Owning a home is expensive. Most Canadians spend 35% to 50% of their income on housing and utilities, and inflation and the cost of living are the top concerns for many Canadians. When searching for affordable housing options, one possible solution is a tiny home. Not only do tiny homes come with a smaller price tag, but they also come with lower utility bills and less space to maintain. If you’re searching for tiny home communities in Ontario, you have a few options.
What Are Tiny Home Communities?
Tiny home communities are often planned neighbourhoods made up of small houses. These neighbourhoods often foster a strong sense of community among the residents. Living in a tiny home village allows you to connect with like-minded people and embrace an eco-friendly and minimalist lifestyle.
Tiny Home Communities in Ontario
Here are some places you can buy a tiny home in Ontario.
Tiny Town in Toronto, Ontario
If you stroll down Craven Road in Toronto, you will come to Tiny Town, a gorgeous collection of tiny homes built in a wide range of styles. Most houses are smaller than 500 square feet (although some owners are adding more square footage by building up), and each home features unique details and markings that represent every individual’s style.
Craven Road is a unique street in Toronto. It is a one-way street, with houses on one side and the longest wooden fence in the city on the other. Many residents have lived on Craven Road for a long time, creating a sense of community on their unique street. Keep an eye on the listings for Greenwood – Coxwell. You may be able to buy your own tiny home there!
Arcadia Off-grid Community in Commanda, Ontario
Tiny home builders Arcadia offer land for sale and lease in an off-grid community about three and a half hours north of Toronto near South River. In an Unorganized Township, tiny homes on wheels are legal since no building permits are required, and there are no restrictions on the sizes and types of structures that can be built.
Each lot is approximately 12,000 square feet, and trees help keep each lot private. The road is maintained and accessible all year. However, all homes must be completely off-grid, meaning you must have your own alternative power source, such as gas, propane, solar, electric, wind, and/or generators, plus a compost toilet and water source.
Arcadia builds tiny homes that are built to the Ontario Building Code and CSA approved. If you choose to build on your own land instead, they can be delivered anywhere across Canada.
Bluewater Village Resort in Goderich, Ontario
Bluewater Village Resort, near Goderich, Ontario, features seasonal sites where you can set up an RV or tiny home on the shores of Lake Huron. The resort is open 12 months of the year. However, due to regulations, it can’t be your primary residence.
The resort and Resort HQ have coined the term “hybrid living” to describe the ability to live a flexible lifestyle, splitting your time between two or more places. You could spend most of the year in your four-season tiny home and escape the cold winter weather somewhere warmer. You can also rent your unit out while you are travelling!
Bluewater Village Resort is a slice of paradise for those looking to simplify their lives by going tiny or those wanting to get away from the city to a perfect tiny home retreat in the heart of nature.
Tay Ridge in Perth, Ontario
Tay Ridge, on the outskirts of Perth, Ontario, offers the chance to live in a close-knit community defined by its core initiatives of community building, affordability, sustainability, innovation, and wellness. Their neighbourhood offers community gardens, a field for pets and their families to play, walking paths, a community centre, and more.
Their signature home, The Noble, is designed to sleep up to four people. It has one bedroom, a sofa bed, and one bathroom. The loft space provides extra storage, and the full-height ceilings in the living room and kitchen help the space feel open and airy.
Tay Ridge also provides running water, sewer, electricity, and trash services.
How to Choose a Tiny Home
Shopping for a tiny home is similar to buying a conventional house, with a few exceptions. Things to consider when buying a home include the home price, age, condition, and square footage. For tiny houses, you’ll need to follow local regulations regarding the size and placement of your home.
If you choose to build a custom tiny home, many Ontario tiny home builders will work with you to ensure your home meets your needs. In addition, you’ll need to find land and ensure you have the necessary permits to build your home.
Is Tiny Home Community Living For You?
There are many pros and cons to living in a tiny house. Ultimately, living in a small home is a lifestyle adjustment, and it’s important to consider each of these factors before embracing tiny living.
Pros
- Cost – Tiny homes are typically cheaper than a single-family home
- Eco-friendly – A smaller footprint, less waste and fewer belongings lead to an environmentally friendly lifestyle
- Easy to clean – Smaller space means fewer things to clean and simple living
Cons
- Small – Tiny homes typically range in size from 60 to 600 square feet, meaning less storage space and smaller rooms
- Ambiguous legality – Not all areas allow tiny houses
- Financing – Not all lenders will allow you to finance a tiny home, so you’ll need to shop around
Bottom Line
Living in an area smaller than 500 square feet may sound like a wild idea for many people. But never fear, tiny homes’ creative and innovative living spaces are comfortable and affordable. If you’re considering downsizing, these tiny home communities might be for you! Check out Zolo.ca to find your next property – whether it’s a tiny home, a condo in the city, or a townhouse in the suburbs.
Tiny Home Community FAQ
What is the average cost of a tiny house in Ontario?
The mid-range cost for a tiny house in Canada is $150,000 to $200,000. However, depending on the size and finishes, you can find tiny homes that cost anywhere from $80,000 to $250,000 plus.
Can you legally live in a tiny house in Ontario?
You can legally live in a tiny house in Ontario if the tiny home meets the health and safety requirements of the Ontario Building Code, municipal zoning and local bylaws. For instance, it must meet the minimum size requirements, and some areas may require you to connect to municipal services like water and sewer.
Can you mortgage a tiny home in Ontario?
A tiny home must meet several criteria to qualify for a traditional mortgage, for instance, a minimum mortgage amount, being permanently fixed to a foundation, being appraised to confirm its value, and meeting all zoning requirements and bylaws. Other financing options include RV loans, chattel mortgages, or personal loans.
