Toronto's housing boom refills empty nests

Oakville, Ontario

JANET Barber does not dwell too much on the view from her driveway.

Many of her long-time neighbours up and down the block have cashed in on the area's soaring house prices and moved away. Where their modest wood homes once stood, much larger architect-designed houses of stone, steel and glass fill the lots. Across the street, a big sign plastered with "Sold" stickers means that one is probably next to go.

But no matter how much Ms Barber and her husband, Michael, might now be able to get for their own three-bedroom bungalow, they are not about to join the rush.

Why? Although they are old enough to be empty-nesters, their nest isn't empty. Their 29-year-old daughter, Sarah, has been living with them since she finished a graduate degr…