Choosing the Right Lot Type for Your Dream Home

One of the first steps in building your home is deciding where to put it! The lot type is an important decision, so let's look at the most common ones.

July 21, 2023
Sterling Homes' Painted Sky showhome featuring a triple car garage and two storeys

One of the first steps in building your new home is deciding where to put it! Once you have selected the right community for you, the type of lot your home will sit on is another big decision.

We are proud to work with many municipalities and community developers, which allows us to offer many different lot types to help cater to your unique preferences and needs, depending on their availability in specific communities.

Let’s look at the most common lot types, with a quick rundown on what they each mean.

Back-to-Front Lot:

Back-to-front lots are a sought-after option for home building. With their unique layout, these lots stretch from the back alley to the front street, offering distinct advantages.

Homeowners enjoy enhanced privacy and convenient access points.

Back to front lot rendering

The front yard serves as an inviting entrance, while the backyard becomes a secluded retreat.

Back-to-front lots provide flexibility for creative landscaping and personalized outdoor spaces.

With their functional design and appealing features, these lots offer a desirable choice for homeowners looking to create a balanced and welcoming living environment.

Corner Lot:

The Corner Lot is an excellent option for homeowners who prefer a bit more space and privacy.

The lot type is located at the intersection of two streets, providing ample space for front and side yards.

Corner lot rendering

The Corner Lot also offers more natural light and airflow, making it perfect for homeowners who want to enjoy the outdoors.

An example of a corner lot

Our Birkley showhome in Ambleton is on a spacious corner lot.

Cul-de-sac Lot:

A Cul-de-sac lot refers to a land parcel at the end of a dead-end street or cul-de-sac.

These lots are defined by their unique location, as they are often tucked away from traffic and enjoy a quieter setting compared to lots located along busy roads.

Cul-de-sac lots in Calgary provide a sense of privacy and safety, as they typically have limited vehicular traffic and are well-suited for families or individuals seeking a more peaceful living environment.

Cul-de-sac lots rendering

These lots often feature larger frontages, allowing for more spacious yards and landscaping opportunities.

The cul-de-sac design also fosters a sense of community, as neighbors residing on these lots tend to interact more closely, creating a tight-knit residential environment.

East Backyard Lot:

The East Backyard Lot is popular with homeowners who want to enjoy the morning sun.

The lot type has a backyard facing east, providing maximum sunlight exposure in the morning.

The East Backyard Lot is perfect for homeowners who want to enjoy breakfast or morning coffee in the sun.

East backyard lot rendering

Estate Lot:

Estate lots are large land parcels known for their spaciousness and exclusivity, offering homeowners the opportunity to create custom-designed estates.

These prestigious lots provide privacy and ample room for luxurious homes and outdoor amenities.

Ideal for those seeking an upscale and expansive living environment.

Estate lot rendering

These prestigious lots provide privacy and ample room for luxurious homes and outdoor amenities.

Ideal for those seeking an upscale and expansive living environment.

Frontage Lot:

A frontage lot refers to a land parcel that has its primary access and front-facing side along a road or street.

These lots are characterized by their linear orientation, with the frontage typically determining the lot’s width.

Frontage lots offer homeowners a direct connection to the public thoroughfare, providing convenient access and visibility.

Frontage lot rendering

They often present opportunities for showcasing architectural features and creating an appealing curb appeal.

Frontage lots are commonly found in urban and suburban areas, and they provide residents with easy accessibility to amenities, transportation, and community services.

Front-to-back Lot:

Front-to-back lots are a popular choice for urban home building.

These lots stretch from the front street to the back alley, offering dual access points and versatile design possibilities.

They provide privacy, convenient parking, and storage options.

Front to back lot rendering

With seamless indoor-outdoor flow, front-to-back lots create welcoming front yards and private backyard retreats.

These lots allow for creative landscaping and personalized touches, making them an appealing option for balanced and functional urban living.

Green Space Lot:

The Green Space Lot is popular with homeowners who want to live in a peaceful and natural environment.

The lot type is situated near a park, green space, or nature reserve.

The Green Space Lot provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy nature while still living in the city.

Green space lot rendering

Interior Lot:

An interior lot refers to a land parcel that is located within a block or subdivision and does not have direct frontage along a road or street.

These lots are situated between other properties and are accessed via shared driveways or common areas.

Interior lots offer homeowners a sense of seclusion and reduced exposure to traffic noise compared to lots with direct road frontage.

They often provide a quieter and more private living environment, making them appealing to those seeking a more tranquil residential setting.

Interior lot rendering

While they may lack direct street access, interior lots often compensate by offering larger backyard spaces and a greater sense of community within the neighborhood.

Level Lot:

A level lot refers to land parcels that have flat or even topography.

A level lot is characterized by minimal variations in elevation across the property, making it suitable for straightforward construction and landscaping.

Level lot rendering

Level lots provide homeowners with ease of building, as they require less grading and leveling compared to sloped or uneven lots.

They offer a practical canvas for various architectural designs and outdoor amenities, as well as enhanced accessibility for residents of all ages.

Level lots are favored for their convenience and versatility, allowing homeowners to maximize their land use and create functional and aesthetically pleasing living spaces.

North Backyard Lot:

The North Backyard Lot is a great option for homeowners who prefer a cooler and more shaded backyard space.

The lot type has a backyard facing north, providing a shaded and cooler outdoor living space.

The North Backyard Lot is perfect for homeowners who want to enjoy the outdoors without being exposed to direct sunlight.

North backyard lot rendering

Pie Lot:

The Pie Lot is a unique and exciting option for homeowners who prefer a lot that stands out.

The lot type features a wide frontage that narrows towards the back, resembling a pie shape.

The Pie Lot offers a larger backyard space, making it perfect for outdoor activities and entertainment.

Pie lot rendering

Rectangular Lot:

The Rectangular Lot is a classic choice for homeowners who prefer a simple and straightforward lot type.

The lot shape is a perfect rectangle, making it easy to design and build on.

The Rectangular Lot is ideal for families who want a large backyard for children to play and entertain guests.

Rectangular lot rendering

Reverse-frontage Lot:

A reverse-frontage lot refers to a land parcel that has its primary access and front-facing side located at the rear of the property, facing away from the road.

These lots are characterized by their unique orientation, which can create a more private and secluded setting for homeowners.

The reverse-frontage design allows for a greater emphasis on backyard spaces and outdoor living areas, offering residents a quieter and more tranquil living environment.

Reverse frontage lot rendering

While less common than traditional frontage lots, reverse-frontage lots provide an alternative layout that maximizes privacy and provides opportunities for creative landscaping and architectural designs that prioritize backyard enjoyment.

Reverse Pie Lot:

A reverse pie lot is a land configuration resembling an inverted pie slice with a wider front and a narrowing rear.

It offers homeowners a wider backyard space, increased privacy, and architectural possibilities.

These unique lots are ideal for those seeking a distinctive layout and outdoor living options.

Reverse pie lot rendering

Ridge Lot:

A ridge lot refers to land parcels situated along the crest or elevated portions of a ridge or hillside.

These lots offer homeowners breathtaking panoramic views and a unique vantage point.

Ridge lots are sought-after for their picturesque settings and the opportunity to build homes that take full advantage of the surrounding natural beauty.

Ridge lot rendering

Additionally, the elevated position of ridge lots often provides natural ventilation and a sense of openness.

South Backyard Lot:

The South Backyard Lot is an excellent choice for homeowners who want to maximize their natural light exposure.

The lot type has a backyard facing south, providing maximum sunlight throughout the day.

The South Backyard Lot is perfect for homeowners who want to enjoy natural light and warmth throughout the year.

South backyard lot rendering

Standard Lot:

A standard lot is defined by its size and zoning regulations set by local authorities or municipalities.

The dimensions of a standard lot can vary depending on the specific area and its regulations, but they are square or close to square in shape.

For example, a standard lot may have dimensions like 50 ft by 50 ft or 100 ft by 100 ft.

Standard lot rendering

The key characteristic of a standard lot is its adherence to the regulations and requirements outlined by the local authorities.

Sunshine Lot:

Sunshine Lots maximizes natural light exposure with strategic positioning and optimal orientation.

They create a warm and inviting atmosphere, enhancing aesthetics and energy efficiency.

Abundant sunlight brightens both indoor and outdoor spaces, offering residents the opportunity to make the most of their cozy backyards or vibrant gardens.

Home building on Sunshine Lots allows homeowners to embrace the beauty of natural light and create a cheerful living environment.

Sunshine lot rendering

T-intersection Lot:

A T-intersection lot refers to a land parcel situated at the intersection of two roads, forming a T-shape.

These lots have their primary frontage and access along one road, while the other road intersects at the side, creating the T-shape configuration.

T-intersection lots offer homeowners a unique position that can provide enhanced visibility and the potential for architectural design that maximizes curb appeal.

T-intersection lot rendering

However, they may also come with increased traffic and noise levels due to their proximity to the intersection.

Homeowners on T-intersection lots often have the opportunity to create attractive landscaping features and take advantage of the additional side yard space created by the intersection.

The location of these lots can vary, with some being positioned at busy intersections while others are in quieter residential areas, influencing the overall living experience and desirability of the lot.

Traditional Lot:

Traditional lots are standard-sized land parcels that adhere to regular dimensions and zoning regulations, making it easier to plan and design homes within these parameters.

They offer a predictable layout found in established neighborhoods, providing a classic option for residential construction.

Traditional lot rendering

Transitional Lot:

Transitional lots are land parcels that bridge different land uses or zoning regulations, offering opportunities for mixed-use development and gradual transitions between zones.

They provide flexibility by accommodating diverse uses and contributing to integrated communities.

Level lots often sit on the border or interface of two distinct zones, such as residential and commercial areas or rural and urban environments.

Transitional lots offer unique opportunities for mixed-use development or gradual transitions between different land uses.

Transitional lot rendering

Walkout Lot:

The Walkout Lot is an excellent option for homeowners who want to maximize their lot space.

The Walkout Lot features a sloping landscape, making it possible to have a lower level that is at ground level.

The Walkout Lot provides a wonderful opportunity to create additional living space, making it perfect for families who need more room.

Walk-out lot rendering

The Walkout Lot provides a wonderful opportunity to create additional living space, making it perfect for families who need more room.

Our Vermilion Hill showhome features a walk-out basement

West Backyard Lot:

The West Backyard Lot is an excellent option for homeowners who prefer a sunny and warm backyard space in the afternoon and evening.

The lot type has a backyard facing west, providing maximum sunlight exposure in the afternoon and evening.

The West Backyard Lot is perfect for homeowners who want to enjoy outdoor activities and entertainment in the warm afternoon and evening sun.

It is also great for those who enjoy gardening, as the plants will receive optimal sunlight in the late afternoon and evening.

West backyard lot rendering

However, it’s worth noting that the West Backyard Lot may experience higher temperatures in the summer, so it’s important to have adequate shade and outdoor cooling options.

Wide, Shallow Lot:

A wider, shallower lot, on the other hand, also has a greater width but is characterized by a shorter depth.

In this case, the lot’s width is significant, but the distance from the front to the back of the lot is comparatively shorter. Wider, shallower lots are known for their broad frontage and limited depth.

Wide shallow lot rendering

In this case, the lot’s width is significant, but the distance from the front to the back of the lot is comparatively shorter. Wider, shallower lots are known for their broad frontage and limited depth.

An example of a wide-shallow lot

Painted Sky features wide, shallow lots that allow for wider home models and more side yard space.

Wider Lot:

A wider Lot refers to a land parcel that has a greater width compared to standard-sized lots. The emphasis here is on the width of the lot, while its depth may vary.

Wider lots typically provide homeowners with more space for various purposes, such as larger frontages, spacious yards, and potential design opportunities.

Wider lot rendering

Wider lots typically provide homeowners with more space for various purposes, such as larger frontages, spacious yards, and potential design opportunities.

Zero-lot-line Lot:

A zero-lot-line A lot is a land parcel where buildings are constructed up to or very close to the property line, optimizing land use in dense areas.

It offers larger interior spaces while sacrificing exterior yard space, making it ideal for urban settings with limited land. Zero-lot line lots promote a sense of community and convenient living near amenities.

Zero lo line lot rendering

There’s no shortage of options when it comes to lot types, especially when there are so many overlapping features. If you’re still trying to figure out what you’re looking for, be sure to check out our Find Your Match quiz and we will recommend you the right home to meet your needs and match your lifestyle.

About the Author: Kal Bhojak

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