Housing Types Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of duplex, triplex, fourplex, sixplex, ADU, laneway, rowhouse, and cottage court — lot needs, costs, and ROI.
Key Takeaways
- BC's SSMUH legislation now permits multiplex housing on most single-family lots province-wide -- your lot width largely determines which types you can build.
- Fourplexes on standard 40-ft lots offer the best density-to-cost ratio, while sixplexes generate the highest total revenue on wider parcels.
- ADUs and laneway houses are the lowest-cost entry point (from $250K) and can be added to any existing home without demolishing the main structure.
- Rowhouses and cottage courts require lots 66 ft or wider but command premium rents due to ground-oriented, private-entrance designs.
- CMHC MLI Select financing favours fourplex and sixplex purpose-built rentals, offering lower insurance premiums for projects that meet affordability and accessibility targets.
BC Government Standard Design Renderings
Duplex
Fourplex
Sixplex
ADU
Renderings from the BC Standardized Housing Designs Catalogue.
Duplex — 2 units on a single lot
Fourplex — 4 units, ideal for larger lots
Laneway House — compact ADU in the backyard
BC Multiplex Housing Types at a Glance
Duplex
A duplex is a single building divided into two self-contained dwelling units, typically arranged side-by-side or stacked. Under BC's SSMUH legislation, duplexes are permitted on virtually all single-family lots across the province.
- Simplest multiplex to build and finance
- Fits standard 33-ft Vancouver lots
- Familiar form for neighbourhood acceptance
- Lowest income potential of all multiplex types
- Limited economies of scale on construction costs
Triplex
A triplex contains three self-contained units within one structure, often with two ground-level units and one upper unit, or a stacked configuration. Triplex zoning is available in most BC municipalities on lots wider than 40 feet.
- Strong rental income with moderate build complexity
- Qualifies for CMHC MLI Select financing in many cases
- Good balance of density and neighbourhood scale
- Requires wider lot than duplex (40 ft minimum)
- More complex plumbing and mechanical layout
Fourplex
A fourplex provides four self-contained dwelling units in one building. Configurations include stacked flats, two-over-two arrangements, or combinations with ground-oriented entries. Permitted on lots 40 ft and wider under most SSMUH bylaws.
- Best density-to-lot-size ratio for standard lots
- Strong rental cash flow supports financing
- Multiple BC standardized designs available
- Three-storey height may face neighbourhood pushback
- Higher construction complexity and cost per unit
- Parking requirements can be challenging on tight lots
Sixplex
A sixplex is a single building containing six self-contained units. These developments are typically permitted on wider lots (50 ft+) and near transit corridors. Sixplex designs often incorporate a mix of unit sizes, from studios to three-bedrooms.
- Highest income potential per single lot
- Excellent economies of scale on per-unit costs
- Strong CMHC financing eligibility for purpose-built rental
- Requires larger lots (50 ft+ width)
- More complex municipal approval process
- Higher upfront capital required
ADU / Garden Suite
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU), also called a garden suite, is a small self-contained unit built on an existing residential lot -- typically in the backyard. BC legislation now permits at least one ADU on every single-family lot province-wide.
- Lowest cost entry point for rental income
- Permitted on any single-family lot across BC
- Can be built while keeping the existing home
- Limited to a single additional unit
- Size caps typically 90 m² (968 sq ft) or less
- May reduce private outdoor space
Laneway House
A laneway house is a detached secondary dwelling accessed from a rear lane. Popular in Vancouver and surrounding cities, laneway homes can be up to two storeys and offer more living space than a typical garden suite due to lane-side access and parking.
- Separate entrance via lane provides better privacy
- Two-storey form allows more livable floor plans
- Strong rental demand in urban neighbourhoods
- Requires rear lane access (not available on all lots)
- Higher construction cost than a garden suite
- Lane setback and fire access requirements can reduce footprint
Rowhouse / Townhouse
Rowhouses (townhouses) are ground-oriented units sharing side walls, each with a private entrance. They offer a familiar streetscape while achieving significant density. In BC, rowhouse developments are typically permitted on wider lots or assembled parcels near transit.
- Ground-oriented units command premium rents
- Each unit has its own entrance and private outdoor space
- Familiar housing form with strong market acceptance
- Requires wide lots (66 ft+) or lot assembly
- Highest total construction costs in this comparison
- Party wall fire separation requirements add complexity
Cottage Court
A cottage court consists of several small detached cottages arranged around a shared courtyard or green space. This model is gaining interest in BC for its village-like character and neighbourhood compatibility, though few municipalities have adopted specific cottage court zoning.
- Village-scale design blends with single-family areas
- Shared courtyard creates strong community feel
- Lower height means fewer neighbourhood objections
- Requires large lots (66 ft+ width)
- Limited municipal zoning support currently
- Individual servicing for each cottage increases costs
Income Potential Comparison
Estimated rental revenue for each housing type based on current Metro Vancouver market rents (2026). Click column headers to sort.
| Monthly Rent Range | Typical Build Cost | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADU / Garden Suite | 1 | $1,800 - $2,200 | $24,000 | $250K - $450K |
| Laneway House | 1 | $2,200 - $2,800 | $30,000 | $350K - $550K |
| Duplex | 2 | $2,400 - $3,200 /unit | $67,200 | $800K - $1.4M |
| Triplex | 3 | $2,000 - $2,800 /unit | $86,400 | $1.0M - $1.7M |
| Fourplex | 4 | $1,800 - $2,600 /unit | $105,600 | $1.2M - $2.0M |
| Sixplex | 6 | $1,600 - $2,400 /unit | $144,000 | $1.8M - $3.0M |
| Rowhouse / Townhouse | 5 | $2,600 - $3,400 /unit | $180,000 | $2.0M - $3.5M |
| Cottage Court | 6 | $1,800 - $2,400 /unit | $151,200 | $1.5M - $3.0M |
Which Type Fits Your Lot?
Your lot width is the single biggest factor in determining which multiplex types you can build. Use this quick-reference guide to narrow your options.
Most lots under 33 ft width cannot accommodate a multiplex. An ADU or laneway house (if lane access exists) is your best option.
Standard Vancouver-width lots support side-by-side or stacked duplex configurations under SSMUH.
Mid-width lots unlock triplex and fourplex potential. A fourplex on a 40-ft lot is one of the best density plays in Metro Vancouver.
Wider lots make sixplex configurations feasible, with room for adequate parking, setbacks, and outdoor amenity space.
Extra-wide or assembled lots open the door to rowhouse, townhouse, and cottage court developments with the highest unit counts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most profitable housing type per square foot in BC?
Fourplexes on 40-foot lots typically offer the best return per square foot in Metro Vancouver. They maximize density on standard-width lots while keeping construction costs manageable. Sixplexes produce higher total revenue but require larger lots that cost significantly more to acquire.
Can I build a sixplex on a standard 33-foot lot in BC?
No. A standard 33-foot-wide lot is too narrow for a sixplex under current BC SSMUH and municipal bylaws. Sixplexes generally require a lot width of at least 50 feet. On a 33-foot lot, your options are typically limited to a duplex or a duplex with an ADU.
Which BC multiplex housing types qualify for CMHC financing?
Purpose-built rental projects with two or more units can qualify for CMHC MLI Select or CMHC Mortgage Loan Insurance. Fourplexes and sixplexes are especially well-positioned because their higher unit counts meet CMHC's affordability and accessibility criteria. ADUs and duplexes also qualify for standard CMHC-insured mortgages through most lenders.
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