What are Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH or Multiplexes)?
SSMUHs or simply multi-units or multiplexes refer to dwellings which (through the new BC Provincial Bill 44) are now allowed to be accommodated on a single-family property lot with a maximum of four units.
The types of SSMUH allowed include:
Secondary Suites and Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), like garden suites or laneway homes.
Per the new legislation: Secondary suites and/or accessory dwelling units are allowed province-wide in single-family residential zones where three- to six-unit zoning is not required, in all municipalities and regional district electoral areas.
Triplexes and Quadruplexes
Per the new legislation: Three to four units of small-scale, multi-unit housing must be permitted on each parcel of land, if zoned exclusively for single-family or duplex residential, which are:
- Wholly or partly within an urban containment boundary established by a regional growth strategy, or
- Within a municipality with a population greater than 5,000 and is wholly or partly within an urban containment boundary established by an official community plan, or
- In a municipality with a population greater than 5,000 that does not have an urban containment boundary
Town Homes
How do I determine if my property is zoned for multi-unit housing?
1. You can review the zoning bylaws for your city to make sure you qualify. Cities were required (by June 30, 2024) to update their bylaws accordingly.
2. At Build Our City, we are up to date with the latest real estate regulations. We can explain the bylaws that apply to your property and provide additional information on its viability with the new zoning. Contact us.
How do I Maximize Value on a Multi-unit Zoned Property?
With the new multi-unit legislation there are opportunities for single-dwelling property owners to maximize their property value in a sales transaction. If you are thinking of selling, we can provide a detailed analysis of the current value of your home to ensure you maximize your property value. Book an appointment with one of our representatives to get started.
At Build Our City we are always in the know, let us help you maximize your property value!
Our proven track record in multi-unit sales:
At Build Our City, our focus on multi-unit spans several years. We are excited to see the Provincial Government has put legislation in place to address home shortages through this avenue. We have significant experience working with home-owners across the Lower Mainland and Greater Victoria Area to maximize their property value. Through our extensive network, we source builders and land developers who are interested in purchasing properties with high multi-unit dwelling potential to get the best value for our clients.
View our past multi-unit sales
How we can Help?
We have a proven rack record in selling multi-units across the Lower Mainland of BC. We can get you the best value for your multi-unit site. View our past sales.
Additional Resources
Interested In Transit Oriented Areas (TOA)?
Transit Oriented Areas (TOA) are areas close to train stations and rapid bus hubs where higher density is legislated across BC. This bill (Bill 47) is a separate from the Small Scale Multi-unit Housing Bill (Bill 44) and calls for six storeys and above. Learn more.
Additional TOA Information:
SSMUH and TOA Scenarios in British Columbia
Transit Oriented Development Areas (Bill 47)