Vancouver Multiplex

Your Go-To Resource for Vancouver Multiplex Development

Welcome to VanMultiplex.ca

My name is Vassi Balatico, a Vancouver-based Realtor specializing in Vancouver Multiplex Development, Zoning, and Land Assemblies.

In 2023, I participated in the Multiplex Planning Workshops alongside Vancouver's leading builders, designers, and City planners. Collectively, we provided feedback and insight to establish the policy framework. Today, I remain informed of ongoing policy and zoning updates and support my clients with the best resources possible. As an official VANPLEX partner, my clients also have immediate access to a robust property analysis tool. See below for more details on how to Check the Multiplex Potential of your Property.

If you’re considering:

  • Building a Multiplex on your current property, or
  • Selling to a developer or
  • Acquiring your next Multiplex site as a builder or investor

I invite you to contact me for a confidential, no-pressure feasibility study and market valuation.

Recent Multiplex Sites My Clients Have Purchased

To view more of my recent sales

Site Eligibility Overview

Under Vancouver’s updated Multiplex Policy, most properties can be developed into multi-family housing if they meet key criteria, including:

  • Zoning (R1, R3, R4, R5, RT-7, RT-9, FSD)
  • Minimum lot frontage
  • Minimum lot area
  • Lane access
  • Presence of protected or significant trees (on your lot and neighbouring lots)
  • Existing BC Hydro overhead lines and future hydro requirements
  • Soil conditions (including the possibility of artesian wells)

Zoning & Lot Size Requirements

R1-1, R3, R4, R5 Zones

The number of units permitted is determined by a property’s frontage and lot (site) area.

Note: R3, R4, and R5 are new zones introduced within the Broadway and Cambie Corridor Plans. Multiplex regulations within these zones follow the R1-1 bylaw.

Zoning & Lot Size Requirements

RT-7 and RT-9 Zones

The unit count is based on the Site Area

This content was sourced from City of Vancouver www.shapeyourcity.ca. All rights to the original content belong to the respective website. For more information, please visit the guide How-to Guide.

Important Tips for Homeowners & Developers

Multiplex developments apply only to brand-new construction — not renovations, conversions, or adding additional buildings to an existing lot.

Essential due-diligence steps include:

  • topographic survey
  • arborist report for both on-site and adjacent properties’ trees
  • verification of BC Hydro clearance requirements, performed by an electrical engineer or contractor

These factors are often overlooked and can significantly impact cost, design potential, and feasibility.

Because zoning policies are continually evolving, it’s crucial to work with a team that understands the local landscape — including a Realtor experienced in development sites, a local architect or design-build firm, and consultants familiar with Vancouver’s permitting process.

Who can benefit from building a Multiplex?

Downsizing Homeowners

Stay on your current property while unlocking equity. Additional units can be sold to cover development costs — with or without joint-venture partners.

Investors & Developers

Maximize land use and deliver much-needed housing to the market. Multiplexes offer strong long-term value and flexible design options.

Families & Multi-Generational Living

Create a shared property where grandparents, parents, and children all have independent units — while enjoying the benefits of family support, backyard space, and aging in place.

Check Your Multiplex Potential

As an official partner of VANPLEX, my Vancouver clients now have direct access to Multiplex Property Evaluations on demand. Simply enter the property address and Check Your Multiplex Potential.

Unsure if Your Lot Qualifies?

Contact me for a complimentary consultation

Vassi Balatico

778-688-4948 vassi@vassibalatico.com

This robust platform uses the following assumptions:

If you’ve ever wondered if it makes financial sense to build on your property or how to evaluate the financial viability of another property, simply enter the property address and automatically receive a property score and high-level financial evaluation.

  • BC Assessment value
  • Pulls your lot dimensions from Van Maps
  • Total FSR of 1.25 x the lot area
  • Net Zero development (19% bonus density)
  • Additional 6% density for development exclusions
  • Automatically pulls sales figures from the nearby properties to achieve a price per sellable sq. ft.
  • Assumes total development cost of $550 per buildable sq. ft. (hard & soft costs)
  • Assumes a 60% loan to value ratio
  • Assumes 11% financing

Regardless of the property score, my insight and analysis is needed to modify the development assumptions and customize the results.

  • Determine the market value of the property (as opposed to BC Assessment value)
  • Determine the viability of the site (trees, hydro lines, parking, lane access, slope)
  • Evaluate the characteristics of the neighbourhood and important market conditions
  • Determine if you have sufficient equity in your home to proceed with a development
  • As an official partner, you will also have access to qualified, professional developers and builders.

There is no risk and no obligation - just excellent and reliable information from trusted industry experts.

Reciprocity Logo The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB.