Build in New Waterford

Healthcare sector investment, lowest construction costs in Nova Scotia, and tight vacancy create opportunity in this revitalizing coal mining community

Get Your Quote View Zoning

New Waterford, Nova Scotia — ink and watercolor illustration

R-2

Primary Zone

From $160K

Per Unit Cost

From $2,000/mo

Standard Rent

Zoning in New Waterford

Multiple zones allow multi-family development as-of-right, with varying density allowances.

R-1

Up to 1 Units

Low-density residential zone primarily for single-family dwellings. Limited options for multiplex development without rezoning.

9m (2.5 storeys) 35% coverage

R-2

Up to 2 Units

Medium-density residential zone allowing duplexes and semi-detached homes. Common in established New Waterford residential areas.

9m (2.5 storeys) 40% coverage

R-3

Up to 4 Units

Higher-density residential zone allowing multi-unit dwellings including triplexes and fourplexes. Primary target zone for multiplex development in New...

11m (3 storeys) 45% coverage

Why Build in New Waterford?

✓

Lowest Construction Costs in Nova Scotia

New Waterford's 0.78x cost multiplier compared to HRM delivers over 20% savings on construction. Combined with significantly lower land prices, investors can build quality rental housing at a fraction of Halifax costs.

✓

Healthcare Sector Anchor

New Waterford Consolidated Hospital and the upcoming community hub project provide stable employment. Healthcare workers need quality rental housing, creating reliable tenant demand in an underserved market.

✓

Tight Regional Vacancy

CBRM's vacancy rate has dropped to historic lows. New Waterford benefits from regional demand as renters seek affordable alternatives to Sydney and Glace Bay. Quality units rent quickly.

✓

Simplified 2023 Zoning

CBRM's comprehensive Land Use By-law update reduced zones from 100+ to under 25. Clearer as-of-right development pathways and granny suite permissions in all residential zones reduce approval uncertainty.