Finding affordable housing is a challenge for many families, but one couple in British Columbia found a unique solution. Instead of holding onto their old home, John and Kathleen Higgins decided to make the most of their land by building four smaller houses for their family. Their goal was simple: keep their loved ones close while creating a practical and affordable living space. With home prices rising and options shrinking, they knew they had to think outside the box. Their journey wasn’t easy, but it shows how creativity, determination, and a little teamwork can make homeownership possible. By reimagining what a family home could look like, they built a neighborhood that works for multiple generations. Their story is proof that sometimes, the best way to solve a problem is to create your own solution.
A Family’s Bold Plan to Stay Together
John and Kathleen Higgins had a dream: keeping their family close while making smart use of their land. In 1988, they bought a modest 1,300-square-foot rancher on a cul-de-sac in Delta, British Columbia, where they raised their seven kids. Over time, they became convinced that the typical 66-foot suburban lot was a waste of space. Instead of keeping a single home on a large lot, they started dreaming of a better use for their land. The idea? Tear down their longtime home and build four smaller houses in its place—one for themselves, two for their sons, and one for their daughter, who rents it to their 94-year-old great-grannie. It wasn’t just about staying close—it was also about making housing more affordable for the next generation. With home prices climbing, finding affordable housing can feel impossible, but the Higgins family proved that creative solutions exist. Their story is a reminder that with some planning and determination, families can find ways to make homeownership work for them.
Making Affordable Housing a Reality
Housing costs are a huge challenge, especially in the Vancouver area, where prices have soared. The Higgins family saw it firsthand and knew their children might never afford homes nearby without help. They started looking into their options and developed a bold plan: split their lot into four separate properties, each with its own mortgage. After years of pitching their idea to neighbors and local officials, they finally won unanimous city approval in 2016 to move forward. Their old home of three decades came down, making way for two duplexes—four homes in total. Two of the homes are 830 square feet, while the other two are 1,150 square feet. Their decision gave their kids a lifeline in a region where homeownership often feels out of reach. Affordable housing isn’t just about building more places to live—it’s about making smart use of the space people already have. Their success proves that with a little persistence, it’s possible to create new housing solutions that work for families and communities alike.
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Designing a Smart and Functional Neighborhood
Once they got the go-ahead, the Higgins family put a lot of thought into designing their new homes. Since they were working with a smaller space, every inch had to count. They added clever storage options, a compact half-bath with the tiniest sink possible, and even a laundry chute connecting all three floors. Parking was another challenge, but they figured out a way to fit two small cars in the limited space. The result? A neighborhood that feels cozy but never cramped. John and Kathleen now live in one of the units, staying rooted in the neighborhood they’ve loved for decades. Their sons, James and Patrick, each own a unit, giving them a stable place to call home. More importantly, they kept the cost down, showing that affordable housing can be stylish, comfortable, and budget-friendly all at once.
The Perks of Multi-Generational Living
One of the best parts of their plan was keeping family close while still giving everyone their own space. The parents’ house sits in the back, while their kids and grandkids live in the front units. It’s the perfect setup—they see each other all the time, but no one feels crowded. Kathleen loves that her grandsons can run over to visit their great-grandmother, who rents the fourth unit from their daughter. Surrounded by two great-grandchildren and one more on the way, their 94-year-old grandmother is never far from family. This kind of multi-generational living isn’t just a sentimental idea; it makes everyday life easier. Need a last-minute babysitter? Help is just next door. Someone feeling under the weather? Family is right there. It’s a way of life that used to be common, and with the cost of housing skyrocketing, it’s making a comeback. The Higgins family found a way to blend independence with togetherness, proving that living near loved ones can be both practical and rewarding.
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A Creative Solution for a Growing Problem
The Higgins family’s story is an example of how creative thinking can tackle big housing challenges. Instead of waiting for the market to change, they took control and made a plan that worked for them. Their neighborhood isn’t just a place to live—it’s a blueprint for others facing the same struggle. With housing prices climbing and space becoming limited, rethinking how land is used is more important than ever. More families might start considering similar setups to make homeownership more achievable. The Higgins family shows that affordable housing isn’t just a dream—it’s possible with the right mindset and approach. Their project proves that families don’t have to be priced out of homeownership if they’re willing to get creative. Who knows? Maybe this kind of smart, family-focused housing will become more common in the future.
