What to Know Before Buying a Home with a Basement Suite in Saskatoon
Adding a basement suite to your real estate purchase is a smart way to offset your mortgage, boost resale value, or house extended family. In Saskatoon, homes with secondary suites are in high demand—but not all suites are created equal. Whether you're buying your first home or adding to your investment portfolio, here's what you need to know.
Legal & Regulatory Considerations
Before anything else, confirm whether the basement suite is legal or non-conforming. The City of Saskatoon has specific zoning requirements (R2, R2A, RM, etc.) that determine whether a home can have a secondary suite. Always ask the seller or your REALTOR® for building permits, suite registration, and fire code compliance documents.
Quick Tip: Legal suites have separate entrances, proper egress windows, fire separation, and often their own utility setups.
Financial & Investment Benefits
One of the biggest draws of a basement suite is rental income. Many lenders allow a portion of rental income to be considered when qualifying for your mortgage—potentially increasing your purchasing power. However, you'll need to account for insurance, tax implications, and tenant management. Consider long-term value and how a suite affects resale potential.
Construction, Safety & Functionality
A suite needs more than just a kitchenette and bedroom to be considered safe and livable. Ensure the ceiling height meets code (at least 6’5”), there are proper egress windows in each bedroom, and ideally, soundproofing is in place between units. Parking is also a key issue—most areas require off-street parking for each dwelling.
Lifestyle Considerations
Are you comfortable living above (or below) tenants? Will the layout allow for privacy? Does the area support good tenant demand (think: proximity to the University of Saskatchewan or downtown)? These are lifestyle factors to weigh as you assess your comfort level with owning and managing a basement suite.
For more guidance on legal suites in Saskatoon or available homes with rental potential, contact me here.
Saskatoon homes with basement suites
- All Listings
- $100,000 - $200,000
- $200,000 - $300,000
- $300,000 - $400,000
- $400,000 - $500,000
- $500,000 - $600,000
- $600,000 - $700,000
- $700,000 - $800,000
- $800,000 - $900,000
- Over $1,000,000
FAQs
Do I need permits for a basement suite in Saskatoon?
Yes, legal basement suites require proper building permits, fire code compliance, and must meet zoning requirements.
Can I use rental income from the suite to qualify for a mortgage?
In many cases, yes. Lenders often consider a percentage of expected rental income when assessing mortgage qualification.
What is the difference between a legal and a non-conforming suite?
A legal suite meets current building codes and zoning, while a non-conforming suite may have been built prior to changes in regulations.
Is a separate entrance required for a basement suite?
Yes, most legal suites must have a private entrance, along with fire separation and egress windows for safety.