Glossary of Terms – MultiplexInVancouver.com

🏡 Planning & Zoning Terms

Multiplex – A residential building with 2–6 units on a single lot.

Gentle Density – Low-rise, ground-oriented housing that fits into established neighbourhoods.

Zoning – City regulations that determine how a property can be used and built upon.

RS Zoning – Residential Single-Family zoning, recently updated in Vancouver to allow multiplexes.

Massing – The size, shape, and volume of a building in relation to the lot and surroundings.

Setbacks – Minimum distances required between a building and the property lines.

Lot Coverage – The percentage of a lot that can be covered by the building footprint.

Pro Forma – A financial model that projects a development’s costs, revenues, and return.

Accredited Investor – An individual who meets financial criteria allowing them to invest in private offerings.

Holding Property – A property kept for long-term value appreciation or future development.

Interest Reserve – Funds set aside in a loan to cover interest payments during construction.

Lender Fee – Charges from a lender for arranging and funding a development loan.

Hard Costs – Direct construction costs: labour, materials, and building-related expenses.

Soft Costs – Indirect costs like permits, design, legal, and project management.

Builder Fee – The contractor’s fee for managing construction.

Development Management Fee – Compensation for overseeing the full development process.

Bonus Density Fee – Paid to the city to allow building beyond standard density limits.

DCL (Development Cost Levy) – A fee in Vancouver to support city infrastructure and services.

DCC (Development Cost Charges) – Similar to DCLs, but used in municipalities outside Vancouver.

Land Assembly – Combining multiple adjacent properties into a single development site.

Off-Market Property – A property not listed publicly, shared privately through networks.

Co-Development – When a homeowner partners with a builder or developer instead of selling outright.

Pre-Construction – A property or unit purchased before completion, often at a preferred price.

Maria Kritikos

Personal Real Estate Corporation Vancouver Multiplex Expert

Office Address:

3076 Arbutus Street

Vancouver, BC, V6J 3Z2