How much does garden and laneway suites cost in Toronto?

With Zigma Group, garden and laneway suites starts from $320 per sq ft, and most projects fall between $280,000 and $500,000. Prices are in Canadian dollars before HST, as of October 2026, and are confirmed after a site visit. The main factors are size of the suite and number of storeys; distance for water, sewer and power connections; and site access for construction.

What is the difference between a laneway suite and a garden suite?

A laneway suite sits on a lot that backs onto a public lane and faces it. A garden suite is a detached unit in the rear yard of a lot without lane access.

How do I find out if my property qualifies?

We review the lot dimensions, the distance and path for emergency access, existing trees, and the zoning rules for your municipality, then tell you whether a suite is feasible and roughly how large it can be.

Do you do garden and laneway suites projects in Toronto?

Yes. We work throughout Toronto, including Leaside, The Annex, High Park, Riverdale, The Beaches, Forest Hill and Lawrence Park. Call +1 (647) 718-3913 to arrange a visit.

Who issues the permit for this work in Toronto?

Where a permit is needed, it is issued by the City of Toronto (Toronto Building). We prepare the drawings and handle the application and inspections.

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Garden and Laneway Suites

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Garden and Laneway Suites in Toronto

A garden or laneway suite is a small detached home in your backyard, for family or rental. Whether your lot qualifies comes down to access, size and local rules. In Toronto, much of the housing is pre-war: narrow semis and detached brick houses with plaster walls, old wiring and shared party walls.

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Rear view of a modern brick house with large windows facing a garden — From our Damavand project

Scope

What is included.

Lot feasibility: access, setbacks and servicing
Design and permit drawings
Building permit application
Foundation, structure and envelope
Water, sewer, gas and electrical connections
Interior fit-out and landscaping

Cost

What it costs.

From $320per sq ft

Most projects in Toronto: $280,000 to $500,000

What moves the price

Size of the suite and number of storeys
Distance for water, sewer and power connections
Site access for construction

Prices are in Canadian dollars before HST, as of October 2026. Every project is confirmed with a written quote after a site visit.

Local knowledge

Garden and Laneway Suites in Toronto.

Homes like these
On narrow older lots, additions usually go to the rear or upward, and often need a minor variance.
Housing
In Toronto, much of the housing is pre-war: narrow semis and detached brick houses with plaster walls, old wiring and shared party walls.
Permits
Building permits in Toronto are issued by the City of Toronto (Toronto Building). We prepare the drawings, submit the application and book the inspections.
Areas we cover
We work throughout Toronto, including Leaside, The Annex, High Park, Riverdale, The Beaches, Forest Hill and Lawrence Park.
Suites and multiplexes
Toronto permits laneway suites, garden suites and, on most residential lots, up to four units in a house. That makes basement apartments and rear additions more feasible here than in many suburbs.
Tight lots
Narrow lots and shared walls mean additions and underpinning often need a minor variance or a neighbour's cooperation, so the approvals take planning.

Before you start

What to know.

Where they are allowed
Toronto permits laneway suites and garden suites on most residential lots that meet its rules. Ontario also allows additional residential units province-wide, but each municipality sets its own standards, so we check yours.
Emergency access
Firefighters must be able to reach the suite from the street within a set distance and along a clear path. This is the requirement that most often decides whether a lot works.
Servicing
The suite normally takes its water, sewer and power from the main house, which can mean trenching across the yard.

How we work

One team for every stage.

AssessWe survey the house as it stands.
Design and permitsDrawings and approvals before work starts.
Strip-outWhat is worn out comes off.
RebuildStructure, wiring, plumbing and walls.
FinishesCabinetry, tile, floors and paint.
HandoverWalkthrough and documents.

Questions

Garden and Laneway Suites in Toronto: the short answers.

How much does garden and laneway suites cost in Toronto?: With Zigma Group, garden and laneway suites starts from $320 per sq ft, and most projects fall between $280,000 and $500,000. Prices are in Canadian dollars before HST, as of October 2026, and are confirmed after a site visit. The main factors are size of the suite and number of storeys; distance for water, sewer and power connections; and site access for construction.
What is the difference between a laneway suite and a garden suite?: A laneway suite sits on a lot that backs onto a public lane and faces it. A garden suite is a detached unit in the rear yard of a lot without lane access.
How do I find out if my property qualifies?: We review the lot dimensions, the distance and path for emergency access, existing trees, and the zoning rules for your municipality, then tell you whether a suite is feasible and roughly how large it can be.
Do you do garden and laneway suites projects in Toronto?: Yes. We work throughout Toronto, including Leaside, The Annex, High Park, Riverdale, The Beaches, Forest Hill and Lawrence Park. Call +1 (647) 718-3913 to arrange a visit.
Who issues the permit for this work in Toronto?: Where a permit is needed, it is issued by the City of Toronto (Toronto Building). We prepare the drawings and handle the application and inspections.