Basement Second Unit Planner
Scarborough
Plan your legal basement apartment in Scarborough with real costs, stackable incentives, and rental ROI.
Standard Package
$77,000–$168,000
Max Cash Incentives
Up to $60,900
Rental Income
$1,800–$2,200/mo
Value Lift
13–20%
Choose Your Package
Budget
Basic legal compliance. No lowering, basic finishes, existing ceiling height.
$48,000–$77,000
Standard
Complete legal apartment. Full conversion with quality finishes.
$77,000–$168,000
Premium
High-end luxury suite. Premium finishes, smart home, maximum value.
$144,000–$240,000
Add-Ons & Upgrades
Backwater Valve
Prevents sewage backup into your basement. Required by most municipalities.
$2,000–$4,000
Rebate eligibleSump Pump + Battery Backup
Primary sump pump with battery backup for power outages.
$1,000–$2,000
Rebate eligibleEnergy-Efficient Egress Windows (x4)
Triple-pane, argon-filled egress windows with insulated wells.
$3,000–$6,000
Rebate eligibleBasement Wall Insulation (Spray Foam)
Closed-cell spray foam insulation for maximum energy efficiency.
$1,500–$3,500
Rebate eligibleUnderpinning (if ceiling < 6'5")
Lower basement floor to achieve legal ceiling height. Major structural work.
$72,000–$144,000
Exterior Waterproofing
Full exterior excavation, membrane, weeping tile, and drainage.
$17,500–$38,500
Rebate eligibleHRV Ventilation System
Heat recovery ventilator for fresh air without energy loss.
$3,000–$6,000
Rebate eligibleCost Breakdown
Low-Interest Financing Available
Up to $125,000 in Toronto HELP low-interest financing (as low as 3%)
Return on Investment
Monthly Rental Income
$1,800–$2,200
per month
Payback Period
1.1–5.6 years
to recover investment
Annual ROI
17.9–89.5%
return on investment
Property Value Lift
13–20%
estimated increase
Why this is a smart investment: With monthly rental income of $1,800–$2,200 and a net cost after incentives of $29,500–$120,500, you can recover your investment in approximately 1.1–5.6 years. Plus, your property value increases by 13–20%, building long-term equity.
Available Incentives in Scarborough
Stack up to $60,900 in cash incentives + $125,000 in low-interest financing
Federal Programs
Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MHRTC)
Up to $7,50015% refundable tax credit on up to $50,000 of renovation costs for creating a secondary suite for a senior or disabled family member.
Eligibility
- Canadian taxpayer
- Creating a self-contained secondary unit
- For a senior (65+) or disabled family member
- Unit must have separate entrance, kitchen, bathroom
Canada Greener Homes Grant
Up to $5,000Up to $5,000 for energy-efficient home improvements including insulation, windows, and ventilation.
Eligibility
- Canadian homeowner
- Home built before 2022
- EnerGuide assessment completed
- Qualifying energy upgrades
Provincial Programs
Ontario Secondary Suite Program
Up to $40,000Up to $40,000 forgivable loan for creating a legal secondary suite. Forgiven after 10 years of maintaining the unit as affordable rental.
Eligibility
- Ontario homeowner
- Creating a new secondary suite or legalizing existing
- Unit must be rented at or below average market rent
- Must maintain as rental for 10 years
Municipal Programs — Scarborough
Toronto Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy
Up to $3,400Up to $3,400 for basement flood protection including backwater valves, sump pumps, and waterproofing.
Eligibility
- Property within City of Toronto
- Residential property owner
- Licensed contractor performs work
- Apply before work begins
Toronto HELP (Home Energy Loan Program)
$125,000 @ low interestUp to $125,000 in low-interest financing (as low as 3%) for home improvements including secondary suites. Repaid through property tax.
Eligibility
- Property within City of Toronto
- Residential property owner
- Good standing on property taxes
- Qualifying home improvements
Utility Rebates
Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate
Up to $5,000Up to $5,000 for insulation, windows, and HRV systems through Enbridge Gas.
Eligibility
- Enbridge Gas customer
- Home energy audit completed
- Qualifying upgrades (insulation, windows, HRV)
Scarborough Design Requirements
City-specific building code and zoning requirements
| Requirement | Scarborough Standard |
|---|---|
| Ceiling Height | Min 6'5" (1.95m) finished ceiling |
| Egress Windows | Min 3.8 sq ft opening per bedroom |
| Fire Separation | 1-hour fire separation, interconnected smoke/CO alarms, fire-rated doors |
| Parking | 1 additional space (City of Toronto rules) |
| Electrical | 100A sub-panel, separate meter recommended |
| Plumbing | Backwater valve mandatory, sump pump if below sewer |
| HVAC | Separate heating zone, HRV recommended |
| Permit Timeline | 4–8 weeks |
| Permit Cost | $2,500–$5,000 |
| Zoning | Same as City of Toronto: as-of-right in most residential zones since 2024. Scarborough has many older bungalows ideal for conversion. |
Ontario Building Code (OBC) Universal Standards
Ceiling Height
Minimum 6'5" (1.95m) clear finished ceiling height in habitable rooms
Egress Windows
Minimum 3.8 sq ft (0.35 m²) unobstructed opening in each bedroom and living area
Fire Separation
1-hour fire-resistance rating between units (floor/ceiling assembly)
Smoke Alarms
Interconnected smoke alarms on each level, CO alarms near sleeping areas
Separate Entrance
Separate entrance required (can be interior or exterior)
Kitchen
Sink, cooking appliance, refrigerator, and food preparation space required
Bathroom
Toilet, sink, and shower/tub required. GFCI protection within 1.5m of water
Ventilation
Mechanical ventilation per OBC 9.32 — HRV recommended for efficiency
Electrical
Minimum 100A sub-panel, separate circuits for kitchen, bath, and laundry
Plumbing
Separate shutoff valve, backwater valve where required by municipality
Sound
STC 50 minimum between units (STC 55+ recommended for comfort)
Accessibility
Barrier-free path of travel to unit entrance recommended (not always mandatory)
Compare Nearby Cities
Toronto
City of Toronto
Pickering
Durham Region
Markham
York Region
Frequently Asked Questions — Scarborough
How much does a basement apartment cost in Scarborough?
Scarborough basement apartments cost $48,000–$240,000. Costs are about 4% below downtown Toronto. Budget at $48,000, standard $76,800–$168,000, premium $144,000–$240,000.
What incentives are available in Scarborough?
Same as Toronto: Ontario Secondary Suite ($40,000), MHRTC ($7,500), Toronto Flooding Subsidy ($3,400), Enbridge ($5,000), Toronto HELP financing ($125,000). Total: $60,000+.
How much rent can I charge in Scarborough?
Legal basements in Scarborough rent for $1,800–$2,200/month. Areas near Scarborough Town Centre, UTSC, and waterfront command premium rents.
Why is Scarborough good for basement apartments?
Scarborough has many older detached bungalows and raised ranches with deep lots — ideal for basement conversion. Strong rental demand from Centennial College, UTSC, and immigrant families.
Does Scarborough follow Toronto building rules?
Yes. Scarborough is part of the City of Toronto and follows the same building code, permit, and zoning requirements.
Does DrySpace work in Scarborough?
Yes. DrySpace serves all of Scarborough including Agincourt, Malvern, Rouge, Bendale, and Highland Creek.
Ready to Build in Scarborough?
DrySpace handles everything — permits, construction, inspections, and all incentive applications. Book your free basement assessment today.