Prefab Triplex vs Fourplex: Which Fits Your Family?

Once a family decides on a prefab multiplex, the next question is how many homes. For most, it comes down to a triplex or a fourplex. This guide compares the two so you can choose based on your family, your lot, and your budget.

The basic difference

A triplex has three homes on one lot. A fourplex has four. Both are built as one cohesive building with shared walls, and both can be built with prefab methods. The choice is mostly about how many households you need to house and what your lot allows.

Choose a triplex if

• You have three households, such as parents and two grown children.
• You want to live in one home and rent two, a manageable amount of rental.
• Your lot suits three homes comfortably without feeling tight.
• You want a slightly simpler, lower-cost build than a fourplex.

A triplex is a strong middle ground: more shared land value than a duplex, but simpler than a fourplex.

Choose a fourplex if

• You have four households, or want more rental income.
• You want the lowest land cost per home, since four homes share one lot.
• Your lot is a standard size that supports four homes.
• You are comfortable with a slightly larger, more complex project.

A fourplex makes the fullest use of one lot, which is why the land cost per household is the lowest of the common types.

Cost and value

The lot is the biggest cost and is the same for both. A fourplex costs more to build than a triplex because there is an extra home, but that cost is shared by four households instead of three. So per home, a fourplex often spreads the land cost the most efficiently. A full Vancouver fourplex in 2026 commonly runs $3.0 to $5.2 million including the lot (Source: MultiLiving cost analysis, 2026); a triplex sits a bit lower on the building side. See our cost guide.

What your lot allows

Both depend on your lot's size, location, and zoning. Many standard Vancouver lots support a fourplex, and almost all that do will also allow a triplex. A builder confirms the number early so you can choose with confidence.

What this comes down to

• A triplex has three homes; a fourplex has four.
• Choose a triplex for three households or a simpler build; choose a fourplex for four households or the lowest land cost per home.
• The lot cost is the same for both, so a fourplex often spreads it most efficiently.
• Your lot's size and zoning decide what is possible, which a builder confirms.

Not sure which fits? Tell us about your family and your lot on our contact page and we will match you with BC builders who can lay out both options, or read our full prefab multiplex guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is a fourplex better than a triplex?

Neither is better overall. A fourplex houses more families and spreads the land cost the most, while a triplex is simpler and lower cost to build. The right choice depends on your family and lot.

Which is cheaper, a triplex or a fourplex?

A triplex costs less to build because there is one fewer home. But a fourplex shares the land cost across four homes, so per home a fourplex can be more efficient.

Can my lot fit a fourplex?

Many standard Vancouver lots can. It depends on size, location, and zoning. If a lot supports a fourplex, it will almost always allow a triplex too. A builder confirms this.

How many families can live in each?

A triplex houses three households and a fourplex four. Each home is private with its own entrance, so families keep their independence.

Which earns more rental income?

A fourplex can, since there are more homes to rent. But it is also a larger project. A triplex offers a more manageable amount of rental for many families.

Do both take the same time to build?

Roughly. The factory can build modules in parallel, so a fourplex is not much slower than a triplex. Permits and design take similar time for both.

Can I start with a triplex and add later?

Generally a multiplex is built as one project, so it is best to decide the number of homes up front. Changing later is difficult and costly. Plan with your builder.

Which is easier to finance?

Both are financed similarly. In 2026 CMHC expanded support for modular multi-unit building. A slightly smaller triplex may be simpler for some families. See financing.

How do the homes enter in each?

Both usually mix street and rear-lane entries so the building reads as one house. A fourplex commonly has two street and two lane homes; a triplex often two street and one lane.

How do I decide?

Tell us your household count, lot, and budget on the contact page. We will match you with BC builders who can compare a triplex and fourplex for your lot.