Build a Eightplex
8 units on one lot with no rezoning required - the most efficient multiplex investment in Halifax's ER-3 zones
Starting From
$1,382,400
$160,000 per unit - Fixed price, turnkey delivery
8
Units
$16,000+
Monthly Income
8
Month Build
5%
Target Cap Rate
8
Rental Units
6,400
Total Sq Ft
1-3 BR Mix
Unit Mix Options
As-of-Right
Zoning Status
Why Build a Eightplex?
An 8-unit residential building offering maximum as-of-right density under Halifax's ER-3 zoning, delivering the best economies of scale for multiplex investors.
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Maximum As-of-Right Density
8 units is the maximum allowed in ER-3 zones without rezoning. Capture the full development potential of your lot in a single, streamlined approval process.
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Best Economies of Scale
Fixed costs for design, permits, site preparation, and project management spread across 8 units reduce per-unit development cost by 15-20% compared to smaller multiplexes.
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Superior Cash Flow
8 rental units generate $12,800-$17,600 monthly gross rent. Higher income supports professional property management and stronger debt service coverage ratios.
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CMHC MLI Select Eligible
Eightplexes qualify for CMHC's MLI Select program with up to 95% LTV, 50-year amortization, and reduced insurance premiums for projects meeting affordability or efficiency criteria.
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Tenant Diversification
8 separate tenants reduce vacancy risk. Even with one unit vacant, 87.5% of income continues - far more stable than single-family or duplex investments.
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No Parking Required
Halifax's Centre Plan eliminated minimum parking requirements. Build 8 units with zero parking spaces, maximizing buildable area and reducing construction costs.
Things to Consider
Important factors before you build.
Larger Lot Required
Eightplexes require minimum 9,000 sqft lots with 60ft+ width. Not all ER-3 lots can accommodate this scale - site assessment is critical before proceeding.
Higher Capital Requirement
Total project costs of $2.6-3.4M require substantial equity and financing capacity. Investors should have experience with construction lending and CMHC programs.
Longer Construction Timeline
Larger buildings take 8 months to construct versus 6 months for fourplexes. Plan for extended carrying costs and delayed income.
Complex Project Management
More units mean more coordination across trades, inspections, and tenant placement. Professional project management essential for successful delivery.
Neighbor Relations
8-unit buildings may face more scrutiny from adjacent property owners. Thoughtful design and community engagement reduce friction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum number of units I can build as-of-right in Halifax?
Under Halifax's Centre Plan, ER-3 zones allow up to 8 dwelling units per lot as-of-right, meaning no rezoning or public hearing is required. This makes the eightplex the maximum density achievable through a straightforward permit process. The June 2024 HAF amendments increased ER-3 density from the previous 4-unit maximum.
How much does it cost to build an eightplex in Halifax?
With Helio's modular construction, an eightplex starts at $160K per unit for standard 2BR/1BA configurations. A typical 8-unit building costs approximately $1.28M in hard costs plus 8% soft costs (~$102K), totaling around $1.38M. Unit pricing varies: 1BR/1BA ($140K), 2BR/1BA ($160K), 2BR/2BA ($190K), 3BR/2BA ($210K). Use our calculator at heliobuilt.ca/calculator for exact pricing.
What lot size do I need for an eightplex?
An eightplex requires a minimum lot size of approximately 9,000 square feet with at least 60 feet of frontage width. Typical lots are 10,000-12,000 sqft. Corner lots and double-fronted lots work best for eightplex massing. Helio provides free site assessments to determine if your lot can support 8 units.
Is an eightplex eligible for CMHC financing?
Yes, eightplexes qualify for CMHC's MLI Select program, which offers exceptional financing terms: up to 95% loan-to-value, 50-year amortization periods, and reduced mortgage insurance premiums. To qualify, projects must meet criteria for affordability (rents below market), accessibility, or energy efficiency. Helio designs eightplexes to maximize MLI Select benefits.
How long does it take to build an eightplex?
From initial feasibility to tenant occupancy, expect 14-18 months total timeline. This includes 2-4 weeks for site assessment, 6-8 weeks for design, 10-16 weeks for permits, 8 months for construction, and 4-8 weeks for lease-up. Larger buildings require more construction time than fourplexes but benefit from longer permit timelines running concurrently with design refinement.
Build a Eightplex By Location
Explore Eightplex development opportunities across Nova Scotia. Each location page includes local rental data, zoning details, and a personalized feasibility snapshot.
Bedford & Sackville
Bedford South
Clayton Park
Cole Harbour
Dartmouth
Downtown Dartmouth
Halifax
Halifax Regional Municipality
Larry Uteck
North Dartmouth
North End Halifax
Sackville
South End Halifax
West End Halifax
Amherst
Annapolis Royal
Antigonish
Berwick
Bridgewater
Canning
Canso
Cape Breton Regional Municipality
Chester
Clark's Harbour
Digby
Glace Bay
Greenwood
Hantsport
Kentville
Kingston
Lawrencetown (Annapolis County)
Liverpool
Lockeport
Louisbourg
Lunenburg
Mahone Bay
Middleton
Mulgrave
Municipality of East Hants
Municipality of Pictou County
Municipality of the County of Annapolis
Municipality of the County of Antigonish
Municipality of the County of Colchester
Municipality of the County of Cumberland
Municipality of the County of Inverness
Municipality of the County of Kings
Municipality of the County of Richmond
Municipality of the County of Victoria
Municipality of the District of Argyle
Municipality of the District of Barrington
Municipality of the District of Chester
Municipality of the District of Clare
Municipality of the District of Digby
Municipality of the District of Guysborough
Municipality of the District of Lunenburg
Municipality of the District of Shelburne
Municipality of the District of St. Mary's
Municipality of the District of Yarmouth
New Glasgow
New Waterford
North Sydney
Oxford
Parrsboro
Pictou
Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia
Port Williams
Region of Queens Municipality
Shelburne
Springhill
Stellarton
Stewiacke
Sydney, Nova Scotia
Tatamagouche
Trenton
Truro
West Hants Regional Municipality
Westville
Windsor
Wolfville
Yarmouth
Ready to Build Your Eightplex?
Get a personalized quote for your lot. Our team will assess zoning, site conditions, and provide a fixed-price proposal.
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