South Granville multiplex development
Case Studies

South Granville Multiplex Success: A $2.3M Profit Case Study

10 min read

Detailed analysis of a successful multiplex project in South Granville that generated $2.3M in profit for the homeowner.

case study south granville multiplex profit success

From $5M to $6.3M: How One South Granville Family Maximized Their Property Value

A South Granville family turned their $5M property into $6.3M equity—a $1.3M gain (26% increase)—by co-developing 6 units instead of selling outright. They kept 2 homes (for themselves and their adult child) and sold 4 units at $1.8M each. For more projects like this, browse the case studies page.

TL;DR (Key Takeaways)

  • Starting value: $5M (12,000+ sq ft lot, 66 ft frontage)
  • Final equity: $6.3M ($1.3M gain, 26% increase)
  • Units built: 6 homes (~1,500 sq ft each)
  • Units retained: 2 (owner + adult child)
  • Units sold: 4 at $1.8M each = $7.2M revenue
  • Development cost: $4.5M total
  • Key design: Shared interior courtyard for privacy and family connection
  • Owner involvement: Zero—no construction management, permits, or hassle

A family in South Granville, Vancouver approached us with a simple question: “Is there a smarter way to sell this property?”

Their 12,000+ sq ft lot (66 ft frontage, inside lot) was worth $5M on the open market.

But under Vancouver’s multiplex zoning changes, they could now build 6 units, and that opened the door to a very different outcome. If you’re curious what we actually do from start to finish, the services page explains the process.

What We Did

🏠 Designed 6 new homes, each ~1,500 sq ft
🏡 They kept 2 units (one for themselves, one for their adult child)
💰 Sold the remaining 4 units at $1.8M each

We designed the layout around a shared interior courtyard — creating a private, family-friendly space right in the heart of the city.

That kind of smart design adds livability AND value.

The Numbers

MetricAmount
As-Is Property Value$5M
Development Cost$4.5M
Total Sales Revenue$7.2M
Retained Home Value$2.4M
Final Equity Position$6.3M
Net Gain$1.3M (26% more than selling as-is)

The Best Part: No Hassle for the Family

They didn’t have to:

  • ❌ Manage construction
  • ❌ Deal with permits
  • ❌ Lift a finger

That’s what co-development makes possible. This family now owns a brand-new home in their original neighborhood… plus a second home for their kids.

The Smart Design Advantage

The shared interior courtyard wasn’t just aesthetically pleasing — it was strategically brilliant:

  • Privacy: Created a secluded family space in urban Vancouver
  • Community: Fostered connection between family units
  • Value: Premium design commands premium prices
  • Livability: Outdoor space without leaving the property

Your Turn: What’s Your Lot Worth?

Want to know what your lot could be worth under the new rules?

Try our tool → vanplex.ca/webinar

Enter your address and instantly see:

  • ✅ Lot viability
  • ✅ Projected profits
  • ✅ Buildable square footage
  • ✅ Total return on equity

The Bottom Line

You only get one chance to sell your home.

Make sure you know all your options before you do.

Would you take $5M now?

Or $6.3M + two brand-new homes?

This South Granville family made their choice. What’s yours?


Ready to Explore Your Options?

Every property is unique, and every family’s situation is different. If you’re curious about what co-development could mean for your property, we’re here to help you explore the possibilities.

Let’s talk. 👇

Tagged: #VancouverRealEstate #SouthGranville #MultiplexZoning #MissingMiddle #Bill44 #Vanplex #CoDevelopment #WealthPreservation #FamilyHousing

Frequently asked questions

How much equity gain did the South Granville family achieve through co-development?

The family turned their $5 million property into $6.3 million in equity, a gain of $1.3 million, a 26 percent increase, by co-developing 6 units instead of selling the property outright on the open market, keeping two of those units for themselves and an adult child.

How many units did the South Granville family keep versus sell?

The family kept 2 of the 6 new homes, one for themselves and one for their adult child, and sold the remaining 4 units at $1.8 million each, generating $7.2 million in total sales revenue against a $4.5 million development cost.

How much owner involvement was required in the South Granville co-development project?

The family had zero involvement in construction management, permits, or day-to-day hassle. According to the case study, they did not have to manage construction, deal with permits, or lift a finger throughout the process, while still keeping two new homes and $6.3 million in final equity.

What lot size and frontage did the South Granville property have before development?

The lot was more than 12,000 square feet with 66 feet of frontage, an inside lot in South Granville, Vancouver. Its as-is property value on the open market was $5 million before the family decided to pursue co-development instead of a traditional sale.

What design feature did the South Granville project use to create family privacy?

The project was designed around a shared interior courtyard, creating a private, family-friendly space in the heart of the city. The case study describes this design choice as adding both livability and value to the finished units, which sold at approximately $1.8 million each.

What was the size of each unit built in the South Granville co-development project?

Six new homes were built, each approximately 1,500 square feet. Four of the six units sold at $1.8 million each, while the family retained two units, one for themselves and one for their adult child, on a lot that started at 12,000 square feet with 66 feet of frontage.

How does the South Granville family's final equity compare to a straight sale?

Selling as-is would have given the family $5 million. Instead, co-developing 6 units produced a final equity position of $6.3 million, which the case study describes as a $1.3 million gain, or 26 percent more than selling as-is, all while the family kept two brand-new homes rather than none.

What was the total development cost for the South Granville 6-unit project?

The total development cost was $4.5 million. Against $7.2 million in sales revenue from the 4 sold units, plus a retained home value of $2.4 million for the 2 kept units, this produced the family's final equity position of $6.3 million.

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David Babakaiff

David Babakaiff

Co-Founder, VanPlex | 25+ Years BC Construction

David Babakaiff is Co-Founder of VanPlex with 25+ years scaling BC construction. He led Alair Homes Vancouver to the 2024 HAVAN Award for Best Multiplex Unit in the GVRD. VanPlex’s PlexRank™ algorithm scores residential parcels across BC for multiplex conversion potential under Bill 44.

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