Venture Pacific

Free PDF guide

What it costs to build a multiplex in Metro Vancouver

The complete cost picture for a Metro Vancouver multiplex: hard costs, soft costs, city fees, financing, the pro forma that ties them together, and what the land itself is worth.

39 pages, 7 parts, 6 sources. Written by Trent Praski. Figures re-verified 2026-09-06.

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What it costs to build a multiplex in Metro Vancouver

PDF, 39 pages

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What is inside

  1. Overview

    What it costs to build a multiplex in Metro Vancouver.

  2. Part 1

    Multiplex hard costs: what the building itself costs to put up

    Cost per square foot, and the site conditions that move it.

  3. Part 2

    Multiplex soft costs: design, consultants, and everything before the shovel

    Design, engineering, and consultant fees, and when each is paid.

  4. Part 3

    City fees on a Metro Vancouver multiplex: DCL, ACC, DCC, and permits

    DCL, the new Amenity Cost Charge, DCC, and permit fees.

  5. Part 4

    Financing a Metro Vancouver multiplex: lenders, draws, and equity

    Lenders, loan-to-cost, draw schedules, and the partnership route.

  6. Part 5

    Reading a multiplex pro forma: revenue, margin, and sensitivity

    Revenue, margin, and the sensitivity tests that matter.

  7. Part 6

    What your lot is worth: sell, partner, or hold

    How lots are valued, and the sell, partner, or hold decision.

Key points from the guide

  • A Metro Vancouver fourplex typically costs $2.8 million to $4.2 million to build before land, across Venture Pacific's own projects.
  • Hard construction runs $350 to $550 per square foot and is applied to gross building area, not the sum of unit sizes.
  • Soft costs add 12 to 18 percent of hard costs, and most of it is spent before a lender advances anything.
  • Vancouver's Amenity Cost Charge starts 30 September 2026 at $2.32 per square foot below 1.2 FSR and replaces density bonusing.
  • Land belongs in the budget at market value even when the owner already holds it outright.
  • A lot that does not support a viable project is a legitimate feasibility outcome, and it is better found early.
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