VANPLEX

Vancouver | Getting Started Guide

Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing in Vancouver: How to Get Started

Your Vancouver property can now accommodate 4-6 units under R1-1 zoning. This guide covers everything you need to know: how to confirm eligibility, what it costs, how long it takes, and the exact steps to go from homeowner to multiplex developer.

Check your address now

Is your Vancouver property eligible?

Vancouver replaced most single-family zoning with the R1-1 Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing zone in mid-2024. If your property was previously zoned RS (any variant: RS-1, RS-1A, RS-1B, RS-2, RS-3, RS-3A, RS-5, RS-6, RS-7), it is now R1-1 and eligible for multiplex development by right.

Your lot's frontage width determines the maximum number of units. Standard 33-foot (10 m) lots qualify for duplexes. Lots with 44 feet (13.4 m) of frontage -- the most common Vancouver lot width -- qualify for fourplexes. Lots with 50 feet (15.24 m) or more qualify for sixplexes.

Many Vancouver homeowners are surprised to learn their property already qualifies. The change happened automatically when the R1-1 bylaw was adopted -- no action was required on your part. The development potential is available now; you just need to decide whether and how to use it.

Quick eligibility check

  • ✓ Former RS zone (now automatically R1-1)
  • ✓ 33+ ft frontage for duplex
  • ✓ 44+ ft frontage for fourplex
  • ✓ 50+ ft frontage for sixplex
  • ✓ No rezoning application needed

Net-zero bonus

Build to net-zero-ready standards and your FSR increases from 1.0 to 1.25 -- a 25% increase in buildable floor area that often pays for the incremental energy costs.

5 steps to get started

1

Enter your address

Our lookup tool confirms R1-1 zoning, measures frontage, checks transit proximity, and shows your unit capacity. Takes 30 seconds.

2

Review your pro forma

VanPlex builds a financial model specific to your lot: construction costs, soft costs, financing scenarios, and projected profit or rental income. Takes 2-4 weeks.

3

Decide your strategy

Sell all units? Live in one and sell the rest? Hold for rental income? Sell the lot to a developer? We help you compare each option's financial outcome.

4

Design and permit

Our architect team designs within R1-1 parameters, coordinates consultants (arborist, survey, geotech, energy), and manages the permit process with the City of Vancouver.

5

Build and deliver

We manage construction with SSMUH-experienced trades, coordinate inspections, and deliver the project through occupancy, stratification, and sales or rental setup.

Cost estimates for Vancouver SSMUH projects

These ranges reflect all-in costs including land (existing ownership value), construction, soft costs (design, permits, fees), and contingency. Profit assumes sale of all units at current market values.

Project Type Units Total Cost Construction/Sq Ft Typical Profit
Duplex 2 $3.0-4.0M $350-420 $200K-$500K
Fourplex 4 $4.5-6.5M $350-450 $500K-$1.2M
Sixplex 6 $6.0-9.0M $350-450 $800K-$2.0M

Estimates are illustrative. Actual costs and returns depend on specific property, market conditions, design decisions, and financing structure.

What Vancouver homeowners are building

Since R1-1 zoning took effect, Vancouver homeowners have been exploring a range of SSMUH strategies. The most common approach is demolishing an aging single-family home and building a new fourplex on the standard 33x122 lot. These projects typically deliver four 2-3 bedroom units that sell for $1.0-1.5 million each.

Homeowners on wider lots (50+ feet) are pursuing sixplexes, which maximize unit count and total profit. Some are choosing to live in one unit and sell the others -- a popular strategy that lets you stay in your neighbourhood while generating significant equity.

The rental strategy is also gaining traction. Rather than selling units, some homeowners build and hold all units for rental income. A fourplex can generate $8,000-$12,000 per month in gross rental income, and after financing costs, many projects cash-flow positively from day one.

Common strategies

  • Build and sell all units

    Maximize profit by selling stratified units at market value. Best for homeowners who want a lump-sum return.

  • Live in one, sell the rest

    Stay in your neighbourhood in a new unit while using sales from other units to cover all costs.

  • Build and hold for rent

    Generate ongoing monthly income. Ideal for long-term wealth building and retirement planning.

  • Sell the lot

    Your lot is now valued as multiplex land, not single-family land. Selling without building still captures some of the value uplift.

Start with your address

Enter your Vancouver address to confirm R1-1 eligibility, see your unit capacity, and get a preliminary financial estimate.

Explore further

R1-1 Zoning Rules

Technical details on FSR, height, setbacks, frontage thresholds, and parking rules.

SSMUH Vancouver Overview

How Vancouver adopted SSMUH, the R1-1 timeline, and homeowner options.

Build a Multiplex in Vancouver

Step-by-step development guide with detailed costs and timelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my Vancouver home qualifies for small-scale multi-unit housing?
If your home is on a lot that was previously zoned RS (residential single-family) in Vancouver, it is now zoned R1-1 and qualifies for SSMUH. This covers the vast majority of single-family homes across the city. The exception is properties in CD (Comprehensive Development) or other special zones. Enter your address into VanPlex's lookup tool for instant confirmation.
What is the first step to building multiple units on my Vancouver lot?
Start with a feasibility check. Enter your address into VanPlex's property lookup to confirm your R1-1 zoning, lot frontage, unit capacity, and transit proximity. We then prepare a pro forma showing construction costs, financing options, and projected returns. This takes 2-4 weeks and costs nothing until you decide to proceed with design.
How much can I expect to profit from a Vancouver SSMUH project?
Profit depends on location, lot size, unit count, and market conditions. Typical fourplex projects in Vancouver generate $500K-$1.2M in net profit after all costs. Sixplex projects on wider lots can generate $800K-$2.0M. Alternatively, holding and renting can produce $3,000-$8,000 per month in cash flow after financing costs.
Do I need an architect for a Vancouver SSMUH project?
A designer or architect is required for all multiplex projects to prepare drawings for development and building permits. Projects with 5 or more dwelling units specifically require a registered architect under BC's Architects Regulation. For smaller projects (2-4 units), a qualified building designer can prepare the necessary drawings, though many homeowners prefer an architect's expertise for optimizing unit layouts.
Can I build SSMUH units and keep my existing Vancouver home?
In some cases, yes. If your lot has sufficient space, you can add units through laneway houses, secondary suites, or additions without demolishing the existing structure. However, most fourplex and sixplex projects involve demolition and new construction because it is typically more cost-effective and produces better unit layouts. Your architect can assess both options for your specific property.