Transform Your Property with Secondary Suites: A Guide for Homeowners in London

Nov 10
3 min read

Ontario, and particularly the City of London, continues to face a significant housing shortage. Rental prices are rising, vacancy rates are extremely low, and many families and individuals are struggling to find affordable housing. A powerful solution now gaining momentum is the creation of Additional Residential Units (ARUs), including secondary suites, basement apartments, and garden suites.

Thanks to updated provincial rules and strong financial incentives, it has never been easier or more beneficial for homeowners to add legal rental units to their properties. This not only supports London’s housing needs but also helps homeowners generate stable rental income and increase property value.

Learn more about the City of London’s ARU Housing Program:https://london.ca/living-london/building-renovating/additional-residential-units

Understanding the Housing Challenge

London consistently reports some of the lowest vacancy rates in Ontario, driving rental prices to historic highs. The Ontario government recognizes this crisis and has introduced legislative changes to encourage homeowners to build more rental units.

Ontario’s Housing Supply Action Plan:https://files.ontario.ca/mmah-housing-supply-action-plan-21may2019.pdf

By adding a rental suite, homeowners are directly contributing to easing the housing crisis while strengthening their own financial position.

Simplified Rules for ARUs in London

The City of London now allows many properties to contain up to three residential units without requiring rezoning applications. This includes:

Secondary or basement suites
Attached dwelling units
Detached garden suites

This policy removes major previous barriers, making ARU construction faster and more straightforward.

Government Funding and Incentives

To support the creation of new rental units, London offers up to $45,000 per ARU through interest-free or forgivable loans for eligible applications. This funding significantly reduces the out-of-pocket cost for homeowners looking to build a secondary suite.

City of London ARU Incentive Program:https://london.ca/business-development/community-improvement-incentives

Types of ARUs You Can Build

Basement SuitesOften the most cost-effective option, basement units utilize existing space and require less structural work.

Garden SuitesDetached residential structures built in a backyard, offering privacy for both homeowner and tenant.

Garage ConversionsTurning an unused or under-utilized garage into a functional living space is another attractive and efficient ARU option.

Benefits Beyond Income

In addition to rental revenue and property value growth, ARUs provide practical lifestyle benefits:

Support multi-generational living
Create affordable space for adult children or family aging in place
Build long-term financial stability through passive income

Many London homeowners are using ARUs to support retirement planning, mortgage reduction, and long-term investment strategies.

Steps to Getting Started

Confirm your property eligibility under London’s zoning rules and ARU policies.
Work with experienced professionals who understand design, engineering, building code, and municipal permit requirements.
Prepare a budget, including available grants and loans.
Submit required plans and start construction upon approval.

Now is the Right Time

With unprecedented government support, strong rental demand, and simplified approval pathways, now is an ideal time to consider adding an Additional Residential Unit to your property. Incentive programs can shift over time, so acting sooner rather than later ensures

you maximize available funding and regulatory advantages.

Work with London’s ARU Experts

Cyborg Construction Consultants Ltd. specializes in ARU development in London and across Ontario. As a PEO-registered engineering and design firm, we manage the full process in-house — including design, engineering, permits, and construction oversight — eliminating the stress and uncertainty of coordinating multiple consultants and contractors.

We help you plan, design, approve, and build legally compliant, high-quality secondary units from start to finish.

Contact Cyborg Construction Consultants Ltd. to begin your ARU project:

Phone: (519) 686-7330

Email: info@cyborgconsultants.ca

Website: https://www.cyborgconsultants.ca

Book a consultation today and learn how to convert your property into a high-performing, income-producing asset while supporting housing solutions in London.