The Rise of the Multiplex: Building the Future of Housing in Vancouver

What Is a Multiplex?

A multiplex represents the next evolution in Vancouver’s housing landscape. It is a single residential building divided into multiple self-contained homes. Typically ranging from three to six units, multiplexes offer homeowners the opportunity to accommodate extended family, generate rental income, or create a sustainable investment property while remaining in their own neighbourhood.

Vancouver’s new zoning reforms, called the Multiplex, allow more homeowners to replace older single-family homes with multi-unit dwellings, transforming underused lots into vibrant, community-friendly housing.

Why Build a Multiplex in Vancouver?

1. Maximize Land Value

In today’s market, land is the most valuable asset. A multiplex allows for more efficient use of that land—providing up to six homes where only one once stood, significantly increasing the property’s long-term value.

2. Generate Passive Income

Multiplexes provide consistent rental income and strong investment returns, whether you live in one unit and rent out the others or build entirely for investment.

3. Support Family Living

Multiplex homes are ideal for multi-generational families, allowing parents, grandparents, and children to live nearby while preserving their privacy and independence.

4. Sustainability and Efficiency

Modern multiplexes are designed to meet BC Energy Step Code standards, often incorporating Passive House principles for energy savings and lower utility costs.

Vancouver’s New Multiplex Zoning Rules

The City of Vancouver permits multiplexes on most single-detached lots. The regulations vary based on your lot size and location, but here are some general guidelines:

Up to 4 units on standard lots (33 ft wide)

Up to 6 units on larger lots (50 ft or more)

Required 1 parking space per 2 units (or less in transit-rich areas)

Height up to 3 storeys permitted in many RS zones

To confirm your eligibility, homeowners should request a zoning and feasibility assessment from a licensed designer or builder.

What Does It Cost to Build a Multiplex in Vancouver?

Costs vary depending on design, size, and finishes, but here’s a general range:

• Soft costs (permits, design, engineering): $40,000 – $250,000
• Construction costs: $210 – $450 per sq.ft.
• Total project cost: typically $1.5M – $3.5M

Metro Vancouver Design Build offer turnkey solutions — managing design, permitting, construction, and warranty from start to finish.

Before signing a contract, ask for:
✅ A detailed cost breakdown
✅ Timelines and permitting expectations
✅ Warranty details (look for 2-5-10 Home Warranty).

Key things to ask/check when you speak multiplex builder:

• What zoning and lot size are effective: Under the new “multiplex” regime, you can typically build duplexes, triplexes, or 4-6 unit buildings depending on lot width, proximity to transit, and other factors.
• A comprehensive feasibility study that includes cost estimates, projected revenue (for rental or sale), and a construction timeline.
• Construction contract type: fixed price vs cost-plus, what’s included (permit, design, site work, finishes)
• Implications for sustainability and operating costs include the importance of good insulation, the use of efficient systems, and the potential for long-term value.

it’s a new way to live, invest, and build community. By transforming single-family lots into thoughtfully designed multi-unit homes, homeowners can unlock the full potential of their property while contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive city.

If you’re considering a new multiplex build in Vancouver, now is the time to start your feasibility study and design planning — before demand and permitting timelines grow longer.