What Does a Multiplex Cost in Vancouver? (2026)
Duplex, triplex, and fourplex prices in Vancouver span a wide range depending on what you are buying, where it is, and whether it is new construction or an older building. This guide lays out the real numbers — by building type and by neighbourhood — so you can build a realistic budget before you start looking.
Key Topics
Price Varies Most by Location
A half duplex in Killarney sells for $900K–$1.1M. The same building in Kitsilano is $1.8M–$2.5M. Neighbourhood — not building type — is the single biggest price driver across all multiplex types.
New Construction Costs More Per Unit
A brand-new pre-sale multiplex unit typically runs $700K–$1.1M depending on size and location. Older resale multiplex units (10+ years) can be 15–25% cheaper per unit but come with more uncertainty about deferred maintenance.
East Van Is the Volume Market
The vast majority of new multiplex activity is in East Vancouver. Hastings-Sunrise, Renfrew-Collingwood, Killarney, and Kensington-Cedar Cottage have the deepest inventory and the most comparable sales to rely on.
Prices Softened 5–10% from 2024 Peak
The 2024 multiplex boom inflated prices, especially for land and pre-sale units. In 2026, the market is calmer. The Greater Vancouver attached benchmark is down roughly 5% year-over-year, giving buyers more negotiating room than at any point since 2020.
Per-Unit vs Whole-Building Pricing
If you are buying one unit in a strata-titled multiplex, you pay per-unit pricing. If you are buying an older non-strata duplex (the whole building), you pay whole-building pricing. These are fundamentally different purchases with different financing requirements.
Burnaby Is Typically 15–20% Cheaper
Comparable multiplex properties in Burnaby run 15–20% less than Vancouver. A half duplex that costs $1.2M in Renfrew might be $950K–$1.05M in Burnaby's Edmonds area. Same commute, lower price, slightly lower rental income potential.
Price Ranges by Building Type
What you can expect to pay per unit, and for the full building, across each multiplex type. Vancouver figures as of June 2026.
| Building Type | Per Unit (East Van) | Per Unit (West Side) | Full Building (East Van) | Typical Unit Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Half Duplex | $900K–$1.5M | $1.5M–$2.5M | $1.8M–$3M (both units) | 1,200–2,000 sqft |
| Full Duplex (whole building) | n/a — buy both units | n/a — buy both units | $1.8M–$3M | 1,200–2,000 sqft/unit |
| Triplex (per unit) | $750K–$1.2M | $1.2M–$2M | $2.2M–$3.5M | 1,000–1,600 sqft |
| Fourplex (per unit) | $700K–$1.1M | $1.1M–$1.8M | $2.5M–$4.5M | 900–1,400 sqft |
| Sixplex (per unit) | $650K–$1.0M | $1.0M–$1.6M | $3.5M–$5.5M | 800–1,200 sqft |
| Burnaby (half duplex) | $800K–$1.3M | n/a | $1.6M–$2.5M (both) | 1,200–1,900 sqft |
Sources: MultiLiving listing data, REBGV MLS® HPI (Feb 2026), Rain City Properties duplex guide (2026), Vancouver Home Search price data (2026). Ranges are typical for actively traded properties — outliers in either direction exist.
Half Duplex Prices by Area
Location drives price more than any other factor. The same building type can cost twice as much depending on which side of the city you are on.
| Neighbourhood | Half Duplex Range | Market Note |
|---|---|---|
| Killarney | $900K – $1.3M | Lowest entry point in Vancouver |
| Renfrew-Collingwood | $950K – $1.4M | SkyTrain access, most active area |
| Fraser / Knight | $950K – $1.4M | Steady demand, good schools |
| Hastings-Sunrise | $1.0M – $1.5M | Highest volume; most new builds |
| Kensington-Cedar Cottage | $1.0M – $1.5M | Family-friendly, central East Van |
| Grandview-Woodland | $1.0M – $1.6M | Commercial Drive, higher demand |
| Mount Pleasant East | $1.1M – $1.6M | Popular, near downtown, premium |
| Marpole | $1.2M – $1.8M | South Van — Canada Line access |
| Oakridge / Cambie | $1.5M – $2.2M | Cambie corridor premium |
| Kitsilano | $1.5M – $2.5M | West Side — strong demand |
| Dunbar / Kerrisdale | $1.6M – $2.5M | Top schools, west side lifestyle |
| Burnaby (Edmonds) | $800K – $1.2M | 15–20% cheaper than Van equiv. |
Sources: Rain City Properties 2026 duplex guide, Vancouver Home Search price data, REBGV MLS® data (Q1 2026). Ranges are typical — specific listings vary.
Five Factors That Move the Price
Two seemingly similar duplexes can be $300K apart. Here is why.
New Build vs Resale
Price Impact: HighA brand-new post-2022 duplex will cost $100K–$200K more per unit than a comparable 2005-era building. You are paying for modern layouts, new mechanical systems, warranty coverage, and lower strata risk. The premium is real but so is the peace of mind.
Neighbourhood
Price Impact: HighestThis is the biggest lever. Kitsilano and Commercial Drive add $400K–$600K over Killarney and Renfrew for a comparable unit. School catchment, walkability, and proximity to employment centres drive the spread.
Unit Size (sqft)
Price Impact: MediumA 1,600 sqft half duplex will sell for roughly $150K–$250K more than a 1,200 sqft unit in the same building. More bedrooms and bathrooms drive price proportionally — Vancouver buyers pay close attention to bedroom count.
Parking & Outdoor Space
Price Impact: MediumA half duplex with a private garage and a usable backyard sells for more than one with tandem parking and a narrow side yard. Parking in particular is a premium item for families — buyers pay for it.
Top Floor vs Ground Floor
Price Impact: Low–MediumIn an up-down duplex, top floor units typically sell for $50K–$100K more for the same sqft because of natural light, views, and no overhead noise. Ground floor units trade at a discount but gain easier yard access.
Strata Health
Price Impact: Low–MediumA duplex with a well-funded contingency reserve and no outstanding bylaws violations will sell faster and closer to list price than one with a thin reserve fund. Buyers are increasingly sophisticated about strata documents — a problem strata gets a lower offer.
How Much Cash You Need to Close
Down payment plus closing costs at five common price points. Assumes owner-occupied purchase with CMHC-insured mortgage where applicable.
| Purchase Price | Min Down (5%) | Closing Costs (est.) | Total Cash Needed | Property Type Typical For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $900K | $70K | $18K–$25K | $88K–$95K | Half duplex — Killarney or Renfrew |
| $1.1M | $85K | $22K–$30K | $107K–$115K | Half duplex — East Van mid-range |
| $1.3M | $105K | $26K–$36K | $131K–$141K | Half duplex — Hastings-Sunrise new build |
| $1.5M | $125K | $30K–$40K | $155K–$165K | Half duplex — Marpole or Grandview |
| $2.0M | $200K (20% required) | $40K–$55K | $240K–$255K | Full duplex (both units) East Van |
Closing costs include BC property transfer tax (first-time buyers may receive an exemption), legal fees, home inspection, and title insurance. CMHC insurance premium (2.8–4% of mortgage) is rolled into the mortgage and is not included in the cash required column. First-time buyers purchasing below $835K pay zero PTT. For precise numbers, use the affordability calculator or consult a mortgage broker.
The bottom line
For most buyers, East Vancouver is where the most realistic multiplex purchase opportunities are in 2026. A half duplex starting at $900K in Killarney or Renfrew, or a new pre-sale unit in a fourplex at $800K–$1.0M, are achievable with the right combination of income and saved down payment. The market is calmer than it was in 2024, which means you have time to be selective.
The numbers shift meaningfully once you cross into the west side. Kitsilano and Dunbar are beautiful neighbourhoods, but a half duplex at $1.8M requires a down payment of at least $145K and significantly higher qualifying income. Not impossible — but a different buyer profile entirely.
If you are close to but not quite at a specific price point, look at Burnaby. Properties there run 15–20% less for comparable quality, and the SkyTrain access is equivalent to East Van in most areas. The gap in price does not translate to a gap in lifestyle for most buyers.
Use the affordability calculator to model your specific situation, then browse current listings to see what is actually available in your price range.
Data: REBGV MLS® HPI (Feb 2026), Rain City Properties duplex price guide (2026), Vancouver Home Search price data (2026), MultiLiving listing data (June 2026), CMHC mortgage insurance rules.
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Key Takeaways
- Half duplex units in East Van range from $900K–$1.5M; the west side runs $1.5M–$2.5M.
- Full duplexes (both units) in East Van range from $1.8M–$3M; west side from $2.8M–$5M.
- New pre-sale multiplex units typically cost $700K–$1.1M depending on size and location.
- Burnaby properties run 15–20% cheaper than equivalent Vancouver properties.
- Vancouver attached home prices softened roughly 5% year-over-year to early 2026 — buyers have more leverage than they did in 2024.
- Per-unit strata pricing and whole-building pricing involve completely different financing structures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a duplex cost in Vancouver in 2026?
A half duplex unit (one of two) in East Vancouver ranges from $900K to $1.5M depending on size and neighbourhood. A full duplex (the entire building, both units) in East Van typically sells for $1.8M to $3M. West side duplexes are significantly more expensive: $1.5M+ for a half and $2.8M–$5M for a full duplex.
The distinction between 'half duplex' and 'full duplex' matters a lot for pricing. When you see a half duplex listing at $1.1M, you are buying one of the two units — roughly 1,200–1,600 sqft with its own strata lot. The other unit belongs to a different owner. When you buy a full duplex, you own the entire building and both units. This lets you rent one unit while living in the other, which changes your financing options significantly (lenders can count rental income from the second unit toward your mortgage qualification).
How much does a fourplex cost to buy in Vancouver?
Buying a single unit in a new strata-titled fourplex in Vancouver typically costs $700K–$1.1M per unit depending on size, floor level, and neighbourhood. Buying the entire fourplex building typically costs $2.5M–$4.5M in East Van, depending on age, condition, and rental income.
Most buyers purchase a single unit in a fourplex — particularly in new pre-sale developments. These are strata-titled units where each owner holds title to their own unit. Full-building fourplex purchases are typically investor purchases or family compound arrangements where one family buys all four units. Full-building purchases require at least 20% down if no unit is owner-occupied, and lenders evaluate the rental income from all four units in qualifying the mortgage. The economics are different depending on which structure you are buying.
What is the cheapest neighbourhood to buy a duplex in Vancouver?
Killarney and Renfrew-Collingwood in East Vancouver offer the lowest half duplex prices, typically starting around $900K–$1.1M in early 2026. For the lowest prices across Greater Vancouver, Burnaby's Edmonds and Kingsway areas are comparable to East Van but can be 10–15% cheaper for similar properties.
Price differences between East Van neighbourhoods are often smaller than people expect. Killarney at $900K–$1.3M and Hastings-Sunrise at $1.0M–$1.5M are not radically different, but a $100K–$200K gap matters when you are stretching to qualify. If maximizing your budget is the goal, looking across the Burnaby border can add meaningful purchasing power without a significant commute penalty — Burnaby has SkyTrain access and construction quality has improved substantially with the wave of post-Bill 44 development activity.
Are multiplex prices going up or down in Vancouver in 2026?
Vancouver multiplex prices are broadly flat to slightly down in 2026 compared to the 2024 peak. The Greater Vancouver attached home benchmark — which includes duplexes and townhouses — was down roughly 5% year-over-year as of early 2026. Buyers have more negotiating room than at any point since before the pandemic.
The 2024 multiplex boom was driven by zoning excitement following Bill 44 — builders and speculators raced to lock up land. In 2026, that first-mover surge has settled. Completed units are now hitting the resale market, giving buyers real comparables. Days on market are longer. Multiple-offer situations are less common. This does not mean prices are collapsing — Vancouver's structural supply shortage has not changed — but it does mean buyers can take their time, hire inspectors, and negotiate. The softening is most pronounced in the $1M–$1.5M half duplex segment and in newer pre-sale developments where projects were priced at 2024 peak conditions.
What is the minimum down payment for a multiplex in Vancouver?
For a single unit or a duplex you live in, a CMHC-insured mortgage needs as little as 5% down on the first $500K and 10% on the portion above $500K. On a $1.1M half duplex, that works out to $85,000. Buying a whole triplex or fourplex you live in requires 10% down. For purchases where you do not live in the property, the minimum is 20% down.
The CMHC insurance premium adds 2.8–4% to your mortgage principal depending on the loan-to-value ratio, which is rolled into the mortgage and paid over the amortization period. The minimum $85,000 down on a $1.1M half duplex leaves a $1,015,000 mortgage, and the 4% premium adds approximately $40,600 to your mortgage total — a real cost, but one that opens up homeownership years earlier than saving 20% would. If you are buying a full duplex and plan to live in one unit while renting the other, lenders will typically count 50–80% of the projected rental income toward your qualification income, which can increase your buying power by $200K–$400K depending on the market rental rate.
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