Birchcliffe-Cliffside Homes with Separate Entrance

Homes for Sale with Separate Entrances in Scarborough

This page shows homes for sale in Birchcliffe-Cliffside that feature a separate entrance, side door, or walk-out basement. These properties are highly targeted by investors and multi-generational families because they allow for a completely private lower-level living space without interfering with the main floor.

Birchcliffe-Cliffside is unique in Toronto because a large percentage of its housing stock—specifically the 1950s bungalows and 1.5-storey homes—were originally built with a dedicated side door leading to the basement. Unlike newer subdivisions where adding a separate entrance requires expensive excavation, many homes here come "suite-ready" by design, offering excellent potential for income or in-law privacy.

Separate Entrance Listings in Birchcliffe-Cliffside

Browse the current listings below and use the filters to narrow by price, lot depth, and basement finish. To get notified when new homes with income potential hit the market, set up your Property Tracker. You can also view all Birchcliffe-Cliffside homes for sale to compare these against standard single-family layouts.

Buying a Home with a Separate Entrance

A separate entrance is one of the most valuable features in Birchcliffe real estate. It transforms a standard home into a flexible asset that can generate income or house aging parents with dignity.

Separate Entrance vs. Standard Layout

Here is why buyers pay a premium for existing separate entrances in this neighbourhood:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do so many Birchcliffe homes have side doors?

It is a result of the post-war architectural design. The solid brick bungalows built here in the 1940s and 50s were designed with a side entrance landing that splits: a few steps up to the kitchen and a few steps down to the basement. This makes them naturally perfect for duplex conversion.

2. Does a separate entrance make the basement legal?

No. A separate entrance is just one requirement. To be a legal Secondary Dwelling Unit, the basement must also meet fire code standards (drywall separation between units), have proper egress windows, and be registered with the city.

3. What is the difference between a walk-out and a separate entrance?

A "walk-out" usually refers to a basement door at ground level in the back of the house (common on ravine lots). A "separate entrance" in Birchcliffe is typically a side door. Both provide private access, but walk-outs often bring in more natural light.

4. How much does it cost to add a separate entrance?

If a home doesn't have one, creating a new separate entrance involves excavation, cutting through the foundation, and installing stairs and drainage. This can cost upwards of $20,000 to $30,000, which is why buying a home that already has one is such a smart financial move.

5. Are these homes good for Airbnb?

Yes. A unit with a private keypad entry is ideal for short-term rentals, allowing guests to come and go without disturbing the main household. However, you must comply with Toronto's short-term rental bylaws, which typically require you to live in the principal residence.

6. Can I build a separate entrance on a semi-detached home?

It is more challenging but possible. If there is a wide enough mutual driveway or side yard, you can often install a side door. If not, some owners create separate entrances at the rear of the home.

7. Do lenders view these homes differently?

If the basement unit is legal/retroffited, lenders may allow you to use a portion of the potential rental income to qualify for a larger mortgage. A separate entrance is a key visual indicator to appraisers that the property has income potential.

8. Which streets have the most homes with separate entrances?

You will find a high concentration of these layouts on streets like Kalmar Avenue, Freeman Street, and Eastwood Avenue, where the post-war bungalow style dominates.

Explore More in Birchcliffe-Cliffside

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Guides:
Living Here Guide | Market Trends | Vs The Beaches | Why Buy Here? | Architecture Guide