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Investment Properties

Income property is a numbers decision first — cap rate, financing terms and vacancy risk — and a property second.

Run the numbers before you fall for the building

Cap rate, gross rent multiplier and actual (not pro-forma) vacancy are the three figures we build every investment analysis around. A seller's pro-forma rent roll assumes full occupancy at market rent — ask for trailing twelve months of actual collected rent, not projected rent, before you underwrite the purchase.

Financing for properties with five or more units typically shifts from residential to commercial mortgage underwriting, with different qualification criteria, amortization terms and rate structures than a conventional residential mortgage. Confirm with your lender or mortgage broker early which side of that line a specific property falls on.

Carrying costs investors sometimes miss

BC's speculation and vacancy tax and the federal Underused Housing Tax can both apply to investment property depending on ownership structure, residency and occupancy — worth modelling into your return before you buy, not after your first tax notice. If you're buying through a corporation or trust, confirm the reporting requirements specifically, since they differ from personal ownership.

Common questions

Before you reach out

If yours isn't here, ask us directly — we'd rather answer it now.

What's a good cap rate for BC or Alberta multi-family right now?

It varies significantly by city, building age and financing terms — there isn't one number that applies everywhere. Ask us for comparable cap rates on recently sold buildings similar to what you're considering, so you're underwriting against real data.

Is financing different for a fourplex versus a 20-unit building?

Often, yes. Smaller multi-family (up to four units) can sometimes qualify for residential-style financing, while larger buildings typically require commercial underwriting with different down payment, amortization and rate terms. We'll flag which applies to a specific listing.

Do you help with due diligence, not just the purchase?

Yes — we help arrange building inspections, review rent rolls and leases, and coordinate with your accountant or lawyer on structure. Investment purchases get the same full-service support as any other transaction.

Ready to see investment in person?

Tell us your timeline and budget and we'll line up viewings that actually fit.