Aging in place. It’s a phrase that gets thrown around a lot these days, usually paired with talk of grab bars, stair lifts, and making do with a house that was never designed to be a forever home. But what if aging in place wasn’t about retrofitting an old space to work for you? What if, instead, it was about designing a home that fits your life—now and in the years to come—without sacrificing style, independence, or the things that make a house feel like home?

That’s where one-level laneway homes come in.

These thoughtfully designed homes are a quiet revolution happening in backyards across North America. Built in the backyard—often behind a family home that’s been lived in for decades—these compact, single-story dwellings are changing the way we think about downsizing, independence, and what it really means to “age in place” as we get older.

Why a Laneway Home—and Why Now?

For many, the idea of downsizing comes with an underlying sense of loss. Moving to a condo means giving up your yard. Senior housing can mean giving up independence. And yet, staying put in a too-large house with stairs and maintenance you no longer have the energy (or the knees) for? That’s not exactly a dream scenario either.

A one-level laneway home offers a different path. It’s not about compromise; it’s about creating a home that’s right for the next stage of your life—one that’s comfortable, stylish, and still within arm’s reach of everything and everyone you love.

In Vancouver, where real estate is a high-stakes game, laneway homes also make financial sense. They offer a way to stay on your property, keep the home you love in the family, and maybe even generate rental income from the main house if that’s part of the plan.

But beyond the numbers, beyond the logistics, the real magic of these homes lies in how they’re designed—for a future where you never have to think twice about how you’ll get around your own home.

Designed for Living, Not Just Function

Let’s be clear: a one-level laneway home isn’t just a practical solution. It’s a home. And if done right, it doesn’t just meet accessibility needs—it celebrates them.

We’re talking about wide doorways that don’t look like they were made for a wheelchair but just happen to be perfect for moving through freely. About barrier-free showers that feel like a spa, and light-filled living spaces where patios and skylights blur the line between indoors and out. And, of course, no stairs.

The beauty of a one-level laneway home is that it’s designed to adapt—to your life now, and whatever changes come down the road.

Aging in Place

There’s something deeply comforting about staying in a place that holds your history. Your neighborhood, your community, the parks you’ve walked through, the cafés where they know your order before you even say it.

Aging in place isn’t just about avoiding stairs—it’s about holding onto the life you’ve built, on your own terms.

For many, moving to a traditional downsized home means leaving behind a lifetime of memories. But a laneway home keeps you rooted—still part of the community, still close to family, still connected. And yet, there’s just enough separation to preserve independence.

In many cases, these homes create a beautiful balance of intergenerational living—where grandparents live a stone’s throw from their grandkids, but not under the same roof. It’s the best of both worlds: close enough for Sunday dinners, but with your own front door to close at the end of the night.

A Smart Financial Move

Beyond the emotional and practical aspects, there’s also a strong financial case for laneway homes—especially in Vancouver’s market.

✔ Stay on your property – Keep the family home while moving into a new space that’s designed for your future.

✔ Rental income potential – Rent out the main house to generate passive income for retirement.

✔ Lower costs, less maintenance – A smaller home means lower utility bills, fewer repairs, and less upkeep.

✔ Increase property value – A well-designed laneway home adds long-term value to your property for future generations.

For many homeowners in Vancouver, a laneway home isn’t just a place to live—it’s an investment in both their financial future and their quality of life.

So, Is a One-Level Laneway Home Right for You?

If you’ve been thinking about downsizing without leaving, staying close to family but keeping your independence, or future-proofing your living situation before it becomes urgent, a one-level laneway home might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Let’s talk. We’d love to hear your story and help you design a home that carries you into the future with comfort, style, and a sense of place.