Micro-Unit Housing

Micro-unit housing provides compact, affordable urban living spaces, maximizing efficiency and density.

Micro-Unit Housing

September 30, 2025


What is Micro-Unit Housing?

Micro-unit housing refers to very small apartments, typically under 400 square feet, designed to maximize efficiency and affordability. They often feature compact layouts, multi-functional furniture, and access to shared amenities.

Why Micro-Unit Housing Matters in Real Estate

Micro-units matter in real estate because they provide affordable urban housing options for singles, students, and young professionals. They support higher density and flexible living in expensive markets.

Example of Micro-Unit Housing in Action

A developer launches a downtown micro-unit project with 300-square-foot apartments and shared rooftop amenities, targeting young renters priced out of larger units.

Key Takeaways

  • Very small apartments designed for affordability.
  • Maximize efficiency with compact layouts.
  • Common in dense urban centres with high costs.
  • Target singles, students, and professionals.
  • Often paired with shared building amenities.

Related Terms

Additional Terms

Public Realm Improvements

Public realm improvements are enhancements to public spaces such as sidewalks, parks, plazas, and streetscapes, often funded or contributed by. more

Mortgagee in Possession

A mortgagee in possession is a lender who takes control of a property after borrower default, but before foreclosure or power of sale. The lender. more

Lease Surrender Agreement

A lease surrender agreement is a negotiated contract between a landlord and tenant that ends a lease before its scheduled expiration. Terms may. more

Green Infrastructure

Green infrastructure refers to natural or engineered systems that manage stormwater, reduce heat, and improve sustainability in developments.. more

Escrow Holdback

An escrow holdback is a portion of funds withheld at closing and held in escrow until specific conditions are met, such as completion of repairs,. more

Underused Housing Tax

The Underused Housing Tax (UHT) is a federal annual 1% tax on the value of vacant or underused residential property owned by non-resident,. more

More For You

Build Canada Homes Announces What To Expect In The Year Ahead

Build Canada Homes Announces What To Expect In The Year Ahead
Burnaby construction

Just a few short months since former Toronto Deputy Mayor Ana Bailão took the helm as CEO of Build Canada Homes (BCH), the newly formed federal agency is moving from "concept to action."

In a progress update released this month, BCH revealed a robust pipeline of thousands of units slated to break ground in 2026.

Keep ReadingShow less

Newly-Approved Underwater Nuclear Power Line Will Unlock 285,000 New GTA Homes

Newly-Approved Underwater Nuclear Power Line Will Unlock 285,000 New GTA Homes

Wolfgang Hasselmann/Unsplash

Earlier this month, the Ontario government officially approved a recommendation from the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to construct a new underwater transmission line that will run from the Darlington Nuclear Station directly into Toronto’s downtown core.

The project isn't just a feat of engineering; it’s a massive unlock for the real estate industry.

Keep ReadingShow less

Here's The Bank Of Canada's Rate Announcement Schedule For 2026

Here's The Bank Of Canada's Rate Announcement Schedule For 2026
Bank of Canada

As the new year gets underway, the Bank of Canada’s schedule for 2026 interest rate announcements has come into focus, with eight fixed decision dates on the calendar.

All announcements will be released at 9:45 am ET. The Bank’s Monetary Policy Report, which includes updated economic and inflation forecasts, will be published alongside the January, April, July, and October rate decisions. The first announcement will launch later this month, with seven following throughout the rest of the calendar year.

Keep ReadingShow less

Beyond The Forecasts: A Framework For Understanding GTA Real Estate In 2026

Beyond The Forecasts: A Framework For Understanding GTA Real Estate In 2026

Nano Do/Unsplash

This article was written and submitted by Cameron Levitt, a Toronto-based real estate agent with RE/MAX Hallmark who writes about housing dynamics, market trends, and the Canadian economy.


Keep ReadingShow less

GTA Housing Market Ends 2025 More Affordable, But Confidence Remains Key

GTA Housing Market Ends 2025 More Affordable, But Confidence Remains Key

Teunard Droog/Unsplash

As 2025 drew to a close, new data from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) painted a picture of a market still under pressure, but notably more affordable than it was a year earlier — a shift that, according to the board, may help lay the groundwork for recovery in the year ahead.

Annual GTA home sales declined in 2025 amid ongoing economic uncertainty, as buyers remained cautious in the face of broader concerns around employment and the cost of living. Over the same period, however, elevated listing inventory gave buyers greater negotiating power, contributing to lower selling prices and improved affordability across the region.

Keep ReadingShow less

What's Open And Closed In Toronto On New Year's Day

What's Open And Closed In Toronto On New Year's Day
Richard Cavalleri/Shutterstock

Even if you weren't much of a planner in 2025, the new year is your chance to start on a better foot.

At the very least, we recommend planning ahead for New Year's Day, which falls on Wednesday this year and is a statutory holiday. As such, banks and government services will be closed, however, some malls, grocery stores, and attractions will be open, albeit with special hours. Here's what you need to know.

Keep ReadingShow less

New Year's Day: What's Open And Closed In Vancouver

New Year's Day: What's Open And Closed In Vancouver
James Chen/Shutterstock

Is it just us, or have the holidays come and passed a bit too quickly? But don't fret: there are still a few days left, and plenty of things to do as the year comes to a close (and the new one opens with a fresh beginning).

For those who will be taking public transit, TransLink will once again be offering free transit on New Year's Eve, starting at 5:00 pm; services will also be provided on an extended weekday schedule before shifting to a Sunday/Holiday schedule for New Year's Day.

Keep ReadingShow less

What's Open And Closed In Vancouver On Christmas 2025

Vancouver

It's that time of the year again — Christmas lights are glimmering, holiday cheer is in the air, and it's all about spending time with your friends and family.

Indeed, Christmas is nearly here, and if you'll be spending the holiday in Metro Vancouver, here's what you should know.

Keep ReadingShow less
Privacy PolicyAbout UsTerms of UseAdvertise with UsJobsContact UsRSS Feed
2025 © STOREYS Publishing Inc. | All Rights Reserved