Rental crunch, rising housing costs highlight value of secondary suites for first-time homebuyers

Like many buyers, Karen Coyle had a checklist when shopping for her first home.

Near the top of that list was the option to add a secondary suite.

"I wanted to make sure I bought a house I would be able to afford without the help of the income from the suite," said Coyle. "But I also wanted to buy a house that could easily be suited, so that I would have a buffer in case mortgage prices rose."

It was just the right time.

After observing Calgary's housing market for the last few years, Miriam Wilton decided now was the right time to make a move.