Navdeep Basram

Permitting delays might sometimes come from incomplete or misaligned applications.
The City of Vancouver is actively trying to fix that with two digital tools:

PRET helps you understand what you can build, what permits you need, and what it will likely cost — before you even apply.
eComply checks your drawings against regulations before submission, flagging issues early instead of months later.

Together, these tools are designed to:
• Reduce back-and-forth with the City
• Improve application accuracy
• Support faster approvals under Vancouver’s 3-3-3-1 permit framework

If you’re planning a laneway, multiplex, or future project in Vancouver, understanding how these tools fit into your feasibility and permitting strategy matters.

If you’re working through a project or just thinking ahead,
let’s talk it through and align it properly before you commit.

Scissor Stairs Made Small Lots Big Again !!!

In Vancouver’s small-scale development scene, one design shift is quietly opening new doors: scissor stairs.

They’re not just a clever design trick — they’re a layout unlock. Here's why developers and investors should care:

1. More Units on Smaller Lots
Scissor stairs allow two egress paths in the space of one stair core. That means:
Less space lost to circulation
More room for units
Narrow or awkwardly shaped lots may now support viable 4–6 unit builds

2. Better Net Sellable Area
More usable space per floor = stronger resale and better layouts.
More flexibility in design
Increased light and livability
Better ROI across units

3. Smaller Assemblies Now Feasible
On tight sites, stair cores can make or break a project. Scissor stairs enable:
Cleaner vertical circulation
Easier structural planning
Realistic feasibility before committing big design dollars

4. Design Flexibility = Market Alignment
Developers can finally prioritize what buyers actually want — like better room sizes, flow, and daylight — without cramming in inefficient corridors.

5. It Starts with Early Insight
Some sites dismissed before due to layout constraints? Now worth a second look.
Small code and policy updates often shift viability — if you know how to read them early.

I stay on top of these shifts so my clients don’t miss out. This is where design, feasibility, and strategy intersect.

📲 DM me if you want to review a tight site, reassess a tricky lot, or understand what’s actually buildable.

What is 3-3-3-1 Permit Approval Framework?

The 3-3-3-1 Permit Approval Framework is an ambitious set of permit approval timeline targets formally adopted by the Vancouver City Council in June 2023,. The framework is intended to help eliminate the housing construction backlog and increase the supply of market, non-market, and supportive housing by making permitting in Vancouver faster, simpler, and more predictable,.
The four targets represent the maximum time allowed for the approval of different project types:
1. 3 days to approve home renovation permits, including renovations needed to accommodate mobility and accessibility-related challenges.
2. 3 weeks to approve single-family home and townhouse permits,.
3. 3 months to approve permits for professionally designed multi-family and mid-rise projects where existing zoning is already in place.
4. 1 year to approve permits for a high-rise or large-scale project.
Several streamlining measures, such as reducing sewer capacity review requirements, are specifically noted as supporting the delivery of the 3-3-3-1 Permit Approval Framework,. The framework is part of the City's broader commitment to simplifying regulations and reducing administrative barriers to housing development

2026: A Reset Year for Canadian Real Estate
From falling interest rates to new federal housing policies — the market is shifting.
Buyers are gaining confidence. Supply is increasing. The reset has begun. As per RoyalLepage

📉 GTA & Vancouver prices expected to decline
📈 Quebec City leads with projected 12% growth
🏘️ Affordability + policy = opportunity

The window is open for smart moves in real estate. Let's plan ahead — DM me to talk strategy.

Burnaby’s development rules are being fundamentally re-written.

The new Burnaby 2050 Official Community Plan (OCP) moves away from complex FAR calculations and toward a clear, height-based zoning framework — making it easier to understand what can be built, where, and why.

This shift unlocks more “missing middle” housing, including small-scale multi-unit housing (SSMUH) like multiplexes — typically up to 4 storeys — creating more housing choice without jumping straight to towers.

To guide growth responsibly, the plan also introduces three key Development Permit Areas (DPAs):

🔹 Tenant Protection DPA – Mitigates displacement and protects existing renters
🔹 Streamside Protection DPA – Preserves natural ecosystems and aquatic habitats
🔹 Form & Character DPA – Ensures high-quality design and better public spaces

The big picture?
More predictability for builders, better outcomes for communities, and a more resilient, inclusive Burnaby.

👉 If you’re a homeowner, builder, or investor wondering what this means for your lot or project potential, let’s explore it together.

Canada’s housing crisis is real — but we’re not listening to the people who actually build the homes.

As construction slows and costs rise, homebuilders are being pushed to the edge.

🛑 We’re seeing projects stall.
📉 We’re seeing fewer housing starts.
💬 We’re NOT seeing builders included in the solution.

This post breaks down why builder input matters — and what governments must do before it’s too late.

👷‍♂️ If you’re in the industry or care about real housing solutions, save & share this.

👇 Tell us: What’s the biggest barrier YOU see in building more homes?

🚨 Bank of Canada Rate Watch! 🚨
The Bank of Canada announced on December 10, 2025, that they are holding the overnight rate steady at 2.25%. This decision is intended to keep inflation on target while the economy adjusts to the current period of global trade upheaval.
Key Takeaways:
• Outlook: The BoC expects underlying domestic demand to firm up in 2026, even though trade volatility remains a challenge.
• Inflation Alert: While headline CPI is expected near the 2% target, underlying core inflation is assessed closer to 2.5%. The underlying trend in inflation remains above the Bank’s 2 per cent target.
• Market Impact: Financial markets are now anticipating a rate hike in 2026! This shift has already pushed the 5-year bond yield dramatically up to over 3%. If this level holds, expect rising fixed mortgage rates that could further challenge Canada's already sluggish housing market in the new year 🏠📉. Policymakers are clearly acting with enhanced levels of caution!.

Cities across BC are rewarding energy-efficient, climate-friendly projects with Bonus Density & Energy Code Incentives — meaning you can build more when you build better. From Vancouver to Surrey and Nanaimo, learn how Step Code 5 and Passive House standards can unlock extra FSR, extra storeys, or relaxed setbacks for your next project. 💡 Whether you're developing low-rise, multiplex, or mixed-use — understanding these tools can maximize your project’s value and ROI. 📞 Contact: (236) 777-9030 📧 Email: [email protected] 📍 Follow: @realtornavbasram for more insights on zoning, energy codes, and urban planning in BC. #BasramRealty #RealtorNavBasram #BCRealEstate #ZoningIncentives #BonusDensity #StepCode5 #PassiveHouse #UrbanPlanningBC #VancouverRealEstate #RichmondRealEstate #SurreyDevelopment #NanaimoRealEstate #RealEstateInsights