🟢 BC Bill 44 now in effect — as-of-right multiplex zoning across BC Free Lot Assessment →  Get Started
BC Multiplex Development Specialists

Your lot now
qualifies for
up to 6 units.

BC's Bill 44 transformed what landowners can build. We help lot owners and investors turn that policy change into real returns — at no cost to get started.

Why Act Now

Key numbers for BC lot owners & investors

4–6×
Density multiplier
Units now permitted on a typical single-family lot
60%+
Typical value uplift
Average lot value increase after multiplex development
$0
Cost to assess
Complimentary feasibility review for all submissions
72h
Initial response
Our team reviews every inquiry within 3 business days

Two paths.
One trusted team.

01

I Own a Lot

Your property may be worth far more than its current use suggests. We'll show you exactly what's now possible — at no cost and no obligation.

  • Free zoning check under BC Bill 44
  • Know your density entitlements today
  • Explore sell, self-develop, or joint venture options
  • Introductions to architects, planners & builders
  • Development financing connections
  • Realistic market value with multiplex potential included
02

I'm an Investor

We source and vet multiplex opportunities across Metro Vancouver — raw land to shovel-ready projects with confirmed density entitlements.

  • Curated deal flow: land & joint ventures
  • Pre-screened lots with confirmed entitlements
  • Pro-forma analysis with realistic return scenarios
  • Off-market motivated seller access
  • Construction financing introductions
  • Full due diligence support throughout

Simple. Fast. Aligned.

1

Submit Your Details

Complete our short form — address, lot size, and your goals. Takes two minutes.

2

Free Feasibility Review

We check zoning, setbacks, FSR and density entitlements under current BC law.

3

Strategy Call

Sell, develop, or JV — we walk you through each option with clear numbers.

4

Introductions

We connect you with vetted investors, architects, lenders and builders.

130K+Lots newly eligible for multiplex in Metro Vancouver
4–6Units now permitted on a standard BC single-family lot
$0Cost to complete your free feasibility assessment
72hOur response time commitment for every inquiry

Research with
confidence.

Policy

BC Bill 44 — Official Guide

The province's full guidance on as-of-right multiplex zoning and what it means for your lot today.

View Resource →
Valuation

BC Assessment

Look up assessed values, lot dimensions, and comparable sales for any address in BC.

BC Assessment →
Market Data

CMHC Housing Reports

Vacancy rates, rental demand, and housing starts by region from Canada's national housing agency.

Access Reports →

Free lot assessment.
No obligation.

🔒 Your information is never shared or sold.

We'll be in touch shortly.

Expect a response within 1–3 business days.
In the meantime, explore our due diligence resources.

BC Multiplex Development
Pro Forma Model

An illustrative financial model for BC multiplex projects under Bill 44. Use to understand the structure of a development analysis — not as investment advice.

Illustrative purposes only. This model uses industry-standard cost ranges and publicly available rental data from CMHC. Actual costs, timelines, and returns vary significantly. Always engage a qualified quantity surveyor, development consultant, and legal counsel before making any decision.

Project Inputs

Adjust to match your site and scenario

Typical Metro Van: 650–900 sq ft
Wood frame: $250–$350 (BCCA 2024)
CMHC Metro Van avg: $2,400–$3,000
Enter 0 if you own the lot

Cost Estimate

Hard construction costs
Soft costs (15% of hard)
Municipal fees & permits
Contingency (10%)
Lot cost
Total Estimated Cost

Rental Return Estimate

Gross annual rent
Operating expenses (~25%)
Net operating income
Gross yield on total cost
Cap rate
Estimates are illustrative. Request a free site-specific assessment for accurate numbers.

What drives the numbers.

Source: BCCA 2024

Hard Construction Costs

Wood-frame low-rise multiplex in Metro Vancouver typically runs $250–$350 per sq ft for standard finishes.

Source: Industry Standard

Soft Costs

Architecture, engineering, project management, legal, and financing costs typically run 12–18% of hard costs.

Source: Metro Van Municipalities

Municipal Fees

DCCs and permits in Metro Vancouver range from $12,000–$28,000 per unit depending on municipality.

Source: CMHC 2024

Rental Income

Metro Vancouver purpose-built rental: studios $2,000–$2,400, 1BR $2,400–$2,900, 2BR $3,000–$3,500/month.

Source: Industry Standard

Operating Expenses

Property management, insurance, maintenance, and vacancy typically total 20–30% of gross rent.

Source: BC Real Estate Association

Sale Pricing

New strata pricing varies widely by location and finish. Always validate against current MLS comparables.

Get a site-specific analysis.

A real feasibility assessment accounts for your specific zoning, lot dimensions, and current market conditions — at no cost.

Get Free Lot Assessment →

BC Multiplex Development
Checklist

A phase-by-phase guide from eligibility check to occupancy permit. Check off items as you go.

Your Progress0 of 32 items complete
1
Eligibility & Site Assessment
Confirm your lot qualifies and understand what you can build
Weeks 1–2
  • Confirm your municipality is covered by BC Bill 44 Required
    Bill 44 applies to all BC municipalities with populations over 5,000. Most Metro Vancouver cities are covered.
    BC Government Bill 44 Guide →
  • Look up your lot's current zoning Required
    Bill 44 applies to single-family (RS) and duplex (RT) zoned lots.
    BC Assessment Property Search →
  • Determine your density entitlement Required
    Under Bill 44: lots under 280 sq m may permit 3–4 units; lots 280 sq m+ may permit up to 6 units.
  • Review setback, FSR, and height requirements Key Step
    Each municipality sets its own setbacks, floor space ratio, and height limits. Check your city's specific zoning bylaw.
  • Check for covenants, easements, or title restrictions
    Order a title search through BC Land Title and Survey Authority to confirm no restrictions affect development.
    BC LTSA Title Search →
  • Order a preliminary survey if lot dimensions are uncertain Optional
    A BC Land Surveyor confirms exact dimensions and any encroachments. Cost: ~$1,500–$3,500.
2
Pre-Design & Team Assembly
Engage your professional team and establish your project strategy
Weeks 2–6
  • Decide on your path: sell, self-develop, or joint venture Key Step
    Each path has different capital requirements, timelines, and risk profiles.
  • Engage a registered architect (AIBC member) Required
    All BC building permit applications for buildings over two storeys or four units require drawings by a registered professional.
    Find an AIBC Architect →
  • Engage a structural engineer
    Required for all new construction. Your architect can typically recommend one they work with regularly.
  • Request a pre-application meeting with your municipality Key Step
    Most Metro Van municipalities offer pre-application meetings at no cost. Confirm what's permitted and build a relationship with planning.
  • Arrange development financing or confirm equity structure Required
    Construction lenders typically require 20–35% equity and a signed construction contract before advancing funds.
3
Design & Development Permit
Architectural design, municipal review, and development permit approval
Months 2–6
  • Complete schematic design and confirm unit mix Required
    Your architect produces drawings showing unit layouts, building massing, and site plan. Typically costs $10,000–$25,000.
  • Submit Development Permit application Required
    Required before a building permit in most municipalities. Review times typically 4–12 weeks.
  • Respond to municipal design comments and revisions Required
    Expect one or more revision cycles addressing massing, materials, landscaping, or unit mix.
  • Obtain Development Permit approval Key Step
    Issued when the municipality is satisfied with the design. Tied to the approved drawings.
4
Building Permit & Construction Preparation
Engineering drawings, permits, and contractor selection
Months 4–9
  • Complete construction drawings (CDs) Required
    Full architectural and structural drawings required for building permit submission.
  • Submit Building Permit application Required
    Includes all construction drawings, energy compliance documentation, and structural calculations.
  • Pay Development Cost Charges (DCCs) and permit fees Required
    DCCs fund infrastructure upgrades. Typically $12,000–$28,000 per unit in Metro Vancouver.
  • Obtain competitive bids from at least 3 general contractors Key Step
    Request itemized pricing and confirm WorkSafeBC registration and liability insurance.
  • Execute construction contract (CCDC 2 or similar) Required
    Use a standard CCDC contract reviewed by your lawyer. Include construction schedule and payment milestones.
5
Construction & Inspections
Active construction and required municipal inspections
Months 8–18
  • Pass foundation inspection
    Required before pouring concrete. Confirms footing dimensions, reinforcement, and waterproofing.
  • Pass framing inspection
    Confirms structural framing matches approved structural drawings. Required before insulating or drywalling.
  • Pass mechanical and electrical rough-in inspections
    Plumbing, HVAC, and electrical rough-ins must be inspected before walls are closed.
  • Monitor progress and payment certifications Key Step
    Certify progress payments against work completed. Retain 10% holdback as required under the BC Builders Lien Act.
6
Completion & Occupancy
Final inspections, occupancy permit, and transition to use
Final 4–8 weeks
  • Pass final building inspection Required
    Municipal inspector confirms completed work matches approved drawings.
  • Obtain Occupancy Permit Required
    Legal requirement before any unit can be occupied or rented. Issued after final inspection approval.
  • File strata plan (if stratifying units for sale) Required if selling
    A BC Land Surveyor prepares and files a strata plan with BC Land Title. Takes 4–8 weeks, costs $3,000–$6,000.
  • Release holdback after 55-day lien period Key Step
    Under the BC Builders Lien Act, retain 10% holdback for 55 days after substantial completion.

We'll walk you through every step.

Every project is different. A ReValue assessment gives you a site-specific roadmap — at no cost.

Get Free Assessment →

Land & Capital Joint Ventures:
A Practical Primer

How BC multiplex development joint ventures work — structures, profit splits, key agreements, and what to watch for before signing anything.

Not legal or financial advice. Joint venture structures involve complex legal and tax considerations. This primer is educational only. Always engage a qualified BC real estate lawyer and accountant before entering any joint venture agreement.

What is a land & capital joint venture?

A real estate joint venture (JV) is a formal agreement between two or more parties to undertake a development project together, sharing costs, responsibilities, and profits according to a pre-agreed structure.

In BC multiplex development, the most common structure pairs a landowner — who contributes a lot with development potential — with a capital partner or developer — who contributes cash, construction expertise, or both. Bill 44 has made this structure particularly compelling: if your lot now permits 4–6 units, a JV lets you capture that new value without selling outright or financing construction yourself.

The two main contributions

Contribution Type A
Land Equity
  • The lot, with its density entitlements under Bill 44
  • Existing lot value contributed at current market value
  • Landowner retains an interest in the completed project
  • No cash required from the landowner
  • Return comes as a share of profit on completion or sale
Contribution Type B
Capital & Development
  • Construction financing, equity, or both
  • Project management and builder relationships
  • Permitting and approval expertise
  • Takes on execution risk and day-to-day decisions
  • Return comes from development profit after landowner share

Three ways JVs are structured.

Structure 1

Equal Partners

50 / 50

Land and capital are considered roughly equal contributions. Common when the lot value is high relative to construction cost.

Structure 2

Weighted by Contribution

35 / 65

Profit split proportionally to each party's contribution. Most common in Metro Vancouver. Landowner's share reflects the lot's value as a percentage of total project cost.

Structure 3

Preferred Return Model

Floor + upside

Landowner receives a guaranteed minimum (e.g. land value + 10%), with additional upside if the project outperforms. Provides downside protection.

Important: These splits are illustrative starting points. Actual negotiations depend on land value relative to total development cost, the capital partner's risk appetite, and exit strategy. Always get an independent appraisal of your land before negotiating.

What agreements you need.

A handshake is not a joint venture. The following agreements should be drafted by a BC real estate lawyer.

1. Joint Venture Agreement (JVA)

The master agreement governing the entire relationship. It covers: each party's contributions, decision-making authority, how expenses are approved, profit distribution, what happens if one party defaults or wants to exit, and dispute resolution. This is your most important document — do not proceed without one.

2. Option Agreement or Purchase Agreement

The capital partner typically needs certainty that the land will be available for development. This is achieved through either an option to purchase (exercisable on permit approval) or a conditional purchase agreement with milestones attached to permit and financing approvals.

3. Construction Management Agreement

If the capital partner is also managing construction, this formalises their role, fee structure, and accountability. It covers contractor selection, budget management, change order authority, and reporting obligations.

Tax consideration: How a JV is structured has significant GST, income tax, and property transfer tax implications. A bare trust, limited partnership, co-tenancy, or incorporated JV each have different tax treatments. Engage a CPA with real estate development experience before signing.

What to watch for before signing.

  • ⚠️
    No independent land appraisal. Never enter a JV without knowing what your land is independently worth. The capital partner's valuation of your lot sets the foundation for the entire profit split — get your own number first.
  • ⚠️
    No track record from the capital partner. Ask for completed projects, references from previous landowner partners, and confirmation of construction financing relationships.
  • ⚠️
    Vague cost definitions in the JVA. Profit is calculated on net proceeds after costs — make sure the JVA lists every allowable cost category explicitly, with caps where possible.
  • ⚠️
    No exit provisions for delays. Confirm the JVA includes provisions for what happens if permitting takes 18+ months or the capital partner loses financing.
  • ⚠️
    Signing before permits are confirmed. Avoid committing to a fixed profit split before the development permit is in hand. Your land's value increases materially once permits are approved.
  • ⚠️
    No independent legal review. Both parties should have separate lawyers review the JVA. Never use the same lawyer as the capital partner.

Frequently asked questions.

Do I have to sell my land in a JV?
Not necessarily. Many JV structures allow the landowner to contribute the lot's value without formally transferring title until completion. Your lawyer will advise on the most appropriate approach for your situation.
What if the project makes less money than expected?
In a straight profit-share arrangement, both parties share the downside proportionally. In a preferred return structure, the landowner receives their guaranteed floor first before the capital partner takes profit — providing some protection in weaker scenarios.
How is the land valued for the JV?
Typically at current market value determined by a Designated Appraiser (DA) certified under CUSPAP standards. The land value as a percentage of total development cost is the most common basis for establishing the profit split.
Can I compare multiple JV offers?
Absolutely — and you should. The headline split percentage is only one factor. Compare the land valuation used, cost definitions in the JVA, exit provisions, the partner's track record, financing certainty, and timeline commitments.
How long does a typical BC multiplex JV take?
From JV agreement execution to occupancy permit, expect 24–36 months in most Metro Vancouver municipalities. This includes 4–12 months for permitting, 12–18 months for construction, and 2–4 months for completion.

Get a free assessment of your JV options.

ReValue connects lot owners with vetted capital partners and provides independent guidance on structuring fair JV terms — at no cost.

Get Free Assessment →