Build your multiplex in Metro Vancouver
Multiplex homes
Why build a multiplex?
Generate multiple income streams
A duplex, triplex, or fourplex creates multiple rental units on a single lot. If one unit is vacant, the others keep generating income. More units means more coverage on your mortgage and less financial risk than relying on a single tenant.
Take advantage of new zoning rules
Vancouver zoning now allows multiplexes where only single-family homes were permitted before. That means your lot may have development potential that didn't exist a few years ago. We help you figure out what's buildable on your property during your consultation.
Keep everything on one property
Unlike buying rental properties across the city, a multiplex keeps all your units in one place. One lot, one mortgage, one location to manage. No juggling properties in different neighbourhoods or dealing with multiple purchases.
Live in one unit, rent the rest
Many multiplex owners live in one unit and rent out the others. Your tenants cover most or all of your mortgage while you build equity in the entire property. When you're ready to move, you keep the rental income.
Every project is different, but the process stays the same. Here's how we helped a Burnaby family build a home designed for two households.
Tamath, Vancouver
3-unit multiplex
1,700 sq ft added to existing structure
West 16th, Vancouver
3-unit multiplex
4,500 sq ft total
Heritage conversion
Know before you build
Every municipality has different rules
Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey. Each city sets its own limits on density, units, parking, and eligibility. We track the bylaws so you know what’s actually possible on your lot.
Vancouver
Applicable zones:
R1-1 (Residential Inclusive) district schedule (SSMUH / multiplex framework)
Max allowable units:
Up to 6 (multiplex); up to 8 if secured rental (per R1-1 intent)
Max allowable FSR / FAR:
FSR 0.70 (base); can be increased up to 1.00 in specific cases (e.g., secured rental tenure / affordability / amenity shares)
Specific requirements:
Minimum site area/frontage thresholds for 3–6+ units (e.g., 3–4 units at 306 m² min; 5 at 464 m²; 6+ at 557 m²)
Burnaby
Applicable zones:
Consolidated into R1 SSMUH District (replaced prior “R” districts)
Max allowable units:
3 (≤280 m²), 4 (>280 m²), 6 (≥281 m² within FTNA)
Max allowable FSR / FAR:
No fixed max floor area / FSR (removed); buildable area governed by height/setbacks/lot coverage
Specific requirements:
FTNA = within 400m of frequent bus stops; parking can’t be required in FTNAs
Surrey
Applicable zones:
New SSMUH zones (e.g., R3 / R4 etc. in Zoning Bylaw 12000)
Max allowable units:
3 / 4 / 6 depending on lot size + frequent bus stop eligibility
Max allowable FSR / FAR:
R3 (houseplex): FAR 1.0 (first 560 m²) + 0.60 remainder; R3 duplex: FAR 1.0 | R4 (SF): FAR 0.72 (with garage/carport condition)
Specific requirements:
Surrey also flags servicing capacity review at application (water/sewer/drainage constraints)
Coquitlam
Applicable zones:
SSMUH applies per provincial minimums; City has not finalized frequent bus stop requirements
Max allowable units:
Up to 3 (<280 m²) or 4 (280-4,050 m²); 6-unit option not available (no qualifying frequent transit stops)
Max allowable FSR / FAR:
Max FAR details not yet published by city
Specific requirements:
City explicitly says 6-unit near frequent transit doesn’t apply “at this time” (per their current criteria)
Port Moody
Applicable zones:
City SSMUH zones and draft SSMUH CD zone amendments
Max allowable units:
City page: 3 / 4 / 6 depending on lot + frequent bus stop area
Max allowable FSR / FAR:
Draft CD SSMUH regs: FAR 0.7 for 3 units, +0.1 per added unit to max 1.0 for 6 units
Specific requirements:
Frequent service = 400m of bus stops with 15-min or better; also notes parking minimum removal near frequent transit (per provincial framework)
Township of Langley
Applicable zones:
SSMUH eligibility conditions published by Township
Max allowable units:
Varies by zone/lot—confirm maximum unit count for your specific residential zone
Max allowable FSR / FAR:
FSR/FAR varies by zone—city has not published single maximums
Specific requirements:
Published requirements include: must be in Urban Containment Boundary, connected to municipal water & sewer, not heritage-designated, not in a TOA, ≤4,050 m², and not in zones with min lot size > 4,050 m²
White Rock
Applicable zones:
SSMUH zones like RS-2 SSMUH (and area-specific RI-1)
Max allowable units:
RS-2: Up to 4 units, or up to 6 if within 400m of bus stop
Max allowable FSR / FAR:
Explicit “FSR-style” caps: 0.75 (up to 2 units), 0.85 (3–4 units), 0.95 (5–6 units)
Specific requirements:
White Rock also sets minimum lot size/width and other form controls (coverage, landscaping, height) in the SSMUH zone text
Multiplex pricing
What it costs to build a multiplex
Multiplex projects are more complex than single-family homes, so pricing evolves as your project takes shape.
We start with a preliminary estimate based on your goals and property constraints. As we develop the design, the estimate gets more detailed. Once we define the structure and systems, it gets tighter. And when finishes are selected, you get a final number with full detail on every line item.
Once that final estimate is locked in, your price is set. You're never committing to a vague number, and by the time construction starts, you know exactly what you're paying.