Housing Types
Here is a guide to each of the housing types, as commonly used by Members of our Association.
NOTE: LSTAR cautions that this list is meant to be used only as a guide to help you when viewing properties on the Internet. LSTAR will not assume responsibility for mistakes of judgment or interpretation that might arise due to use of this list.
Residential (Detached)
- One and a half/three quarters storey: A detached, single-family dwelling with one and a half or one and three quarters levels above ground, on its own lot, and completely separated from any adjacent housing.
- Two-storey: A detached, single-family dwelling with two levels above ground, on its own lot, and completely separated from any adjacent housing.
- Three-storey: A detached, single-family dwelling with three levels above ground, on its own lot, and completely separated from any adjacent housing.
- Bungalow: A detached, single-family dwelling with one level above ground, on its own lot, and completely separated from any adjacent housing.
- Split: A detached single-family dwelling with multiple levels above ground separated by small flights of stairs, on its own lot, and completely separated from any adjacent housing. There are various kinds of splits, including back and side splits.
- Ranch: Typically, a rectangular or "L" shaped home with all rooms on its one level. Its simple layout features openness and efficient use of space.
- Raised Ranch: This type of house is similar to a bungalow except the basement appears higher up. Hence the entrance to the raised ranch would be located in between the basement level and the main floor. A small flight of stairs would lead from the entrance up to the main living area, and a small flight of stairs would lead to the basement. The raised ranch is on its own lot, and completely separated from any adjacent housing.
- Mobile: A trailer or other moveable structure that is used as a permanent dwelling, is usually connected to utilities, and may or may not have a permanent foundation. Land could be leased or owned.
- Summer home: Generally a single-family dwelling including cottages, chalets or other seasonal residences. The land may be leased or owned.
Residential (Attached)
- Link: This style of housing looks like a separate unit but is linked underground by either a concrete wall connecting two foundations or a steel rod stretching from foundation to foundation. These dwellings may be a two storey style, bungalow style, etc., but it is most important that they be identified as a link. Legal description must be checked carefully to determine if a dwelling is a link.
- Semi-detached: This type of housing contains two separate dwelling units attached each on its own lot.
- Semi-detached Split: A split that is attached to another dwelling, each on its own lot.
- Semi-Detached Two-Storey: A two storey that is attached to another dwelling, each on its own lot.
- Duplex (Up and Down): A building that consists of two dwelling units, one above the other under the ownership of a single person. If this property is attached to another dwelling it should be noted in the "Remarks".
- Triplex: A building that consists of three units, all owned by the same person.
- Row: A style of housing in which three or more dwelling units of similar design and size, are attached together, each on its own lot with separate ownership.
Condominiums
- Ownership: Condominium and Freehold is a question of the title and not the type of building. NOTE: If the legal description contains a Condominium Corporation number, the property is registered as a condominium and must be listed as such.
- Apartment: One unit of a complex of self-contained ownership units lying within a low-, mid-or high-rise building offering common facilities such as hallways, parking lots, elevators, etc. Each self contained apartment may be on one or more levels: Separate single family unit under condominium ownership.
- Townhouse: A row unit, usually with a garage or carport.
Zoning
Zoning and how it affects you
Zoning bylaws are actual statutes passed by municipal governments to control land use in specified areas (or zones), e.g., industrial from residential, etc. These bylaws define exactly what can take place on a parcel of land and how structures are to be located on the property (front yard set-backs, side yard clearances, etc.). Essentially, they protect and promote the safety and health of inhabitants and aid the municipality in controlling and regulating growth and development.
Zoning codes may vary a great deal between municipalities. In fact, some municipalities lack them altogether. However, those that do generally break them down into the following categories:
- residential
- commercial
- downtown commercial
- highway commercial
- institutional
- open space
- agricultural
- light industrial
- heavy industrial
An effective set of zoning bylaws will define zones for various types of uses and establish the specific type of use in each zone; set standards for erecting buildings, including types of dwellings permitted, minimum lot size, frontage, set-backs from the street, side yard clearances, building heights, parking requirements, floor area and so on; provide restrictions to ensure land uses are compatible, e.g., prohibiting factories in residential areas; and reduce the municipality's operating costs by keeping different types of land use in separate area, which, in turn, makes the provision of major services (such as garbage pickup or leaf removal) more efficient.
This information is provided by the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS®. The information herein is believed to be accurate and timely, but no warranty as such is expressed or implied.
