The City of St. John’s has announced two new funding grants for homeowners and builders to help increase the number of housing units.

The grants will allow homeowners to add housing units on their properties and help developers who are building multi-unit, purpose-built rentals.

A one-time grant of up to $20,000 will be available to homeowners who want to build an apartment or backyard suite at the primary residence. That includes the building of a tiny home on their lot.

More funding may also be available to improve accessibility or energy efficiency of a unit, with one-time city permit fee exemptions available for successful applicants.

Meanwhile, fee exemptions of up to $100,000 are available to developers for multi-unit purpose built rentals. Eligible projects must include at least four attached units, with each including a private kitchen, bathroom and living area.