Tools · Metro Vancouver
Will a multiplex make money on your lot?
Enter an address and you get a proforma for that lot: the unit mix its zoning supports, what the build is likely to cost, what the finished units are worth, and what is left at the end.
It costs nothing to run. Before it shows the numbers, the calculator asks for your name, email and a phone number, and texts you a code to confirm it. That's how the report reaches you, and how we can look at your lot properly and tell you what the tool can't see. Would rather not leave your details? Ask us and we'll run it for you.
This is a first-pass estimate built from public data: assessments, listings and nearby sales. It's a good first check, but it can't see your soil, trees, servicing, easements, or what your design actually costs to build. Confirm zoning with the city and get a real budget from a builder before you make a decision.
What you'll see
Four questions, answered.
What can you build?
Roughly how many units your lot's zoning allows.
What will it cost?
A first number for the construction and project costs.
What could the finished homes sell for?
Based on what similar places nearby have sold for.
Do the numbers work?
What's left after the costs come out.
Before you start
What you'll need
- The property address. That's it, the rest is looked up for you.
- About eight seconds. The model runs across your actual lot, not a generic template.
- Your name, email and a phone number you can receive a text on. The calculator asks for these before it shows the numbers.
Want the zoning answer first, how many units your lot permits, setbacks, and whether a Development Permit applies? Start with the Burnaby lot eligibility tool.
Already know you want to build? See how we run a multiplex build.
Common questions
Proformas, in plain English.
What is a multiplex proforma?+
A proforma is the financial model for a project before you build it. It sets out what the land costs, what construction and soft costs will run, what the finished units are worth or rent for, and what is left over. For a multiplex it also has to account for the unit mix your lot's zoning allows, because the number of units drives almost everything else in the model.
What do I need to run one?+
The property address. The calculator pulls the lot's own data, assessment and listing records, zoning and transit proximity, and comparable sales, then builds the model from there. You do not need to know your lot dimensions or your zone code in advance.
Which cities does the calculator cover?+
Coverage is strongest across Metro Vancouver, with city-specific models for Burnaby, North Vancouver, Coquitlam and Richmond, and broader coverage elsewhere in the region and the Fraser Valley. Some addresses fall outside the modelled zones and will return a general result instead of a full proforma. If yours does, get in touch and we will look at it directly.
How accurate are the numbers?+
Treat them as a first check, not a budget. The model uses real assessment, listing and comparable data, but it cannot see your soil conditions, your tree bylaw exposure, servicing upgrades, easements, or what your design actually costs to build. Those are the things that move a real budget, and they are what we go through with you in person.
Is it free, and is there a limit?+
There is no charge. Before it shows you the numbers it does ask for your name, email and a phone number, and it texts a code to confirm the phone, so it is free in money but not anonymous. VanPlex, who provide the calculator, also cap visitors at three proformas per week and will offer you a membership past that. If you want more than three lots looked at, or would rather not leave your details in a form, send the addresses to us and we will run them.
What is the difference between this and the lot eligibility tool?+
The Burnaby lot eligibility tool answers the zoning question, how many units your lot permits under SSMUH, what your setbacks are, and whether you need a Development Permit. This one answers the money question. Most people want both, so start wherever your bigger unknown is.
Next step
The numbers looked good. Now what?
Bring us the proforma and we'll tell you what it misses. We build multiplexes in Burnaby and across the Lower Mainland. If the lot is a bad one, we will say so.