What BC’s New Housing Rules Mean for You (And Why It’s Good News)
If you own property in BC, you’ve probably heard about the new housing rules making it easier to add more living space to your lot. Think basement suites, laneway homes, or even small multi-unit buildings. It’s all part of the province’s push for “gentle density,” the in vogue term that means adding more homes to existing neighbourhoods to help address the housing shortage, especially in high-demand areas like the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, and Sea-to-Sky Corridor.
What’s Changed
The Province has introduced legislation that requires municipalities to allow more homes on lots that used to be zoned for just one. This opens the door to what the Province is calling Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH), which is infill housing that can be added to existing residential properties. It gives homeowners far more flexibility in how they use their land, whether that’s for family, rental income, or both.
Why the Change Happened
BC’s housing market has been tough to break into for years. Population growth has outpaced housing supply, especially in fast-growing communities like Surrey, Maple Ridge, and throughout the Fraser Valley. The new rules are designed to:
- Create more affordable housing options
- Use existing land and infrastructure more efficiently
- Help young families and first-time buyers stay in the communities they know
What This Means for Homeowners
If you own a property in Langley, Richmond, or anywhere in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, or Sea-to-Sky, these changes create new possibilities:
- Add a suite or small unit for aging parents, adult children, or extended family
- Earn rental income with a garden suite, basement suite, or another unit
- Build a downsizing option for yourself while staying in your neighbourhood
- Increase your property value for future resale
- Provide affordable housing so the next generation can stay local
What You Can Build
Most single-family lots in urban areas now allow more than one unit:
- 3 units on lots 280 m² or larger
- 4 units on bigger lots, corner lots, or those with laneway access and full servicing
This could include basement suites, garden suites, laneway homes, duplexes, triplexes, or fourplexes. It’s also ideal for multi-generational living or rental income.
What You Still Need to Watch For
The rules don’t eliminate all requirements. You’ll still need proper permits for any demolition or new construction. Properties that don’t meet minimum servicing standards may not qualify for the full number of units. These changes apply mainly to urban and suburban areas, not to ALR or environmentally sensitive land. And while provincial legislation sets the framework, each municipality still controls details like building height, setbacks, floor space ratios, and design guidelines.
How Revere Homes Can Help
Every city is implementing these changes a little differently, which can feel overwhelming. We work with homeowners across Langley, Abbotsford, and the Sea-to-Sky to interpret local bylaws, navigate permitting, and design projects that fit both the rules and your goals. Because we’ve been involved from the start (even working with municipalities to help shape these updates) we know exactly how to move your project from idea to approval.
If you’re curious about what the new housing rules mean for your property, we can help you find out. We’ll review your lot, explain your options, and guide you through the process so you can take advantage of this opportunity with confidence.
