be a perfectly fine amount of space with the three bedrooms. That being said, a 13-foot-wide lot (yes, these exist) may feel too narrow on the interior to function well for more than a single person or a couple.
Want to learn more about Toronto’s most sought-after neighbourhoods? Check out these other posts next.
- Is The Annex, Toronto Safe?
- Riverdale, Toronto: A Neighbourhood Guide
- What’s Great About Living in Summerhill, Toronto?
How Many Floors?
While a semi may conjure up images of two-story houses, there are many two-and-a-half —and full-three-story semis in Toronto. While, for the most part, it’s safe to assume that most semis in Toronto have two storeys and in those two storeys there are three bedrooms on the second floor, what’s worth considering is how much more living space there is with three storeys. With the increased potential, you may be able to add one, two and even three more bedrooms and a washroom with a third floor. It can be as much as a 30-50% increase in living space over a two-story. That’s a great deal of space. It can feel like a StairMaster after a leg day at the gym.
Imagine a third floor, which can make a pronounced difference in livability in the short and long term. The interesting thing here is that the third floor is excellent value, typically 10-15% more expensive than a similar two-story house next door. Building a third floor on a two-storey semi-detached house would likely cost 20-30% more than the existing house value. The value proposition for a 2.5—or 3-storey house is compelling.
Is It Just About The Semi-Detached?
Is the question that you are asking about more than just a semi? Is it possible that there is, in fact, enough space, but you may be wondering about affordability? Or about whether there is parking and its value impact? It’s common for decisions to hinge on far more than one or two points. What matters is having the conversation, asking the bigger questions, and clarifying what is right for you and yours.
Are You Looking In A Semi-Detached Area of Toronto?
There are some areas where there are none to very few semis, like Lawrence Park where it’s not common at all. In fact, I can only picture the townhouses on Bayview, the majority of homes are detached. Rosedale has some semis but does not have nearly as many as Summerhill. Go further into the downtown core, and you will discover that it is (relatively) rare to see a detached house. Why is that? Detached homes are more expensive and typically reside in the longer-term wealthier neighbourhoods of the city.
Some semis are not created equal. A century (plue) old semi in The Annex can dwarf some mansions found elsewhere in Toronto. That same semi could cost you $ 3-6 million in today’s dollars. You could focus on the east end of Toronto in areas that are post-war construction and find yourself obtaining a semi for a fraction of the cost and the square footage as well.
Semi-detached houses typically carry a particular price snap-bracket that is more affordable than their detached counterparts. Knowing your budget will direct and reveal your options.
Want to know more about the types of homes you’ll find in Toronto? Check out these related blogs next!
- Freehold Townhouse vs Condo
- 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Toronto Lofts
- Toronto Architectural Home Styles
Working With an Agent to Find Your Dream Home
While a semi-detached house may or may not have the right amount of space, as you can see from above, many factors go into the lifestyle of the space. How many people plan to live in the house? What ages are they? What area of the city? What’s the budget? We have placed many happy clients in semis over the last two decades. We have seen all the shapes and sizes over the years. What we are committed to is asking the big question so that our clients are well served and that their real estate investment is based on solid facts, insights and a foundation built on trust.
Searching for the perfect place to call home? I’m here to help. Reach me by email at ryan@ryanroberts.ca or call 416-925-9191.
