Not long ago, buying a home with a sibling would have seemed unconventional – something reserved for close-knit families with unique circumstances. But today, in cities like Toronto and across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), it’s becoming surprisingly common. Rising home prices, shifting family structures, and a renewed emphasis on community have all given way to a growing trend: co-upsizing.
Co-upsizing means joining forces with a brother or sister to purchase a larger home together – one that neither could afford alone. It’s part financial strategy, part lifestyle choice, and, increasingly, a reflection of how families are adapting to the realities of modern homeownership.
Why Co-Upsizing Is Gaining Momentum
There’s a practical reason behind this trend: affordability. The cost of single-family homes across the GTA remains out of reach for many individual buyers, especially younger families and single adults. Siblings who pool their savings and incomes can increase their buying power, access better neighbourhoods, and share the load of rising household expenses.
Affordability isn’t the only motivator. Many families are also rethinking what “togetherness” means. Living near – or even with – a sibling can create an extended support system that eases daily pressures. Parents juggling work and childcare can count on family backup. Older siblings can help with school runs or emergencies. And in some cases, co-upsizing provides a comfortable setup for aging parents to move in later on.
There’s also an emotional side to it. After years of high housing costs pushing people further apart, co-upsizing brings families back together. It allows siblings to share not only space but also life’s responsibilities, milestones, and support – without losing independence.
How Co-Upsizing Works in Practice
Co-upsizing doesn’t always look the same. Some siblings purchase a large detached home and divide it into separate living areas, while others look for duplexes or homes with secondary suites that naturally accommodate two households. Some families even choose homes with enough land to add a garden suite or build an addition later.
Imagine two sisters – one single and one married with a young child – deciding to buy a five-bedroom home together. The married sister’s family uses the upper floor as their main living space, while the single sister converts the finished basement into a private suite with her own kitchen and entry. They share the yard, laundry, and occasional meals, but maintain privacy and autonomy.
In another case, two brothers might buy a home together as an investment. One lives in the property full-time, while the other rents out his portion until he’s ready to move in. Later, the home might become a shared base for their parents’ retirement or a place where both families gather during holidays.
What all of these situations share is the same foundation: siblings leveraging family trust to create housing stability that benefits everyone involved.
Finding the Balance Between Family and Finance
Of course, shared ownership requires more than good intentions – it demands clear communication and planning. Buying a home with a sibling blends family ties with financial commitment, so transparency is essential from the start.
The first step is defining each person’s role and financial contribution. How will the down payment and mortgage be split? Who handles property taxes, insurance, and utilities? Setting expectations early prevents misunderstandings later. Some siblings choose to split costs evenly, while others base contributions on income or the amount of space each household occupies.
Equally important is discussing the ownership structure. Most co-upsizing buyers hold title as tenants in common, meaning each sibling owns a defined share of the property that can be sold or passed on independently. This structure provides flexibility if one person eventually wants to move or cash out their equity. Consulting a real estate lawyer early in the process ensures the arrangement is legally sound and protects both parties in the long run.
It’s also wise to think about “what if” scenarios before they arise. Life changes – new jobs, relationships, or family additions – can alter how the home is used. Having a written co-ownership agreement that outlines buyout procedures, selling timelines, and conflict resolution methods gives everyone peace of mind.
Choosing the Right Property for Co-Upsizing
When siblings decide to co-upsize, the type of home they choose often determines how well the arrangement works. While a downtown condo might suit two singles, growing families typically look for detached or semi-detached homes in established neighbourhoods with family-friendly amenities.
Layout matters just as much as location. Homes with multiple levels, separate entrances, or flexible spaces allow each sibling to enjoy privacy while still sharing common areas. Finished basements, in-law suites, and converted garages can all provide the necessary divide between two living spaces.
Neighbourhood selection also plays a big role. Families often gravitate toward areas that balance convenience and community – places like The Junction, or Riverdale. These neighbourhoods offer walkability, schools, green space, and character homes that lend themselves well to multi-family living.
Before purchasing, siblings should also consider future adaptability. Will this home still work if one of you starts a family or if an aging parent moves in? Could a portion of the home be rented for extra income down the line? Homes that can evolve over time make co-upsizing a more sustainable investment.
The Upsides – and Challenges – of Living Together Again
The rewards of co-upsizing can be substantial. Shared mortgage payments, lower utilities, and split maintenance costs make larger homes more accessible. Siblings also gain built-in support: help with kids, someone to feed the dog when you’re away, or simply a familiar face next door. For many, this arrangement restores a sense of community that’s been lost in fast-paced urban living.
There’s also the investment benefit. Real estate remains one of the most stable long-term assets in the GTA. By combining resources, siblings can enter the market sooner, build equity faster, and potentially gain appreciation on a property that would have been unattainable individually.
Still, co-upsizing isn’t without its challenges. Sharing a home – even with someone you’ve known your whole life – requires compromise. Privacy, parenting styles, and cleanliness standards can all become friction points if expectations aren’t managed. Open communication and respect for personal boundaries are key.
Some families find it helpful to establish gentle “house rules,” such as quiet hours or shared expense tracking. Others designate certain days for joint meals or activities to maintain connection without overlap. Like any relationship, successful co-upsizing depends on balance: enough togetherness to feel supported, and enough separation to feel independent.
Making the Move – and the Mindset Work
The transition to co-upsizing is as much emotional as logistical. For many, it means rediscovering the dynamic of sibling life in adulthood. It can be joyful, nostalgic, and occasionally challenging all at once.
Before moving in, siblings should discuss lifestyle habits – sleep schedules, guests, dietary preferences, or even décor choices – to avoid surprises. Agreeing on how shared spaces will be furnished and used makes the adjustment smoother for both parties.
It’s also worth preparing for change. One sibling might eventually marry or expand their family; another might relocate for work. Planning for flexibility ensures the arrangement doesn’t feel limiting. Homes with rental potential or multi-unit zoning, for example, offer options if circumstances evolve.
Many families who have successfully co-upsized say that the key isn’t just financial cooperation – it’s shared mindset. When siblings view the arrangement as a partnership rather than a temporary fix, it creates a sense of shared pride and stability that strengthens their bond.
What Co-Upsizing Means for the Future of Family Living
The rise of co-upsizing reflects broader changes in how Canadians think about homeownership and family. High prices and economic pressures have made creative solutions essential – but they’ve also reminded people that housing isn’t just an investment; it’s a support system.
As more siblings co-buy, new models of home design and community planning may emerge. We’re already seeing more builders offering homes with dual-suite layouts or shared common spaces designed for multi-household living. Municipalities across the GTA are also adapting zoning bylaws to accommodate secondary units and garden suites, opening the door for more flexible family arrangements.
Co-upsizing might not be the traditional path to homeownership, but it’s one that aligns with today’s realities – one that values connection, collaboration, and shared success.
Buying a home with a sibling may once have been considered unusual, but in today’s market, it’s a reflection of adaptability and family strength. Co-upsizing offers a way to reclaim affordability, build equity faster, and create a shared home base that supports both independence and togetherness.
Bringing It All Together
For some, it’s a stepping stone – an affordable way into a neighbourhood they couldn’t reach alone. For others, it’s a long-term lifestyle choice that puts family at the heart of daily life. Whatever your motivation, the key to successful co-upsizing lies in preparation, trust, and honest communication.
If you’re considering joining forces with a brother or sister to buy a home in the GTA, connect with our team for professional guidance. We’ll help you navigate the financial, legal, and emotional sides of co-ownership – and find a property that fits both your family and your future.
