Coach Home vs. Laneway Home in Vancouver — What’s the Difference?

As more homeowners look for ways to create additional housing or generate rental income, coach homes and laneway homes have become increasingly popular across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. While both are detached dwellings built on the same property as a main house, they have important differences. Here’s a clear breakdown:

🏡 Laneway Home

A laneway home is a small detached residential unit built where a garage typically sits, facing the back lane. These are most common in the City of Vancouver due to its extensive laneway network.

Key Features:

Located at the rear of the lot, accessed from the lane

Generally smaller in size (often 500–1,000 sq. ft.)

Often used as a rental suite or extended-family accommodation

Can be stratified and sold separately if the zoning and lot qualify

Popular in Vancouver’s densification strategy for single-family neighbourhoods

🏘️ Coach Home

A coach home (sometimes called a “carriage home”) is a detached dwelling located elsewhere on the property, not necessarily at the back or by a lane. These are more common in larger-lot areas such as Surrey, Langley, and Coquitlam.

Key Features:

Placement on the lot is flexible — side, rear, or integrated into new subdivisions

Typically larger than a laneway home

Designed as a rental suite or independent living space for family

Cannot be stratified or sold as a separate property

Often included in newer neighbourhood designs with intentional density

🔍 The Main Differences at a Glance Feature Laneway Home Coach Home Location on Lot Rear, facing a lane Flexible placement Size Smaller Larger Where Common Vancouver Suburban municipalities Ownership Can be stratified and sold separately (if zoning allows) Cannot be stratified or sold independently Primary Purpose Rental or extended family Rental or multi-generational living ✔️ Which One Is Right for You?

If you’re in Vancouver and your lot meets zoning criteria, a laneway home may offer both flexibility and the potential for future stratification.

If you live in suburban areas and want a larger, family-friendly secondary dwelling, a coach home is typically the preferred option.