Where can you find multigenerational homes in Burnaby?
Welcome to Burnaby’s premier guide for multigenerational homes! Whether you’re looking for a spacious family home with room for parents, children, or extended family, Burnaby offers a variety of neighbourhoods and housing options designed to meet your family’s needs. From established residential streets with large yards to modern homes featuring separate suites or laneway houses, living in a multigenerational home in Burnaby provides space, privacy, and the convenience of having your loved ones close by. Explore our listings and discover the benefits of family-focused living in one of Metro Vancouver’s most vibrant communities. Burnaby has several neighbourhoods and newer zoning/housing options that are good fits for multigenerational living.
Browse Burnaby Multigenerational Homes in the Map and Listings Below:
Burnaby Multigenerational Homes Overview
Burnaby has several neighbourhoods and newer zoning/housing options that are good fits for multigenerational living. Key areas and developments include:
| Neighbourhood | What it offers for families & multigenerational homes |
|---|---|
| South Slope | Offers character homes, often larger and with views. Less busy, more residential. It could work well for multigenerational homes that desire proximity to nature and a pleasant residential ambiance. |
| Government Road | This is a large, well-established area of primarily single-family homes, with some townhomes located near Metrotown. It’s a great choice if you want more space, yards, proximity to schools, and quieter streets. |
| Capitol Hill | Offers character homes, often larger and with views. Less busy, more residential. It could work well for multigenerational homes that desire proximity to nature and a pleasant residential ambiance. |
| Lochdale / Montecito (Sperling-Broadway area) | These are more “older, residential” pockets, mostly single-family homes. Good if you want steep lots or hillside views (particularly Montecito), but still accessible. |
| Sullivan Heights / Lougheed | More mixed: newer developments, transit access, townhouse or multi-unit options. With the recent zoning changes, there are now more small-scale multi-unit housing options, making these areas more versatile for family homes. |
| Buckingham Heights | Upscale, larger homes are more expensive but offer excellent features such as luxury, space, views, and prestige. If the budget allows, these areas can offer “room for everyone.” |
Also important to note: zoning/housing policy changes are making more options possible in many areas:
- Since July 1, 2024, Burnaby’s zoning bylaws allow small-scale multi-unit housing on lots that were formerly restricted to single or two-family homes. Depending on lot size and transit access, you may be able to build 3-4 units (or even up to 6 units) on some lots.
- Burnaby has approved laneway homes and secondary suites in semi-detached homes. These are expected to be used often for intergenerational living (e.g. parents or children living together but with some independence).
- The city has created a Housing Design Library with plans for laneways, duplexes, quadplexes, and other housing types, allowing families/builders to choose designs that have already been reviewed and permitted. City of Burnaby+1
Benefits of living in a family home in Burnaby
Choosing a family home (especially one built or adapted for multigenerational living) in Burnaby brings several advantages:
- Space & Privacy
Multigenerational homes enable multiple generations to live under one roof while maintaining separate spaces, such as individual suites, secondary kitchens, private entrances, or laneway homes. This gives both independence and togetherness. - Cost savings & shared expenses
You can share the costs of utilities, property taxes, maintenance, and other expenses. If there’s a secondary suite or additional unit, rental income can sometimes help offset the mortgage or maintenance costs. - Proximity & family support
Seniors, grandparents, or children benefit from being close for daily support — childcare, elder care, or simply easier family interactions. Burnaby’s residential neighbourhoods tend to offer good walkability, parks, and local amenities that help with daily life. - Access to schools, parks, and amenities
Many of the neighbourhoods listed above are close to good schools, community centres, large parks (such as Deer Lake and Burnaby Lake), and transit options. This means less commuting, more outdoor time, and a better quality of life. - Ease of transit & commuting
Burnaby has SkyTrain, buses, good roads, and many new homes/developments are built with transit access in mind. For multigenerational households, this means easier access for everyone, whether going to work, school or running errands. - Growing housing diversity & policy alignment
With the recent changes to bylaws and zoning, more options are now available for families who require multi-unit configurations, secondary suites, or flexible living arrangements. This helps adapt or build a home that truly meets the needs of a multigenerational family. - Community feel & stability.
In many of the established family neighbourhoods, there are stable communities, long-time residents, mature trees, walkable streets, and services aimed at families (parks, local shops, recreation). That brings a sense of belonging, which is valuable for all ages.