Multiplex Calculator: Analyze Any BC Property
Free, instant feasibility analysis powered by real lot data, zoning rules, construction costs, and market comparables across British Columbia.
Run your free analysis
Enter any BC address to see zoning eligibility, unit potential, estimated costs, and projected returns.
How the calculator works
The VanPlex multiplex calculator is not a generic spreadsheet -- it pulls real data for your specific lot and models development scenarios based on actual market conditions.
Lot data retrieval
We pull your lot's exact dimensions, frontage, area, current assessment value, and zoning classification from BC Assessment and municipal records.
Zoning analysis
Based on your lot's zoning and dimensions, we determine how many units are permitted, what FSR applies, and what the optimal building configuration looks like.
Cost modelling
Construction costs are estimated using city-specific per-sqft rates, DCL fees, permit costs, soft costs, and contingency -- calibrated to current market conditions.
Revenue projection
Projected sale prices and rental income are based on MLS comparables for new-build multiplex units in your neighbourhood, updated monthly.
ROI calculation
We calculate Return on Equity (ROE), total profit, cash-on-cash return, and break-even analysis for both build-to-sell and build-to-rent scenarios.
What data powers the analysis
Property data
BC Assessment records for lot dimensions, assessed values, building age, and property classification. Updated annually with interim adjustments.
Zoning rules
Municipal bylaws for each covered city -- unit counts, FSR, setbacks, height limits, parking requirements, and special overlay districts.
Market comparables
MLS sale prices for new-build multiplex units, CMHC rental market data, and construction cost indices from active projects across BC.
How to interpret your results
The calculator produces several key metrics. Here is what each means and what numbers indicate a strong project:
Return on Equity (ROE)
Your profit as a percentage of the equity you invest. For build-to-sell, strong projects deliver 12-20% ROE. Below 10% means the risk-reward ratio may not justify the effort.
Total project cost
Land + construction + DCL + soft costs + contingency. If you already own the land, your effective cost is lower and ROE is higher.
Price per door
Total cost divided by number of units. Lower price per door means better economics. Sixplexes deliver 20-25% better per-door economics than fourplexes on comparable lots.
PlexRank score
Our proprietary ranking (0-100) that combines zoning potential, lot economics, neighbourhood demand, and market timing into a single feasibility score.
Cities covered
- Vancouver
- Burnaby
- Surrey
- Coquitlam
- Richmond
- New Westminster
- North Vancouver
- West Vancouver
- Delta
- White Rock
- Langley
- Langley Township
- Maple Ridge
- Port Coquitlam
- Port Moody
- Abbotsford
- Chilliwack
- Squamish
- Whistler
- Pemberton
FAQs
How does the VanPlex multiplex calculator work?
Enter any BC address and the calculator automatically pulls lot data, zoning rules, and market comparables to model the optimal multiplex scenario for your property.
What data sources does the calculator use?
BC Assessment for property data, municipal bylaws for zoning, MLS for comparables, CMHC for rental data, and current construction cost indices. Updated monthly.
Which cities are covered?
All major BC municipalities including Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Coquitlam, Richmond, New Westminster, Langley, Abbotsford, Squamish, Kelowna, Victoria, and more.
How accurate are the ROI projections?
Projections use actual lot data and current market pricing, making them more accurate than generic calculators. Use them for feasibility screening before engaging professionals for detailed costing.