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A few decades ago, the classic Canadian dream meant a detached house with a backyard and maybe even a tire swing. But in recent years, that vision has drifted further out of reach for many families, especially in cities where real estate prices have skyrocketed.
Take Vancouver, for example. If you’re eyeing the price of a single detached home in the Greater Vancouver Area, you’ll need to save a down payment of just over $400,000. In Toronto, the average price of a single detached home means the minimum down payment will be around $350,000. For most families, these numbers push traditional homeownership well beyond reach—especially for those balancing student loans, childcare costs, and everyday living.
As a result, the path to owning a home is shifting. Instead of aiming for a detached house, many families choose condominiums as a more attainable entry point into the market. With significantly lower down payment requirements and access to family-friendly amenities, condos are becoming the practical choice for parents who want to stay rooted in the city while enjoying the equity homeownership brings.
Family timelines have shifted significantly over the years, and so have housing needs. Today, many young adults are choosing to delay parenthood. The University of Calgary found that the average age of first-time mothers rose from 23.5 years in 1965 to 29.4 years in 2019. Similarly, an Angus Reid study of over 1,300 Canadian adults found that uncertainty about finances and the job market (41%), childcare costs (33%), and housing affordability (31%) are key factors delaying decisions to have children. The pandemic has also reshaped people’s outlooks on parenthood. A 2021 study by Statistics Canada reported that 14% of Canadians aged 25 to 44 want fewer children than before experiencing COVID-19.
With financial concerns weighing heavily and more young adults rethinking the idea of having larger families, raising children in a detached home is becoming less appealing—or even unattainable—for many. Instead of extra bedrooms or sprawling backyards, many buyers now prioritize walkable neighborhoods, home offices, and lower maintenance costs. For these households, a smaller home can offer more freedom, flexibility, and financial peace of mind than a property with larger square footage or outdoor space.
Ask the Agents: Raising Kids in the Sky
We spoke with local eXp Realty agent team, Simone Kopman and Chloe Kopman, to explore how young growing family dynamics are shifting in Vancouver’s real estate scene. Together, they’ve helped countless clients find family-friendly homes in a market where space is tight and needs are evolving. From the post-pandemic baby boom to the rise of kid-friendly amenities, here’s what they had to say about condo living with kids and why more families are making it work.
Have you noticed more young families moving to Vancouver recently?
“There’s been a noticeable baby boom since COVID hit in 2020. All those babies born during the pandemic are now toddlers and preschoolers, and their families are starting to settle down. It’s the first time in a long while that we’ve seen such a big wave of young families entering the housing market. Naturally, many are now looking for homes that suit their new lifestyle.”
What kinds of condo units are families looking for in today’s market?
“Families want larger, more functional spaces—a roomy one-bedroom, a two-bedroom unit, or something with enough space to set up a home office. With kids in the mix and many parents working remotely, having room to play and work comfortably has become a top priority. Layout and square footage matter more than ever.
Most families also prefer renovated and move-in-ready homes. Even older buildings can be appealing if the units have been updated. However, it’s important to work with an experienced realtor who knows the local market and the history of specific buildings. Two years of strata documents often don’t tell the full story, and older properties can come with future maintenance costs, even if they offer more space up front.”
How are new condo and apartment developments catering to families?
“One good example is Lynn Valley, where many new residential projects are designed for families. These developments now commonly include features like large outdoor play areas, dog-washing stations, yoga studios, and gyms—amenities that have become standard in the area’s latest projects.
A similar transformation is underway in Moodyville. Developers are now introducing diverse housing options, including one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom homes in a mixture of and compact townhomes. These townhomes often feature bedrooms on the upper level and living areas below, all within a footprint of less than 1,100 square feet. The community atmosphere has dramatically improved, local parks now buzz with activity. On a Sunday evening in the spring, you might see 30 families enjoying the area, which would have been rare to see even a decade ago.
New children’s parks are added to nearby developments as part of broader community planning initiatives. Complete with jungle gyms and slides, these outdoor spaces provide much-needed recreational areas for families, which is significant when indoor living spaces are more compact.”
What are the advantages of choosing condo or apartment living over a single-detached home?
“Condo living comes with many perks for families. You’ve got shared amenities where your kids can play, and you’re part of a built-in community, which can be great for socializing or even finding last-minute babysitting help. It’s a more connected lifestyle. Security is a significant advantage of condo living. Multiple layers of access—like fobs for the building, elevator, and unit—offer added peace of mind, especially for parents with young kids. Unlike single-family homes that open directly onto the street, condos provide a more secure, contained environment.”
Designing a Family-Friendly Condo Life
As more individuals are priced out of the single-detached housing market, making condo living truly family-friendly becomes increasingly essential. This can be achieved by focusing on proximity to childcare facilities and incorporating built-in amenities supporting parents and children.
Proximity to Childcare and Other Essentials
Nearby childcare is a highly desirable feature for families considering condo living. For instance, the Aquabella Condominium in Toronto provides the added benefit of having a childcare center inside the building, thanks to a partnership with the city and the province of Ontario. This convenience is particularly appealing for young families who want to live near a daycare within walking distance. Accessible childcare options also significantly improve daily life, creating a more manageable work/ family balance. In addition to childcare facilities, many condo buildings are built on top of coffee shops, grocery stores, restaurants, or pharmacies. These essentials within walking distance can make or break a busy parent’s day.
Built-In Amenities that Work for Families
Family-friendly condos prioritize built-in amenities that improve residents’ lives, regardless of age. Indoor pools are a great space to stay active, while screening rooms serve as private venues for movie nights. Active kids can enjoy basketball courts and gyms, and rooftop terraces or green spaces offer areas to relax and play outdoors. Shared lounges and play areas foster community interaction, helping neighbours connect. On the other hand, adding coworking spaces or private meeting rooms in buildings allows quiet work when needed.
Disadvantages of Raising a Family in a Condo
While condos offer many advantages for families, there are also some challenges. One major downside is limited space. Children might need to share a room in smaller condos, which can be difficult as they grow older and need more space and privacy. Another potential issue to consider is noise levels. Fire alarm tests, the proximity to neighbors, and the sounds of elevator dings all contribute to the daily noise you may experience.
Finding three-bedroom units can be especially difficult in cities like Vancouver and Toronto, where space is at a premium. According to a CBC report from November 2024, the average size of newly constructed condos has significantly decreased from over 1,000 square feet in the 1980s to approximately 665 square feet in recent years. Additionally, many urban planners call on developers to build larger units for families that need more than one or two bedroom units.
While condos can offer a more affordable entry into urban living, these challenges like shared rooms, limited space, and the difficulty of finding larger units are essential considerations for families planning to raise children in a condo environment.
Raising Kids in a Cozy Condo
Are you wondering how to raise a family without a lot of square footage? In her blog, “600 Sqft and a Baby,” Alison Mazurek shares her journey of raising two kids in a Vancouver condo, where her family of four recently moved to a one-bedroom and den apartment. Her content emphasizes the importance of living minimally, using creative storage solutions, and raising kids in a shared room making it a great resource for families considering small-space living.
Are you looking for the perfect condo for you and your kids? Give us a call today! One of the experienced agents at Zoocasa will be more than happy to help you through the exciting home-buying process!
The post Living Large in Small Spaces, Expert Advice on Raising Kids in Condos appeared first on Zoocasa Blog.
