Helio Urban Development is a Halifax-based builder specializing in fixed-price residential projects. As a general contractor in Dartmouth, Helio delivers a range of housing types at a guaranteed price – from single-family homes and duplexes to triplexes, fourplexes, row houses, townhouses, multi-unit buildings, and rental apartments. This fixed-price model (starting around $168 per sq.ft. for pre-designed builds) ensures quick, ROI-focused construction and cost certainty for clients. Dartmouth's vibrant real estate market makes it an ideal area for Helio's expertise in custom home builds and new construction.
Located on the eastern shore of Halifax Harbour in Nova Scotia, Dartmouth is part of the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). Often called the "City of Lakes," Dartmouth has over 100,000 residents as of 2024 and serves as a growing residential hub opposite downtown Halifax.
It offers the perfect balance of urban convenience and community charm, which has fueled its popularity among homebuyers. A variety of housing options can be found here – from high-rise condos to suburban family homes – providing something for everyone from young families and first-time buyers to investors looking for rental properties. In fact, Dartmouth and Cole Harbour comprise a region of diverse neighborhoods featuring apartments, condos, townhomes, and single-family homes to suit all preferences. This diversity, along with scenic lakes and parks, makes Dartmouth a highly appealing place to live and invest.
Dartmouth is a growing residential area within HRM, benefiting from the region's population boom and development initiatives. The Dartmouth-Cole Harbour area had about 96,165 residents in 2021, up from 92,301 in 2016, reflecting steady growth. New subdivisions, infill projects, and multi-unit developments are expanding housing supply to meet demand. With HRM's population projected to climb from ~460,000 to 525,000 in the next five years, Dartmouth is positioned for continued residential expansion.
All development in Dartmouth must comply with local building constraints and zoning regulations. The HRM Land Use By-law for Dartmouth lays out rules on setbacks, lot coverage, building height, and parking for each zone. For example, a typical single-family (R-1) lot might require minimum yard setbacks (often ~5 to 10 feet on the sides and ~15+ feet front) and a maximum building lot coverage around 35%. Low-density zones generally cap building height at about 35 feet (roughly 2 to 3 storeys), maintaining a human-scale neighborhood feel.
Parking requirements also apply – by law, single-family and two-unit dwellings must have at least one on-site parking space per unit, and multi-unit or row house projects historically needed about 1.25 spaces per unit (though newer "Centre Plan" rules have removed parking minimums for some urban apartment buildings to encourage public transit use). Developers must navigate these zoning parameters for setbacks, lot coverage, height limits, and parking when planning new construction in Dartmouth. Helio's experience with custom home construction in Dartmouth means they are well-versed in these regulations, ensuring each project meets local codes and community standards.
Dartmouth encompasses several distinct sub-areas and neighborhoods, each with its own character and development considerations. Below, we highlight some key regions – Cole Harbour, Westphal, Eastern Passage, Russell Lake, Portland Hills, and Porters Lake – and their residential real estate landscape:
Cole Harbour is a suburban community on Dartmouth's eastern edge, roughly a 15–20 minute drive from downtown Dartmouth and connected via Portland Street. It enjoys close proximity to Halifax while offering a relaxed, family-friendly ambiance. This part of HRM is especially quiet, with established subdivisions and minimal through-traffic.
Residential development in Cole Harbour largely consists of traditional single-family homes on generous lots – many neighborhoods feature detached houses on ~0.25 acre parcels (around 10,000+ sq.ft.), providing space for yards and privacy. In fact, the housing market here is mostly single-family homes, some even with direct water access along lakes or the saltwater inlet.
Being near the Atlantic coast, Cole Harbour residents enjoy easy access to outdoor recreation – there are beaches like Rainbow Haven and trails in Cole Harbour Provincial Park just minutes away.
The community's suburban appeal and amenities (schools, sports facilities, shopping at Cole Harbour Place, etc.) make it ideal for families and those seeking a quiet neighborhood not far from the city.
Suitable housing types in Cole Harbour include single-family houses (often with attached garages), semidetached homes in newer subdivisions, and the occasional townhome or duplex development. Overall, the area's combination of commuter convenience and laid-back lifestyle has kept demand strong for new construction and custom homes in Cole Harbour.
Westphal is an adjacent suburb just north of Cole Harbour, encompassing areas along Main Street and Highway 7 as you head out of the Dartmouth urban core. It offers a mix of suburban and semi-rural settings. Many parts of Westphal are zoned for lower-density or even rural residential use, meaning larger properties and fewer multi-unit buildings. For instance, in the Cole Harbour/Westphal plan area, "R-6" Rural Residential zones permit only single-unit dwellings, reflecting Westphal's more rural heritage.
Lot sizes here can vary widely – from typical subdivision lots around 6,000–10,000 sq.ft. to expansive multi-acre lots in the outskirts. Common developments include single-family homes (some in small newer subdivisions off Main St. or Ridgeview Dr.) and hobby farms or homes on well and septic in the outlying parts.
The suburban sections of Westphal have seen development of split-entry and two-storey houses, especially in the 1980s and 1990s, while remaining pockets of land present opportunities for custom builds on large lots. Zoning nuances are important: certain areas near existing neighborhoods may allow semi-detached homes or duplexes, but large swaths remain essentially rural, preserving Westphal's quiet charm.
Developers find Westphal attractive for its relatively affordable land and the ability to create "country living" style developments within a short drive of Dartmouth. When building in Westphal, one should consider the availability of municipal services (some areas have city water, others rely on wells), as well as community plans that aim to maintain a balance between new growth and the area's natural landscape.
Eastern Passage is a coastal community to the south of Dartmouth, known for its maritime character and scenic ocean views. Located at the entrance to Halifax Harbour (just beyond Dartmouth's Woodside area), Eastern Passage offers unique coastal living within about 20–25 minutes of Downtown Dartmouth. The area has a rich history as a fishing village – illustrated by the iconic boardwalk and shops of Fisherman's Cove – but in recent decades it has also become a popular spot for suburban housing.
Eastern Passage has seen significant residential growth, including new subdivisions like Heritage Hills and single-family home developments catering to first-time buyers. There is also increasing demand for multi-unit properties as the community grows. In fact, Halifax's regional planners have been considering amendments to local policy to allow more multiunit dwellings in Eastern Passage, indicating an openness to apartment buildings or townhouses in appropriate locations.
Current housing stock ranges from older one-story homes and wartime houses to modern two-storeys, semi-detached homes, and some rowhouses. The coastal setting means many properties boast water views or proximity to beaches (McCormacks Beach Provincial Park is nearby).
For developers, Eastern Passage presents new construction opportunities on greenfield sites as well as infill lots. Zoning in established parts historically favored single-family use, but recent developments and planning changes are introducing duplexes, low-rise condos, and senior housing complexes to diversify options.
Buyers here include military families (CFB Shearwater is adjacent), young families attracted by affordable prices, and even investors eyeing rental potential in a picturesque setting. With continued infrastructure improvements and talk of expanded transit links, Eastern Passage is poised for further residential development while retaining its coastal community feel.
Russell Lake refers to the modern residential area around Russell Lake in Dartmouth, often called Russell Lake West. Developed primarily in the 2000s and 2010s as a master-planned community, Russell Lake West exemplifies Dartmouth's newer suburban growth. The neighborhood features a mix of housing types – from executive-style single detached homes and townhouses to contemporary condos and apartments.
Many of the streets (such as Basswood Run, Pearl Drive, and Lakefront Road) have homes built around the lake's natural scenery, with walking trails and parks integrated into the design. Condominium and apartment developments are prominent, especially near Baker Drive and along Russell Lake Drive.
Several mid-rise condo buildings overlook the lake, offering modern condo-style housing with amenities like underground parking and gyms. These have proven popular with downsizers and young professionals. One notable cluster is the series of four apartment buildings (The Ashton, Carrington, Huntington, and Kensington Suites) in the Holtwood Court area – a multi-phase development that attracted institutional investment due to its quality and location.
Portland Hills is an upscale residential neighborhood in Dartmouth, situated on the elevated terrain south of Russell Lake. Developed mainly from the late 1980s through early 2000s, Portland Hills is known for its higher-end homes and impressive views of the Dartmouth skyline and surrounding lakes. The housing here includes large single-family homes – often executive two-storey designs on sizable lots – as well as luxury townhouses and a few modern condo/apartment buildings.
The community's desirability and growth have made it a focal point for some multi-family development in Dartmouth's suburban context. For example, along Portland Hills Drive and at the Portland Hills transit terminal area, there are new luxury apartment buildings offering "upscale suburban living" with expansive views and amenities. These projects reflect the multi-family development potential in what was once exclusively single-family territory.
Zoning in Portland Hills initially was largely R-1 (single unit), but over time portions have been rezoned or developed via development agreement to allow townhome condos and apartments (often geared towards empty-nesters and retirees). Investors show strong interest in the area given its reputation – rental units in Portland Hills command solid rents due to the neighborhood's prestige and convenience.
Residents have easy access to Portland Street's services, nearby Portland Estates Elementary and other schools, and recreational spots like Morris Lake and the trails on Portland Hills greenbelt. New construction opportunities in Portland Hills today are somewhat limited to infill or redevelopment (as most greenfield land is built out), but when they arise, they tend to be upscale projects. Whether it's a custom high-end home or a boutique condo building, development in Portland Hills continues to cater to the higher-end market, adding to the area's status as one of Dartmouth's most sought-after addresses.
Porters Lake is a rapidly growing community just outside the Dartmouth suburban fringe, approximately 20 minutes east of Dartmouth, NS. Centered around the long, expansive Porters Lake, this area offers a unique blend of rural appeal and suburban convenience. Many people choose Porters Lake for its serene, nature-infused lifestyle coupled with close proximity to urban amenities – essentially the best of both worlds.
The community is known for its scenic beauty: lakefront properties, forested lots, and opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking abound. Housing in Porters Lake is diverse. You'll find a mix of older cottages (some converted to year-round homes), traditional single-family houses on large lots, and new developments like the recent Seven Lakes community off Highway 7. These newer projects introduce subdivision living (with modern single-family homes and semi-detached units) while preserving green space.
Lot sizes tend to be larger than in the city – it's not uncommon to see one-acre parcels or more, especially outside the new subdivision nodes. This allows flexibility in what can be built, from bungalows with detached garages to multi-generational homes with secondary suites.
The area's land use zoning (covered by the Planning Districts 8 & 9 Land Use By-law) includes designations like RE (Rural Enterprise), which permit a variety of residential and some business uses on the same lot. For example, a homeowner could build a single-family house and operate a small home-based business or build accessory structures more freely than in urban zones. Such flexibility appeals to investors and entrepreneurs.
While there may not be multi-storey apartment buildings in Porters Lake (due to lack of central sewer/water in much of the area), rental opportunities exist in the form of secondary suites, duplexes, or small-scale rental complexes that fit the rural context. As one of Nova Scotia's fastest-growing communities, Porters Lake has seen increased interest from both homebuyers and developers. Infrastructure improvements, like the new high school and upgraded highway interchanges, make the area even more attractive for residential projects. Anyone looking to build in Porters Lake will appreciate the community's supportive approach to development that aligns with maintaining the natural environment and lakeside charm.
Residential development in Dartmouth can take many forms. Here's a comparison of common housing types and some local code/zoning considerations for each:
These are standalone detached houses, typically on their own lot (zoned R-1 or similar). Single-family homes offer privacy and are the predominant housing type in Dartmouth's suburban neighborhoods. Local zoning usually allows one dwelling per lot, though recent by-law changes now permit auxiliary units like secondary or backyard suites in some cases.
A single-family build must respect lot requirements (e.g. minimum lot size ~5,000 sq.ft., setbacks around 5–8+ feet, etc.) and height limits (~35 ft in most areas). Building code requirements are straightforward, focused on health, safety, and structural standards for a single dwelling.
For example, if a secondary suite is added (basement apartment), a fire separation (typically a 30-minute to 1-hour fire-rated assembly) is required between units per the Nova Scotia Building Code. Single-family homes typically require at least one dedicated parking space on the property (e.g. a driveway or garage).
A duplex contains two separate units, either side-by-side (semi-detached style) or up-down. Dartmouth's R-2 zoning or two-family residential zones permit duplexes on larger lots. These properties suit investors or multi-generational families, as one unit can be rented while the owner occupies the other.
When building a duplex, each unit must have its own entrance and adhere to building code fire separation standards (a party wall with at least a 1-hour fire resistance rating between the two units is required).
Zoning bylaws mandate sufficient lot size and frontage for duplexes (often larger than single-family minimums) and may require the building to resemble a single house in some districts (to maintain neighborhood character).
Off-street parking for two vehicles (one per unit) is generally required. Height and massing restrictions are similar to single-family homes, though some areas allow duplexes to be a bit larger in lot coverage. Overall, duplexes provide a custom home construction solution that doubles up on housing density without needing apartment zoning.
These are buildings with three or four independent units, respectively – essentially like an expanded duplex. In Dartmouth, triplexes/fourplexes might be allowed in R-2 or R-3 zones, or by site-specific approval, depending on the neighborhood. They often take the form of large converted homes or purpose-built multiplexes.
Each unit in a triplex/fourplex must meet code for fire separation (walls and floors between units with appropriate fire ratings) and have proper egress (exit windows, doors for each unit, etc.).
From a zoning perspective, the lot size and width usually must be significantly larger to accommodate multiple units, and additional parking (often 3 or 4 total spaces) is required on-site. Design-wise, the HRM may require triplex/fourplex buildings to blend with surrounding homes (for example, entries on the side or back, so it doesn't read as a big apartment).
These housing types are great for rental property in Dartmouth, offering higher density while still fitting into residential neighborhoods. Builders need to factor in slightly more complex plumbing/electrical layouts (one per unit) and possibly sprinklers (if the building area or height triggers that requirement under code).
Row houses (townhouses) are attached homes in a linear arrangement, each unit with its own entrance. Dartmouth has townhouse developments in areas like Portland Hills, Cole Harbour, and Russell Lake. Townhouses can be freehold (each on its own fee-simple lot) or condo/condominium style.
Local zoning often treats a row of townhouses as a multi-unit development: for instance, a group of townhomes may be allowed in an R-3 (multiple dwelling) zone or via a development agreement. The building code requires fire-rated party walls between every unit to prevent the spread of fire along the row. Usually, each townhouse shares walls with neighbors on either side (except end units) and those walls must be structurally independent or fire-separated through the roofline.
Dartmouth bylaws also enforce height limits (generally 2 or 3 storeys tall, aligning with ~35 ft height max) and often a maximum number of contiguous units (to avoid an overly long row – e.g. a limit of 8 units per block in some plans). Parking for townhouses is typically provided via driveways or a parking lot; older standards call for roughly 1.25 spaces per unit for rowhouse projects, which often translates to each unit having at least one driveway space plus some visitor parking.
Townhouses are a popular real estate development choice because they balance land efficiency with the feel of individual homes. Developers in Dartmouth use townhouses to achieve medium density – offering more affordable ownership options for first-time buyers and new families, while complying with lower-rise building requirements of suburban areas.
Multi-unit housing refers to apartment buildings or condo buildings with five or more units. These range from low-rise (two to four storey walk-ups) to mid-rise buildings (five to six storeys with elevators) in Dartmouth – high-rise towers are less common on the Dartmouth side, but do exist in specific areas like Highfield Park.
Multi-unit developments require the appropriate zoning (such as R-4, or the new Centre Plan designations in certain districts) and must adhere to more stringent building codes given the scale. For example, apartment buildings above a certain size must have sprinkler systems, elevators (if over 3 stories or as required by accessibility rules), and common area facilities that meet fire code (exit stairwells, alarm systems, etc.).
Zoning bylaws set height limits and density caps; many parts of Dartmouth had a 35 ft height limit for apartments unless a development agreement allowed more, though the Centre Plan has introduced new height categories in select growth areas. Parking requirements for apartments have been evolving – traditionally about 1.25 spaces per unit as noted, but now downtown Dartmouth and transit-connected areas have no minimum parking requirement for multi-unit buildings to encourage transit-oriented development.
Multi-unit buildings can take various forms: a small 6-unit rental on a residential street, a 30-unit condo near a commercial center, or a mixed-use building with ground-floor retail in downtown Dartmouth. Real estate investors are keen on multi-units here, as Dartmouth's vacancy rates are low and demand for rentals is high.
Developers must work closely with HRM planning to ensure multi-unit projects include adequate landscaping, meet setback and lot coverage rules, and contribute positively to the neighborhood. Helio Urban Development has experience managing such complexities, offering design-build services for apartment construction under a fixed-price model that helps keep these larger projects on budget.
Housing affordability is a key consideration in the Halifax region, and there are several programs and incentives aimed at supporting the development of affordable homes. In Nova Scotia, the provincial government has an Affordable Housing Development Program which supports the creation of affordable units – private developers and community housing organizations can apply for funding through this program. This can assist in making a new multi-unit project viable if a portion of the units are offered at below-market rents.
Federally, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers programs like the National Housing Co-Investment Fund and the Rapid Housing Initiative. In fact, the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) has injected funding into HRM to create new permanent affordable housing quickly. These programs often provide grants or low-cost financing to encourage building rental units for vulnerable populations.
At the municipal level, Halifax has also taken steps to incent affordable development. The Halifax Affordable Housing Grant Program recently (2023–24) allocated about $6.3 million to eight affordable housing projects in the region. Developers building in Dartmouth could potentially benefit from such grants or density bonuses (whereby projects that include affordable units might be allowed additional density or other concessions under city planning policies).
While Dartmouth-specific incentives may not be separate from the broader HRM programs, any project in Dartmouth that aims to include affordable housing can tap into these federal/provincial/municipal resources.
For homebuyers, there are also incentives like the first-time home buyers rebate on the provincial land transfer tax and federal first-time buyer programs, which indirectly support the market for entry-level homes that Helio might build. Additionally, the Nova Scotia government and HRM have been exploring inclusionary zoning and special planning areas to fast-track housing development, some of which target Dartmouth and environs.
Importantly, Helio Urban Development's fixed-price model is itself an advantage for those concerned with affordability. By locking in construction costs from the start and using cost-efficient, pre-optimized designs, Helio helps clients avoid budget overruns. This approach brings predictability, which is valuable for non-profit housing groups, investors in rental housing, or any buyer working within a strict budget. In summary, whether or not one secures external funding or grants, Helio's way of doing business – delivering projects at a set price – provides a form of financial certainty that aligns well with the goals of affordable housing initiatives.
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia offers tremendous potential for residential real estate development. It's a community with a growing population, diverse neighborhoods, and a strong demand for new housing. From the quiet streets of Cole Harbour to the vibrant new builds around Russell Lake, the Dartmouth side of Halifax Harbour is thriving with construction activity and opportunities. The area's appeal – a mix of urban and suburban lifestyles – attracts a wide range of residents, ensuring that everything from single-family homes to modern apartments will continue to be in demand. With reasonable land costs (compared to Halifax's peninsula), supportive local programs, and new infrastructure, Dartmouth is poised for sustainable growth in its housing sector.
Helio Urban Development is proud to be part of this growth. Our team's expertise in fixed-price, turnkey construction spans all the product types discussed, and we excel at guiding clients through Dartmouth's regulatory environment to make their vision a reality. If you're considering building a home or an investment property in Dartmouth – whether it's a custom family house, a row of townhouses, or a multi-unit rental building – Helio's efficient and cost-effective process can add value to your project. We handle everything from design and permits to the final build, so you can focus on the end result: a quality building delivered on time and on budget.
We're excited to help homeowners and investors capitalize on all that Dartmouth has to offer, with reliable fixed pricing and a passion for creating homes in this exciting market.
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