Glossary of Housing Types

Home listings might contain housing terminology with which buyers and sellers aren’t familiar. Below is a list of such housing terms.

Each type (or category) of housing listed is followed by a description of the typical features and characteristics associated with it. The description gives an overview of the average Canadian dwelling in that category.

These are the housing types surveyed in the Royal LePage Survey of Canadian House Prices..

Detached bungalow

A detached, three-bedroom single-storey home with 1 ½ bathrooms and a one-car garage. It has a full basement but no recreation room, fireplace or appliances. Using outside dimensions (excluding garage), the total area of the house is 111 sq. metres (1,200 sq. ft.), and it is situated on a full-serviced, 511-sq. metre (5,500-sq. ft.) lot. Depending on the area, the construction style may be brick, wood, siding or stucco.

Executive detached two-storey

A detached two-storey, four-bedroom home with 2 ½ bathrooms, a main-floor family room, one fireplace, and an attached two-car garage. There is a full basement, but no recreation room or appliances. Using the exterior dimensions (excluding garage), the total area of the house is 186 sq. metres (2,000 sq. ft.), and it is situated on a full-serviced 604-sq. metre (6,500-sq. ft.) lot. Depending on the area, the construction style may be brick, wood, aluminum siding, stucco, or a combination like brick and siding.

Standard two-storey

A three-bedroom, two-storey home with a detached garage. It has a full basement, but no recreation room. Using outside dimensions, the total area of the house is 139 sq. metres (1,500 sq. ft.), and it is situated on a full-serviced city-sized lot of approximately 325 sq. metres (3,500 sq. ft.). The house may be detached or semi-detached, and construction style may be brick, wood, siding or stucco.

Standard townhouse

Either condominium or freehold, the townhouse (rowhouse) has three bedrooms, a living room and dining room (possibly combined), and a kitchen. Also included are 1 ½ bathrooms, standard broadloom, one-car garage, a full unfinished basement, and two appliances. Total inside area is 92 sq. metres (1,000 sq. ft.). Depending on the area, the construction style may be brick, wood, siding or stucco.

Senior executive

A two-storey, four- or five-bedroom home with three bathrooms, main-floor family room, plus atrium or library. There are two fireplaces, a full unfinished basement, and an attached two-car garage. The house is 279+ sq. metres (3,000 sq. ft.) and is situated on a fully serviced 627-sq. metre (6,750-sq. ft.) lot. Construction style may be brick, stucco, siding, or any combination.

Standard condominium apartment

A two-bedroom apartment with a living room, a dining room (possibly combined) and a kitchen, with family room or den, in a high-rise building, with an inside floor area of 84 sq. metres (900 sq. ft.). Amenities include standard broadloom, 1 ½ bathrooms, 2 appliances, a small balcony and 1 underground parking space. Common area includes a pool and some minor recreational facilities.

Luxury condominium apartment

A two-bedroom apartment with a living room, dining room (possibly combined) and a kitchen, with family room or den, in a high-rise building, with an inside floor area of 130 sq. metres (1,400 sq. ft.). Amenities include upgraded broadloom, 2 full bathrooms, en-suite laundry and storage areas, 5 appliances, a large balcony and 1 underground parking space. Common area includes a pool, sauna and other major recreation facilities.

For expert advice about buying a home in your area, contact your local Royal LePage real estate agent.

Looking for a property in Canada?

Looking for a Royal LePage office in your area?