Burnaby Multiplex Cost: SSMUH Construction Pricing in 2026
What to budget for a multiplex under Burnaby's R1 SSMUH regulations, including construction, permits, DCLs, and how costs compare to Vancouver.
Construction costs: $350-420 per square foot
Burnaby multiplex construction costs run 5-10% below Vancouver, reflecting lower site complexity and a competitive contractor market familiar with SSMUH projects. With no FSR cap under Burnaby's R1 rules, you can often build more square footage per lot, improving per-unit economics.
Hard Construction
$1.75-2.1M
5,000 sqft fourplex
DCL Fees
$120-170K
Area-dependent
SSMUH Permits
$20-45K
Dev + building
Total budget: Burnaby fourplex
- Land: $1.8-2.4M -- significantly lower than Vancouver's $2.5-3.0M range
- Construction: $1.75-2.1M -- competitive pricing with growing SSMUH contractor pool
- DCL and municipal fees: $120-170K -- lower than Vancouver's $150-210K range
- Soft costs: $250-350K -- architecture, engineering, surveys, legal
- Contingency (10%): $180-220K
- Total project cost: $4.5-5.2M with anticipated sales of $5.5-6.5M
Burnaby vs Vancouver cost comparison
Burnaby's SSMUH framework creates meaningful cost advantages. The absence of FSR caps means more buildable area without triggering bonus density fees. Permit processing tends to be faster, reducing carrying costs. Land values are 15-25% lower for comparable lot sizes, making the entry point significantly more accessible.
The trade-off is that Burnaby unit sale prices tend to be 10-15% below equivalent Vancouver units, so both sides of the equation shift. Run a proforma to see which city delivers better ROI for your specific lot.
FAQs
How much does a Burnaby multiplex cost to build?
A typical fourplex costs $4.5-5.2M total, roughly 10-15% less than an equivalent Vancouver project.
What are Burnaby SSMUH permit costs?
Permits run $20,000-$45,000 combined, with DCLs of $120-170K depending on area and unit count.
Is Burnaby cheaper than Vancouver for multiplex construction?
Yes, by 10-15% overall. Lower land costs, competitive construction rates, and streamlined SSMUH permitting all contribute.