The Ontario government is taking steps to help people find homes that meet their needs and their budget by providing resources to support different ways of owning a home. Co-owning a home is the fourth in a series of innovative consumer guides that have been released as part of More Homes, More Choice: Ontario's Housing Supply Action Plan.

"Solving Ontario's housing crisis is going to take new and innovative ideas," said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. "I want to thank Durham MPP Lindsey Park for her leadership that lead to the development of this guide. It will add further clarity to co-ownership and is another way our government is creating more choice for Ontarians to find housing that meets their needs."

Co-ownership makes housing more affordable and gives people more choices, like purchasing a larger home. For people who want to buy and share a home, the guide contains practical information on the types of co-ownership, financing and insurance considerations, potential legal and regulatory requirements, plus things to consider like upkeep and shared responsibilities.

"We need to start a conversation on different housing models that make home ownership more affordable — this was one of my goals when I put forward my private members' bill earlier this year, the Golden Girls Act, 2019," said MPP Park. "Repurposing existing housing infrastructure and promoting co-ownership will create more options for more Ontarians, young and old."

"Thank you to the province for recognizing the importance of co-home ownership through this new guide," said Bobbie Drew, Mayor of Scugog. "Scugog has the Port Perry Golden Girls to thank as they are a shining example of the success of this model and along with their advocacy work, their alternative housing choice has been further recognized through this innovative housing guide. This guide will help unlock the possibility of homeownership for many people who may not be able to afford to enter the housing market on their own or for those looking for a housing solution that combats social isolation and provides a sense of community. It is a triumphant achievement."

QUICK FACTS
Co-ownership is when two or more people own and live in a home together. Co-owners may share living spaces like kitchens and living rooms or occupy separate units within the house.
There are different ways to co-own a home. A group of individuals can co-own the house outright or co-owners can use a corporation model.
Ontario’s housing innovation guide series includes adding a secondary suite, information on life leases, and advice on buying or building a tiny home. All four guides can be found at Ontario.ca/HousingInnovation

source: media release, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing