Build a Sixplex in North Dartmouth

The sixplex offers three key advantages over smaller buildings: (1) CMHC MLI Select eligibility requires 5+ units, unlocking lower rates, higher leverage, and 50-year amortization; (2) Economies of scale reduce per-unit costs by 10-15% through shared mechanical systems and construction efficiency; (3) Reduced transaction costs by building one 6-unit project versus multiple smaller projects. The sixplex is the minimum efficient scale for professional multifamily development.

Plan for $500,000-$650,000 in equity depending on financing structure. With CMHC MLI Select, you may leverage up to 95% of project costs, reducing equity to approximately $115,000-$130,000 on a $2.3M project. However, MLI Select has strict qualification criteria. Conventional construction loans require 20-25% equity ($460,000-$575,000). Helio helps identify the optimal financing structure for your situation.

CMHC Multi-Unit Mortgage Loan Insurance (MLI) Select is a program for purpose-built rental projects of 5+ units. Benefits include: (1) Interest rates 50-100 basis points below conventional financing; (2) Up to 95% loan-to-value; (3) Amortization periods up to 50 years; (4) Premium reductions for meeting accessibility, affordability, or energy efficiency criteria. A sixplex is the smallest building that qualifies, making it the entry point to institutional financing.

Minimum lot requirements for sixplex development are 7,000 square feet with 50 feet of frontage. Typical lots are 7,500-10,000 sqft. In Halifax, suitable lots are found in ER-3 zones (North End, West End) and HR-1 zones (near transit corridors). Corner lots are ideal for dual access and design flexibility. Helio's site sourcing service identifies qualifying lots in target neighborhoods.

Total project timeline from site acquisition to stabilized occupancy is typically 16-22 months: Site analysis and acquisition (4-8 weeks), Design and engineering (8-12 weeks), Permitting (10-16 weeks), Financing (6-10 weeks, often concurrent with permitting), Construction (6 months), Lease-up (2-4 months). Helio's turnkey service manages all phases, providing regular progress updates and milestone tracking.