Your Path to Affordable Homeownership in Alberta: Secondary Basement Suites by Anthem
May 14, 2025
Homeownership is one of life’s most rewarding milestones—a long-term investment and a foundation for the future.
But in today’s market, especially for first-time buyers, it can feel just out of reach. Higher living costs, stricter mortgage qualifications, and everyday expenses all add up.
Fortunately, smart solutions are making homeownership more affordable—and way more exciting. With streamlined approvals, financial incentives, and more options from new home builders, more savvy Albertans are turning to legal secondary suites as a way to enter the housing market.
Why? Because these income-generating spaces help lower monthly expenses and make homeownership more affordable.
Anthem’s secondary basement suites are thoughtfully designed independent living spaces that offer built-in rental potential and lasting value—helping buyers achieve a path to homeownership sooner and smarter.
The Benefits of Investing in a Secondary Basement Suite
Legal suites are one of the smartest and most strategic ways to invest your money—both financially and functionally—packed with benefits extending far beyond extra square footage.
Steady Stream of Additional Income
Count on a consistent source of additional income every month—right from your own home.
Average Rent for Basement Suites in Calgary (2025):
1-bedroom: $1,270
2-bedroom: $1,444
Average Rent for Basement Suites in Edmonton (2025):
1-bedroom: $ 1,155
2-bedroom: $1,378
That’s $1,150+ in your pocket every month for everyday essentials, a rainy-day fund, or simply reducing your monthly mortgage payments, all while your home continues to grow in value.
Pay Down Your Mortgage Faster
A secondary suite can help pay off your mortgage years ahead of schedule.
In cities like Calgary and Edmonton, rental income can easily exceed $1,150 per month. Many homeowners choose to apply that extra income directly to their mortgage principal—adding up to more than $13,000 per year.
Apply it consistently, and a 25-year mortgage could become a 20-year mortgage, all while saving thousands on interest along the way.
Helps First-Time Homebuyers Qualify for a Mortgage
For some first-time homebuyers, qualifying for a mortgage can face challenges, especially early in a career or when applying with a single income.
A legal secondary suite can help unlock mortgage approval and lending options. Many lenders count potential rental income toward the total qualifying income, giving first-time buyers a powerful boost in qualifying power.
For example, a year’s worth of rental income could increase qualifying income by $13,000 or more—helping you secure the mortgage needed to enter homeownership while renting out your basement.
Adds Long-Term Value to Your Home
In today’s market, a legal suite means built-in income potential—and that’s a serious selling feature.
Secondary suites boost resale property value and broaden the buyer pool, appealing to a wide range of buyers including investors, multi-generational families, and first-time buyers.
In a market that values flexibility and rental income potential, this added feature can give your home a real edge when it comes time to sell.
Earning Extra Income with a Secondary Basement Suite
A Real-World Example: How Renting Out Your Basement Can Work for You
Let’s say you purchase a new Anthem home with a legal secondary basement suite. You choose to live upstairs and rent out the basement. Here’s how the numbers could shake out:
| Purchase Price | $600,000 |
| 5% Down Payment | $35,000 |
| Mortgage Amount | $565,000 |
| Interest Rate | 4.5% |
| Amortization | 25 years |
| Monthly Mortgage Payment | $3,252.16 |
Upon closing, you find a tenant and rent out your basement suite for $1,200/month.
Your new monthly mortgage payment reduces to: $2,0520
The result?
Your tenants are covering nearly 37% of your mortgage payment—every single month. That’s nearly $14,500 a year in rental income just by putting your basement to work.
Everyone’s financial situation is unique.
Use this mortgage calculator to crunch your own numbers!
Anthem Makes Being a Landlord Easy: Secondary Basement Suites – Built-In and Tenant Ready
Legal from the Start, Totally Hassle-Free
When you buy new with Anthem, your secondary suite is fully integrated during construction. We handle everything – permitting, code compliance, and all the paperwork. No renovations, no surprises, no headaches—just a fully legal, rental-ready suite the day you get your keys.
Anthem’s Secondary Basement Suites Features
Anthem’s functional floorplans are designed for real life with features that just make sense. Every suite meets Alberta’s safety and building codes and is constructed with the same care and quality you expect from every Anthem home.
Fully Independent Living Spaces
- 1- and 2-bedroom layouts ranging from 500 sq. ft. – 1,000 sq. ft.
- Separate entrance for tenant
- Private bedrooms & bathrooms
- Full kitchen and spacious living area
- In-suite laundry
- Separate access to mechanical room
Modern Finishes
- Stainless steel appliances
- Gas range
- Quartz countertops
- Durable vinyl plank flooring
- Plush carpet with 8lb underlay in bedroom(s)
- California knockdown ceiling texture
Safety + Comfort Built In
- Egress windows in every bedroom
- Smoke and CO₂ detectors
- Independent heating & ventilation system
- Sound separation and noise-reducing measures
- 9′ foundation walls
2025: The Year to Invest in a Secondary Basement Suite
With easing interest rates, stabilizing home prices, and Anthem’s collection of rental-ready, income-generating basement suites, there’s never been a better time to make your move and invest in your future.
With thoughtful planning and the right support from your builder, secondary suites are a smart path to homeownership—where you can own a home and benefit from consistent rental income.
Browse Anthem’s Quick Possession Homes