Build 4–8 Income Units on a Single Calgary Lot — Under One Contract
We help real estate investors turn inner-city Calgary lots into high-performing, multi-unit income properties. You bring the capital and the vision. We handle the zoning, design, permits, and construction.
Why Calgary Infill Is One of the Best Plays in Canadian Real Estate Right Now
Calgary’s inner city is sitting on an enormous, underpriced opportunity — and most investors are missing it.
The City of Calgary has rezoned thousands of inner-city lots under R-CG (Residential – Grade-Oriented Infill) zoning. In plain terms, R-CG allows you to build rowhouses, townhomes, and multi-unit buildings — often up to 4 units on a single standard lot. R-G and H-GO zoning districts push that even further, allowing 6–8+ units depending on lot size and configuration.
Here’s what that means for your portfolio: a single lot purchase can produce multiple rental doors, each generating independent income streams, while the finished property is valued as a purpose-built multi-unit asset — not a collection of single-family homes.
The cost-per-door math in Calgary infill is hard to beat anywhere else in Alberta. And with CMHC’s MLI Select program offering favourable financing terms for purpose-built rental housing, the numbers get even more attractive.
What a Jenga Built Infill Project Looks Like
Every project is different because every lot is different. But here’s the range of what we typically deliver for Calgary investors:
Duplexes with Secondary Suites
Two primary units, each with a legal basement suite. Four total doors on a single lot. Strong rental yield, manageable build cost, and broad tenant appeal.
Fourplexes / Row Townhomes
Four self-contained units built side-by-side or stacked. This is the sweet spot for R-CG lots — maximum density under standard zoning with the best cost-per-door economics.
6–8 Unit Multi-Family
For larger lots or R-G/H-GO zoned properties, we design and build larger multi-unit buildings. More doors, higher total rental income, and a more significant asset for your portfolio.
Custom Investor Configurations
Need to live in one unit and rent the rest? Want to sell two and hold two? We design around your financial strategy — not a one-size-fits-all template.
Real Numbers. No Hype.
We believe investors deserve transparency before they commit a dollar. Here’s a realistic look at what Calgary infill development costs and returns.
Sample Pro Forma: Inner-City Calgary 4-Plex
| Line Item | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Land acquisition (inner-city lot) | $450,000 – $650,000 |
| Construction cost (4 units) | $800,000 – $1,200,000 |
| Soft costs (design, permits, fees) | $80,000 – $120,000 |
| Total project cost | $1,330,000 – $1,970,000 |
| Projected finished value | $1,600,000 – $2,400,000 |
| Monthly rental income (4 units) | $6,000 – $8,500 |
| Estimated cap rate | 4.5% – 6.5% |
| Typical build timeline | 10 – 14 months |
Why Investors Choose Jenga Built Over Other Calgary Infill Builders
We Run the Numbers Before We Break Ground
Your pro forma is step one — not an afterthought. We model the costs, income, and returns for your specific lot before you commit to anything. If the numbers don’t work, we’ll tell you.
One Team. One Contract. Zero Coordination Headaches.
Zoning analysis, architectural design, engineering, permits, construction, and handover — all managed by Jenga Built. You don’t need to hire and manage separate consultants, architects, and contractors.
Deep Calgary Zoning Expertise
We specialize in R-CG, R-G, and H-GO zoning — the designations that make multi-unit infill possible. We know which lots qualify, what density you can achieve, and how to design for maximum yield without triggering discretionary review.
Designed for CMHC MLI Select
Where applicable, we design projects to align with CMHC’s MLI Select program. That means potentially lower interest rates, longer amortization periods, and higher loan-to-value ratios for qualifying purpose-built rental projects.
Transparent Timelines
We give you a realistic build timeline at the feasibility stage — not an optimistic guess. When we say 12 months, we mean it. And if something changes, you’ll know immediately.
How a Jenga Built Investor Project Works — From First Call to Finished Asset
Step: Free Lot Assessment
Book a no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your lot (or help you find one), analyze the zoning, and discuss your investment goals. You’ll receive a written Lot Potential Summary with real numbers — development scenarios, cost estimates, projected income, and our recommended approach.
A branded Lot Potential Summary PDF — not a verbal estimate.
Assessment within 1–2 weeks of booking. Summary delivered within 48 hours of the visit.
Step: Design & Feasibility Package
For $5,000 (fully credited toward your build if you proceed with Jenga Built), we deliver a complete design and feasibility package: detailed zoning analysis, custom architectural concept, engineering specifications, itemized cost estimate, and a project roadmap with milestones.
Everything you need to make a confident go/no-go decision.
3–4 weeks from engagement.
Step: Permitting & Approvals
We prepare and submit all permit applications, manage the approval process with the City of Calgary, and handle any required variances or conditions. You don’t chase paperwork.
Approved permits, ready to build.
8–16 weeks depending on project complexity and City processing times.
Step: Construction
Our construction team manages every phase of the build — foundation, framing, mechanical, electrical, finishing. Regular progress updates and milestone check-ins keep you informed throughout.
A completed, code-compliant multi-unit property.
8–12 months for a typical 4-unit build.
Step: Handover + Aftercare
We don’t disappear after the last nail. Handover includes final inspections, warranty registration, maintenance guidance, and — if you’re holding as a rental — practical landlord support for getting your units tenant-ready.
Keys, documentation, and ongoing support.
Questions Calgary Investors Ask Us Most
What does an infill development project cost in Calgary?
Total project costs typically range from $1.3M to $2M+ for a 4-unit build, depending on lot acquisition cost, design complexity, and finish level. We break down every line item during the feasibility stage so there are no surprises. The best way to get an accurate estimate for your specific situation is to book a free lot assessment.
How long does a Calgary infill build take?
A typical 4-unit infill project takes 10–14 months from permit approval to handover. The permitting phase adds 8–16 weeks before construction begins. We provide a detailed timeline at the Design & Feasibility Package stage, and we stick to it.
What’s the difference between R-CG, R-G, and H-GO zoning?
R-CG (Residential – Grade-Oriented Infill) allows up to approximately 4 units on a standard lot. It’s the most common inner-city zoning designation and the primary opportunity for Calgary infill investors. R-G allows higher density — 6–8+ units depending on lot size. H-GO is a newer designation under Calgary’s updated land use bylaw with similar density potential and more flexibility on some design requirements.
Can I live in one unit and rent the rest?
Absolutely. We call this “Rent One, Live in One” and it’s one of the smartest strategies for investors who want to offset their mortgage while building equity. We design the units to work independently so you get privacy and your tenants get a proper home.
What financing options are available for infill development?
Most investors use a combination of conventional mortgage financing and a construction draw facility. For qualifying purpose-built rental projects, CMHC’s MLI Select program can offer lower interest rates, longer amortization (up to 50 years), and higher loan-to-value ratios. We’re not mortgage brokers, but we can connect you with lending partners who specialize in Calgary infill projects.
Do I need to already own a lot?
No. We work with investors at every stage — whether you already have a lot, you’re actively looking, or you need help identifying the right acquisition. During the free lot assessment, we can evaluate a lot you own or review properties you’re considering.
What happens if the numbers don’t work on my lot?
We tell you. Our goal is to build long-term relationships with investors, not to force a project that doesn’t pencil. If your lot isn’t a strong candidate for infill development, we’ll explain why and suggest alternatives. That transparency is exactly why investors keep coming back to us.
What does the $5,000 Design & Feasibility Package include?
You receive a comprehensive package including: detailed zoning analysis for your specific lot, a custom architectural design concept, engineering specifications, an itemized construction cost estimate, a projected income and ROI analysis, and a complete project roadmap with milestones and timelines. The full $5,000 is credited toward your build if you proceed with Jenga Built.
Build the Return. It Starts with a Free Assessment.
Book a no-obligation lot assessment. We’ll analyze your lot (or a lot you’re considering), run the numbers, and deliver a written Lot Potential Summary — complete with development scenarios, cost estimates, projected returns, and our recommended approach.
No pressure. Just data.
Not an investor? If you’re a homeowner exploring what your existing lot can become, our Landowner Redevelopment page walks through strategies like “Rent One, Live in One” — where you stay on your property and generate rental income from the additional units.