04/11/2026
From a design and development perspective, corner lots are the "gold mine" of urban infill, especially with the current push for gentle density in Ontario.
Since you are focusing on maximizing property potential, here is why corner lots are specifically superior for the multiplex and rental models you’re developing:
1. Dual Street Frontage & Access
Unlike mid-block lots, corner properties allow you to provide separate, private entrances on two different streets. This is a massive selling point for multi-unit rental buildings:
• Privacy: Tenants don't feel like they are living in a "basement" or "back" unit when their front door faces a completely different street.
• Address Value: You can often secure distinct municipal addresses for the units, which simplifies utility sub-metering and mail delivery.
2. Increased Natural Light
With two exposed sides, you can wrap windows around the corner. In a fourplex or multiplex, this eliminates the "dark middle" often found in narrow urban builds.
3. Garden Suite Integration
Corner lots make Garden Suites far more viable because:
• Construction Access: It’s much easier (and cheaper) to bring machinery and materials in from the side street than through a narrow side-yard of a mid-block house.
• Separation: The garden suite can have its own street presence and entrance, making it feel like a standalone home rather than an "accessory" building.
4. CMHC & Zoning Advantages
Under current "Missing Middle" policies, corner lots often have more flexibility regarding:
• Setbacks: Side-yard requirements can sometimes be navigated more favorably.
• Visibility: From a CMHC financing perspective, the increased curb appeal and "marketability" of a well-designed corner multiplex can support higher appraisals