No BS. No Fridge Magnets. No Such Thing as a Bad Question.
A Weekly Real Estate Advice Column from the BREL team.
Dear HOMEROOM,
My girlfriend and I saved some money to buy a new home. With a little help from her parents, we can do it.
Her parents live out of the country, so they want us to buy a home with an in-law suite where they can stay when they visit. They are retired and miss their daughter, so sometimes their visits last two or three months. Do you think this is a good idea?
– Homeowner or Inn Keeper?
The answer to this week’s HOMEROOM is thanks to Shannon Walker, BREL agent, Pilates Junkie, and New Homeowner. Here is what her past clients have to say about what it’s like to work with her.
Dear Homeowner or Inn Keeper,
Buying a home with an in-law suite could be a smart move, especially if your girlfriend’s parents plan extended visits. It provides some privacy while keeping family close and offers long-term value—whether as a guest suite, rental opportunity, or a feature that appeals to future buyers. If her parents are contributing financially, that’s fantastic, but it also introduces some very important conversations you’ll want to have before your bound to a purchase contract.
First, you both need to agree on what you expect: How often will the suite be used? Will there be a cap on the length of visits? Having those boundaries in place now will prevent awkward conversations later. Since her parents will be contributing financially, you have to discuss whether that gives them any say in decisions relating to the property or if you two will maintain complete control over purchasing and living arrangements.
Remember the practical stuff, too. Who will be responsible for maintaining and upkeep of the suite over time? Whenever parents contribute financially, it’s helpful to define if and when those contributions end. What happens when the furnace dies, or you want to build a new deck? Will they be involved in covering future expenses related to their use of the space?
Living with a partner is already a big adjustment—layering in family can be tricky without clear communication and boundaries. Personally, I’d be most stressed about losing privacy or feeling obligated to entertain if one of our parents moved in. The key is finding balance while keeping your relationship the priority.
If you’re ready to move forward, exploring what you can afford now is wise, especially with the recent Bank of Canada interest rate cuts. The lower rates can make the purchase of a larger home more feasible. If her parents are non-residents of Canada, you should talk to your mortgage broker and real estate lawyer about how this could impact your plans. We always want buyers to have the information they need to make a confident decision, especially when you want to stay on your in-laws’ good side.
Shannon and the BREL team
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