Different Types of Houses in Ontario
In Canada, understanding the different types of dwellings is key for real estate buyers, sellers, and developers. The 2021 Census of Population provides detailed classifications of dwellings, offering insights into housing trends and demographics. These classifications help track housing supply, urban development, and the living conditions of Canadians.The census identifies two main categories of dwellings: private dwellings and collective dwellings. Here’s a detailed breakdown with a special focus on Ontario, particularly Toronto, one of Canada’s most populous cities.Types of Dwellings in Ontario and Toronto
The 2021 Census data classify private dwellings into nine structural categories. Below, we’ll define these dwelling types, explain their characteristics, and present their distribution, with a particular focus on Toronto and Ontario.1. Single-Detached House (Code 1)
A single-detached house refers to a stand-alone dwelling that is not attached to any other structure except possibly its own garage or shed. It has open space on all sides, making it one of the most popular housing types in suburban areas.- Ontario: 52.6% of homes in Ontario are single-detached houses, reflecting the dominance of suburban areas where this housing type is common.
- Toronto: In contrast, due to the dense urban layout, the percentage of single-detached houses in Toronto is much lower.
2. Semi-Detached House (Code 2)
A semi-detached house is one of two units attached side by side but not to any other structure. This type is typical in cities looking to balance density with the desire for more space than apartments.- Ontario: 5% of homes are semi-detached.
- Toronto: You’ll find higher concentrations in urban neighborhoods like East York and Scarborough, where semi-detached homes are more affordable alternatives to fully detached houses.
3. Row House (Code 3)
A row house (also known as a townhouse) consists of multiple dwellings attached side by side. This dwelling type is common in both urban and suburban developments, where maximizing land use is essential.- Ontario: 6.5% of dwellings are row houses.
- Toronto: Row houses are increasingly common in areas like Liberty Village and Leslieville, where developers aim to provide compact yet spacious living options.
4. Apartment or Flat in a Duplex (Code 4)
A duplex refers to a building with two units, one above the other. It is often found in older, established neighborhoods and offers a way to have more density in residential areas without building high-rises.- Ontario: 5.5% of homes.
- Toronto: Duplexes are prevalent in areas such as Roncesvalles and Danforth Village, where urban densification is happening without dramatically altering the neighborhood’s character.
5. Apartment in a Building with Five or More Storeys (Code 5)
This classification includes units in high-rise apartment buildings that are five storeys or taller. These buildings are most common in urban centers, catering to both renters and condo owners.- Ontario: 10.7% of dwellings are in high-rise apartments.
- Toronto: High-rise living is particularly common in downtown Toronto, areas such as Bay Street Corridor and Yonge-Eglinton, where land is scarce, and vertical growth is essential.
6. Apartment in a Building with Fewer than Five Storeys (Code 6)
These apartments are in low-rise buildings, typically found in urban neighborhoods with medium density. They’re popular among renters and first-time home buyers.- Ontario: 18.3% of homes are in low-rise buildings.
- Toronto: You’ll find these apartments in neighborhoods like Little Italy and High Park, which offer a balance between urban living and access to green spaces.
7. Other Single-Attached House (Code 7)
This includes single houses attached to non-residential buildings, such as a house attached to a store or church.- Ontario: Less than 1% of dwellings.
- Toronto: Rare, but can be found in mixed-use neighborhoods where residential and commercial spaces coexist.
8. Mobile Home (Code 8)
A mobile home is designed to be moved from place to place but is usually fixed to one spot. These homes are more common in rural areas.- Ontario: 1.3% of homes.
- Toronto: Very uncommon due to land constraints and urban density.
9. Other Movable Dwelling (Code 9)
This category includes dwellings like RVs, tents, houseboats, or travel trailers. These are rarely used as permanent residences in urban areas.- Ontario: Less than 1% of dwellings.
- Toronto: Practically non-existent due to the urban environment.
Collective Dwellings
In addition to private dwellings, the 2021 Census also classifies collective dwellings, which are living quarters where multiple individuals live together, often with shared services. These include:- Hospitals and Nursing Homes: Offering care to senior citizens and those with medical needs.
- Correctional Institutions: Housing individuals serving sentences or awaiting trials.
- Religious Establishments: Including living quarters for monks or nuns.
- Hotels, Hostels, and Temporary Lodging: Especially for those staying temporarily in Canada.
Dwelling Trends in Ontario and Toronto
Urban vs. Suburban Growth
As cities like Toronto continue to grow, the proportion of apartments and row houses has increased, reflecting a trend towards higher density living. Meanwhile, suburban areas in Ontario, such as Brampton and Mississauga, continue to feature more detached and semi-detached houses, as families seek more space.| Dwelling Type | Ontario (%) | Toronto (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Detached House | 52.6% | Lower in dense urban areas |
| Semi-Detached House | 5.0% | More common in mid-density areas |
| Row House | 6.5% | Increasing in newer developments |
| Apartment (Low-Rise) | 18.3% | Common in urban neighborhoods |
| Apartment (High-Rise) | 10.7% | Very common in downtown Toronto |
Ontario Housing Data Quality and Non-Response Rates
The 2021 Census had some challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected the ability of census takers to visit homes. Despite this, the data quality remains high, with imputation rates (i.e., replacing missing data) being quite low. For Ontario, the non-response and imputation rate for structural dwelling types was 6.8%, which is a slight increase from 2.9% in 2016.The 2021 Census provides a comprehensive snapshot of housing in Ontario and Toronto, revealing a diverse array of dwelling types that reflect both historical development patterns and modern trends. As urbanization continues, we expect to see more high-rise apartments and row houses in Toronto, while suburban areas in Ontario will maintain a strong presence of single-detached homes.For anyone involved in real estate, these trends provide valuable insights into where housing demand is
