Burnaby Per-Unit Multiplex Cost: SSMUH Pricing by Unit Count
How Burnaby's SSMUH rules create per-unit cost advantages, with pricing across 3, 4, and 6-unit configurations and strategies to optimize per-unit economics.
Per-unit cost by configuration
3-Unit Triplex
Lots up to 280 m²
$1.07-1.27M/unit
Total project: $3.2-3.8M
4-Unit Fourplex
Lots over 280 m²
$1.0-1.18M/unit
Total project: $4.0-4.7M
6-Unit (Transit)
281 m²+ near frequent transit
$0.85-1.02M/unit
Total project: $5.1-6.1M
SSMUH advantages that lower per-unit cost
- No FSR cap: Build larger units or more total area without triggering density bonus fees. This spreads land cost across more sellable square footage.
- Zero parking (transit lots): Eliminating parking saves $8,000-$15,000 per unit in construction cost and frees land for buildable area
- No rezoning fees: Pre-zoned SSMUH eliminates $5,000-$15,000 in rezoning application costs per project
- Streamlined approvals: Faster permit processing reduces monthly carrying costs, saving $5,000-$10,000 per month during the permit phase
Burnaby vs Vancouver per-unit comparison
Burnaby per-unit costs run 10-15% below Vancouver across all unit counts. The gap is largest for 6-unit transit-adjacent projects where Burnaby's zero-parking and no-FSR-cap rules compound the savings. For a fourplex, expect to save $120,000-$220,000 per unit in Burnaby versus an equivalent Vancouver build.
However, Burnaby unit sale prices also tend to be 10-15% lower. The net ROI advantage depends on the specific neighbourhood, lot, and unit mix. Run a proforma to compare.
FAQs
What is the per-unit cost for a Burnaby SSMUH multiplex?
$1.07-1.27M/unit for 3 units, $1.0-1.18M/unit for 4 units, and $0.85-1.02M/unit for 6 transit-adjacent units.
How does the no-FSR-cap rule affect costs?
It allows larger or more units without density bonus fees, improving per-unit economics by spreading fixed costs across more sellable area.
What SSMUH factors lower per-unit costs?
Zero parking on transit lots (saves $8-15K/unit), no rezoning fees, no FSR cap for more area, and faster approvals that reduce carrying costs.