Row homes and townhouses are a lower-priced way into ground-oriented housing, and some come with a basement suite. Suites are less common in rows than in detached homes, so it pays to know what to check. This page shows current listings that mention a suite, what rows are selling for, and what to verify before you offer.
What row and townhouse homes sell for in Calgary
The charts below show benchmark prices and days on market for row and townhouse homes next to the other property types. They cover all rows in Calgary, not only homes with suites. Rows usually sell for less than semis and detached homes, and they can take longer to sell, which can give buyers more room to negotiate.
Source: CREB® Data Hub. Charts show the period labelled in each title. Data is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. These figures cover all row and townhouse homes in Calgary, not only homes with suites. CREB does not publish suite-specific prices.
Current row and townhouse homes that mention a suite
These are live listings. A listing that says “suite” is not proof the suite is legal, so check each one.
What to check on a townhouse or row home
Many townhouses belong to a condominium corporation or have shared-wall and common-property rules. Ask whether the condo bylaws or any restrictive covenant allow a rental suite, what the fees cover, and whether there are rules on parking and entrances. A City registration does not override condo bylaws, so read both. Also confirm fire separation, egress windows and a private entrance for the suite.
How to confirm a suite is legal before you offer
- Look up the address in the City of Calgary Secondary Suite Registry and ask the seller for the registration sticker and permit paperwork.
- Ask your lender and your insurer how they treat the suite. Do this before you remove conditions.
- Have your lawyer review the title and any permits. Ask the seller what was built and when.
The City lists a building permit fee of $205.92 to legalize an existing suite, plus homeowner trade permits of $116.50 each for electrical or plumbing work, and $0 for registry. Fees and rules change, so check calgary.ca/secondarysuites for current figures. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Questions buyers ask
Can I rent out a suite in a condo townhouse?
It depends on the condominium bylaws as well as the City rules. Ask for the bylaws and recent minutes before you offer.
How do rows compare with semis on price?
Rows are usually priced well below semis; the benchmark chart above shows the gap. They are different products, and fewer rows have suites.
Talk to Nevin about row and townhouse homes with suites
Tell me your budget and the areas you want, and I will send matching listings and check each suite’s status before you view.
Read the full guide: Calgary homes with legal basement suites.
Nevin Van Nest, Realtor®, Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd. MLS® and CREB® are trademarks of the Canadian Real Estate Association and the Calgary Real Estate Board.