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Build a Fourplex

The ideal entry point for residential development with strong returns and manageable risk

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Fourplex — modern multi-unit building illustration
Starting From
$691,200
$160,000 per unit - Fixed price, turnkey delivery
4
Units
$8,000+
Monthly Income
6
Month Build
5%
Target Cap Rate
4
Rental Units
3,200
Total Sq Ft
1-3 BR Mix
Unit Mix Options
As-of-Right
Zoning Status

Why Build a Fourplex?

4-unit residential building, ideal for land conversion

✓
Optimal Scale for First-Time Developers
Four units provide meaningful cash flow without the complexity of larger projects. Conventional financing is available, and the project is manageable without extensive development experience.
✓
As-of-Right Development in ER-3 Zones
Halifax's updated zoning allows fourplexes without rezoning in many areas. This reduces approval timelines from 12-18 months to as little as 4-6 months, significantly lowering development risk.
✓
Strong Rental Demand
Halifax's vacancy rate remains below 1%. Quality 2BR units in fourplexes are highly sought after by young professionals, small families, and downsizers seeking mid-density living.
✓
Diversified Income Stream
Four separate tenants means vacancy in one unit doesn't eliminate all income. This provides more stable cash flow compared to single-family rentals.
✓
House Hacking Opportunity
Live in one unit while renting the other three. Rental income can substantially offset or completely cover your housing costs while building equity.
✓
Efficient Land Use
Fourplexes can fit on lots as small as 5,000 sqft, making them viable for many existing single-family lots in established neighbourhoods with existing infrastructure.

Things to Consider

Important factors before you build.

Active Involvement Required
Development is not passive. You'll need to make decisions, attend meetings, and stay engaged throughout the 6-month build process.
Construction Risk
Cost overruns, delays, and contractor issues can impact returns. Budget contingency of 10-15% and realistic timelines are essential.
Capital Requirements
With Helio's pricing from $160K/unit (standard 2BR/1BA), a fourplex costs ~$691K total. With 25% down payment, expect to need approximately $175K in cash or equity for down payment plus contingency.
Site Constraints
Not all lots are suitable. Minimum width, depth, and zoning requirements must be met. Site assessment is critical before committing.
CMHC
Pre-Approved CMHC Design Available
This building type has CMHC-equivalent designs ready to build, potentially qualifying for faster approvals and enhanced financing through CMHC MLI Select.
View Designs

Frequently Asked Questions

Compare Building Types

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Townhouse
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From $864,000
Duplex
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Sixplex
6 Units
From $1,036,800
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Build a Fourplex By Location

Explore Fourplex development opportunities across Nova Scotia. Each location page includes local rental data, zoning details, and a personalized feasibility snapshot.

Bedford & Sackville Bedford South Clayton Park Cole Harbour Dartmouth Downtown Dartmouth Halifax Halifax Regional Municipality Larry Uteck North Dartmouth North End Halifax Sackville South End Halifax West End Halifax Amherst Annapolis Royal Antigonish Berwick Bridgewater Canning Canso Cape Breton Regional Municipality Chester Clark's Harbour Digby Glace Bay Greenwood Hantsport Kentville Kingston Lawrencetown (Annapolis County) Liverpool Lockeport Louisbourg Lunenburg Mahone Bay Middleton Mulgrave Municipality of East Hants Municipality of Pictou County Municipality of the County of Annapolis Municipality of the County of Antigonish Municipality of the County of Colchester Municipality of the County of Cumberland Municipality of the County of Inverness Municipality of the County of Kings Municipality of the County of Richmond Municipality of the County of Victoria Municipality of the District of Argyle Municipality of the District of Barrington Municipality of the District of Chester Municipality of the District of Clare Municipality of the District of Digby Municipality of the District of Guysborough Municipality of the District of Lunenburg Municipality of the District of Shelburne Municipality of the District of St. Mary's Municipality of the District of Yarmouth New Glasgow New Waterford North Sydney Oxford Parrsboro Pictou Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia Port Williams Region of Queens Municipality Shelburne Springhill Stellarton Stewiacke Sydney, Nova Scotia Tatamagouche Trenton Truro West Hants Regional Municipality Westville Windsor Wolfville Yarmouth

As an Investment

A typical Helio Fourplex generates ~$32,000 in annual NOI with ~$165,000 in equity required.

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