Life changes, and so does the way we live. More people in Burlington, Ontario, and across Canada are choosingto combine households—whether it’s multi-generational living with parents and children, joining forces with friends or extended family, or pooling resources to make homeownership more affordable.

✔ Are you planning to live with aging parents to support their care?

✔ Are adult children moving back home to save money?

✔ Are you and a sibling, cousin, or friend buying a home together?

✔ Do you want to co-own property as a group to share expenses and responsibilities?

✔ Are you combining homes but want clear boundaries and financial protection?

No matter the reason, combining households can create financial security, shared responsibilities, and stronger connections—but it takes careful planning to ensure it works for everyone.

It’s not just about finding a bigger house.

✔ How do you balance privacy and shared spaces?

✔ What’s the best way to structure ownership and financial contributions?

✔ Is it better to buy a home that’s already set up for shared living, or renovate to make it work?

✔ What happens if someone wants to move out?

✔ What legal and financial agreements should be in place before you buy or move in together?

That’s where The United Method comes in.

This isn’t about trial and error—it’s a step-by-step approach to help families and friends combine resources, navigate shared ownership, and create a sustainable living arrangement that works for everyone. Whether you’re buying, selling, renovating, or just exploring your options, I help Burlington homeowners create a clear, structured plan that protects both relationships and investments.

Let’s make this move easier—together.

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Why More People Are Choosing to Combine Homes in Burlington

🏡 Affordability & Rising Housing Costs – Pooling financial resources allows buyers to access better homes and locations.

👵 Aging Parents Moving In – Seniors can avoid assisted living while maintaining independence with family.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Shared Childcare & Support – Parents benefit from extra help while children grow up with extended family.

💰 Financial Stability & Shared Expenses – Splitting mortgage payments, utilities, and property maintenance reduces individual financial strain.

🏠 Intentional Community Living – Friends and chosen family are creating their own housing solutions to live affordably while maintaining a strong support system.

But while shared living has many advantages, it also comes with challenges. You need to plan ahead for:

• Financial contributions and ownership structure
• How expenses will be shared
• Who is responsible for maintenance and household decisions
• What happens if someone wants to move out or sell their share

Without clear agreements, conflicts can arise, and financial security can be at risk.

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The United Method: A Step-by-Step Approach

Step 1: Defining Your Vision & Needs

Before making any decisions, it’s important to get clear on expectations and discuss everyone’s needs upfront.

✔ Why are you choosing to combine households? (Financial reasons, caregiving, lifestyle, etc.)

✔ Who will be living in the home, and what are their space needs?

✔ Will you share common areas, or do some people need separate entrances and amenities?

✔ Do you need a home that is already built for shared living, or are you willing to renovate/build an addition?

✔ How long do you plan to live together? (Is this temporary or a long-term arrangement?)

Burlington-Specific Considerations

• Additional Residential Units (ARUs): Burlington allows up to three residential units on a property, making it easier to legally create a secondary suite or detached unit for shared living.
• Zoning & Bylaws: If you plan to renovate or build an addition, checking local zoning laws first is critical. Not all properties allow multiple units.
• Accessibility Features: If seniors or those with disabilities are moving in, consider barrier-free entrances, stair lifts, and accessible bathrooms.

💡 Worksheet Tip: Use the Household Needs & Priorities Worksheet to ensure everyone is aligned before making any decisions.

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Step 2: Structuring Ownership, Financial Contributions & Legal Agreements

Whether you’re buying together, moving into a shared home, or co-owning property, it’s crucial to formalize financial and legal agreements before moving forward.

Ownership & Mortgage Considerations

✔ Will one person own the home, or will ownership be shared?

✔ If co-owning, will ownership be split equally or based on financial contributions?

✔ Who will be on the mortgage, and how will payments be divided?

📌 Types of Ownership Structures in Ontario:

1. Joint Tenancy – All owners have equal shares, and if one owner passes away, their share automatically transfers to the other owners.
2. Tenants in Common – Each owner holds a distinct percentage of the home, which can be sold or willed to someone else.
3. Co-Ownership Agreement – A legal contract outlining ownership shares, financial contributions, and future exit strategies.

Financial Contributions & Household Expenses

✔ Who is paying for what? (Mortgage, property taxes, renovations, utilities, groceries?)

✔ Will financial contributions be equal, or will they be based on income/usage?

✔ How will major home maintenance costs be handled? (Roof, furnace, repairs, etc.)

✔ How will bills and payments be tracked? (Shared accounts, digital apps, etc.)

What Happens If Someone Wants to Move Out?

This is one of the most important conversations to have before moving in together.

✔ Can an owner sell their share of the home? If so, to whom?

✔ Will there be a buyout agreement if one person wants to leave?

✔ How will home equity be divided if the property appreciates in value?

✔ Will there be a minimum commitment before anyone can sell their share? (e.g., a 3-year minimum before selling is allowed)

📌 Legal Considerations:

• A Co-Ownership Agreement should be drafted by a real estate lawyer to outline rights, responsibilities, exit plans, and dispute resolution procedures.
• Wills & Estate Planning: If one person passes away, what happens to their share of the home?

💡 Worksheet Tip: Use the Financial Planning & Exit Strategy Worksheet to create a clear financial structure for your living arrangement.

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Step 3: Finding the Right Home or Modifying an Existing One

🏡 Options for Shared Living in Burlington:

✔ A large single-family home with divided living areas

✔ A duplex or triplex for separate but connected living

✔ A home with an in-law suite or basement apartment

✔ A property with a detached garden suite or laneway home (Check Burlington’s ARU allowances!)

Will You Need to Renovate?

✔ Do you need a separate entrance for privacy?

✔ Will multiple kitchens and bathrooms be necessary?

✔ Can an existing home be adapted with partitions or additions?

💡 Worksheet Tip: Use the Home Features & Renovation Checklist to evaluate potential homes.

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Ready to Explore Your Shared Living Options?

📞 Let’s start with a free 15-minute call.

✔ We’ll talk about your household’s goals and concerns.

✔ I’ll help you understand your options.

✔ If The United Method is right for you, we’ll create a plan together.

👉 Book Your Call Here

Pooling resources and creating a shared home can be one of the best financial and lifestyle decisions you make—as long as it’s done right. Let’s make it work—together. 💙