A shift in who funds multiplex builds
For a long time, funding a small multiplex build in BC meant going to a large bank and accepting fairly strict terms. That is changing. As of 2026, several BC credit unions offer construction mortgages made specifically for multiplex projects.
A credit union is a member-owned financial group. It works like a bank but is often more local and more willing to look closely at a single project. This shift matters for owners and builders who found bank terms too tight.
What these credit union products offer
The terms vary by institution, so treat these as general patterns for 2026, not fixed rules. They can change as the market moves. We do not name specific institutions here.
- Lending up to about 80 percent of project cost, higher than many typical bank construction loans.
- Interest-only payments during the build, so you pay only interest until the project is done.
- Loan structures built around multiplex projects rather than single-family homes.
- Staff who understand local Vancouver and Burnaby multiplex builds.
What to look for and ask about
A higher loan share is helpful, but the full picture matters. Before you sign, understand every cost and condition, not only the headline percentage.
- The interest rate and how it is set during the build.
- What happens to payments after the build ends.
- Fees, holdbacks, and how the lender releases money as work progresses.
- Whether the lender has funded multiplex builds before.
- How much equity you still need to bring.
A 2026 shift, not a permanent rule
This wider set of credit union options is a feature of the 2026 market. It grew partly because Bill 44, effective June 30, 2024, made multiplex housing possible on many former single-family lots across BC. More projects meant more demand for this kind of loan.
Terms can tighten or change if the market shifts. Compare more than one lender, read the full terms, and speak with a qualified advisor. This article describes a market trend and is not financial advice.