The Future of Real Estate Investment: Multiplex Small-Scale Housing in British Columbia
The real estate landscape in British Columbia is undergoing a significant transformation. With recent legislative changes promoting multiplex small-scale housing, investors have a unique opportunity to participate in a growing market while contributing to community development. In this post, we’ll explore what multiplex housing is, the legislation behind it, and how it benefits investors and communities alike.
What Is Multiplex Small-Scale Housing?
Multiplex housing refers to developments that allow multiple residential units on lots that were previously zoned exclusively for single-family homes. Depending on the location, new zoning laws now permit four to six units on a single lot, making it possible to create high-quality, multi-unit properties that offer more housing options for families, downsizers, and first-time buyers.
Legislation Driving Change
In an effort to address housing shortages and affordability, the British Columbia government introduced Bill 44, which mandates that municipalities pre-zone former single-family lots for multiplex housing. Here’s a breakdown of the key provisions:
- June 30, 2024 Deadline: Municipalities were required to update zoning bylaws to allow four to six units per lot without requiring a rezoning process.
- Fast-Tracked Approvals: In select municipalities like Vancouver and Burnaby, developers can skip the rezoning process and obtain building permits within 10-12 months
- Unit Configuration Flexibility: Cities retain some discretion over unit sizes, sales structures (strata vs. rental), and parking requirements.
- These changes significantly reduce bureaucratic hurdles for developers and investors, cutting down investment timelines from 6-8 years to approximately 2.5 years.
- December 31, 2025 – Cities must update their Official Community Plans to reflect new multiplex zoning regulations.
These deadlines are crucial as they mandate municipalities to adapt their zoning laws to accommodate multiplex housing, ensuring faster development approvals and addressing housing shortages in British Columbia.
Why This Matters to Investors
Why This Matters for Investors
The introduction of multiplex zoning creates new investment opportunities in formerly exclusive single-family neighborhoods. Here’s why investors should take note:
1. Shorter Development Timelines
Traditional multifamily projects require years of rezoning approvals, public hearings, and city council deliberations. With multiplex housing, pre-zoned properties eliminate these delays, allowing for faster project execution and quicker returns.
2. Strong Market Demand
The demand for affordable, family-oriented housing in urban centers is at an all-time high. Multiplex units provide ground-oriented housing with private entrances, backyards, and garages—amenities that appeal to both families and downsizers..
3. Lower Investment Risk
Multiplex developments offer lower financial and regulatory risks compared to high-rise condominiums or large multifamily projects. With pre-zoned properties, investors avoid rezoning uncertainties and benefit from predictable construction costs and timelines.
4. Attractive Returns
Investors in multiplex housing can expect projected annual returns of 16-20%*, with investment timelines of approximately 2.5 years. By spreading investments across multiple sites, funds like Laidler Capital minimize exposure to single-project risks while maximizing profitability.
5. Contribution to Community Growth
Beyond financial returns, multiplex investments support sustainable urban growth by increasing housing supply in high-demand areas. These projects help keep families closer together, allowing younger generations to remain in the communities they grew up in
The Future of Multiplex Housing Investments
With 30,000 former single-family lots in Burnaby alone now eligible for multiplex development, investors have an unprecedented opportunity to enter this market. The key to success lies in strategic site selection, partnering with experienced builders, and leveraging expert underwriting to ensure profitability.
Laidler Capital Fund specializes in identifying high-potential multiplex development opportunities in Metro Vancouver. The fund targets pre-zoned projects with short investment horizons, strong builder partnerships, and minimized market risk. If you’re looking to diversify your portfolio and participate in BC’s housing transformation, multiplex housing is a compelling opportunity.
Want to Learn More?
Join our upcoming Small Builder Showcase on March 27, 2025, featuring a fireside chat with Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon. This event will provide deeper insights into multiplex housing investments and government housing policies. Click Here to Register
Please consult the confidential offering memorandum relating to a particular securities offering. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance
Cynthia Aasen Registered Licensed Dealing Representative
https://cynthiaaasen.comFor the past 25+ years, Cynthia Aasen has specialized in helping individuals, businesses and small institutions add real estate to their financial portfolios. Cynthia’s expertise is diverse – real estate syndication, development, multi-family value-add and strata ownership. Cynthia has exclusively focussed on investment real estate opportunities.