Article
Multiplexes Are Booming in Vancouver. Will Other Canadian Cities Follow?
February 24, 2026 4 Minute Read
CBRE’s Robert Veerman says multiplexes are taking the Vancouver development market by storm.
“It’s a total disrupter as a new type of housing and could be a gamechanger for families wanting to live in the city,” says Veerman, a senior sales associate who has sold seven multiplex projects to date and has two more under contract. Multiplexes, or residential buildings with up to six units, are a cost-efficient form of housing for developers to build and for families to purchase or rent.
Multiplexes have been growing in popularity since the Province of B.C. passed a law in 2023 allowing small-scale, multi-unit housing in areas previously zoned for single-family homes.
Following the bill’s adoption Vancouver saw $404 million worth of land purchased specifically for multiplex developments. The first batch of projects have been completed, with 13 of them sold out and several more currently up for sale.
“It’s the unit type that people want and need right now,” says Veerman. “The difference in price to build a brand new multiplex unit versus a single-family home can be immense.”
Fully Built Home in Half The Time, Cost
Most development land takes about four to five years to become finished housing. Multiplex projects typically take an average of nine to 12 months from initial application to groundbreaking.
“It’s relatively easy to get a permit for a multiplex in Vancouver,” says Veerman, adding that ~30% of applications are made by homeowners themselves. “It’s an efficient type of development that can quickly add new supply to a city. Compared to all other development forms this is the cheapest and quickest to build.”
Veerman notes that multiplexes are typically thought of as apartment buildings with multiple units. “But I’ve seen some amazing designs, such as multiple standalone buildings on a big lot, creating a village-like setting. These challenge the perception of what a multiplex can be.”
One example is a collection of five family homes on 950 West 57th Avenue in Vancouver’s West Side neighbourhood. The development has three different home types (garden suite, upper townhome and detached townhome) with private entries, covered parking, bike storage and access to outdoor space. It’s slated to be completed later this year.
“I am seeing multiplex designs evolve and get better and better,” Veerman says.
Municipalities Push Back
While the vast majority of B.C. municipalities have complied with the 2023 legislation, infrastructure challenges, parking requirements and neighbourhood opposition have made for a bumpy rollout.
North Vancouver adopted a bylaw amendment to meet legislative requirements, but only 35 lots were eligible for small-scale multiplexes under the new rules, according to Veerman. Burnaby, meanwhile, voted to restrict the number of storeys allowed for multiplexes after residents opposed the size and scale of new projects.
“The lack of clarity and consistency makes it tough,” says Veerman. “People have been investing millions of dollars into building homes while it seems like some municipalities are changing the rules during the process.”
“In many cases the allowable floor space for multiplex projects, particularly in North Vancouver, Coquitlam and Richmond, is so limited that it just makes more sense to build duplexes, triplexes or single-family homes,” he explains.
“Most cities are taking good first steps. Time will tell if there is the desire for these policies to be adjusted.”
Adoptable Elsewhere?
Affordability continues to be a challenge for developers and homebuyers alike. Which is why Veerman expects multiplexes to continue growing in popularity in Vancouver and beyond.
Edmonton has become a leader in building housing after allowing up to eight units and three storeys without having to go to city council for special permission. Toronto city council adopted zoning by-law amendments for laneway suites and multiplexes, expanding permissions for five and six-unit multiplexes in certain areas.
“As policies change, developers get more experience and renter preferences evolve, I can see multiplex becoming a more common housing product type across Canada,” says Veerman.
“The best case scenario is that a homeowner simply goes to city hall, applies for a multiplex building permit and gets approved in 30 to 60 days, helping these projects roll out more efficiently.
“Once the kinks are worked out, multiplexes could prove to be an effective solution to Canada’s housing affordability and supply crisis.”
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