Introduction
Every real estate journey starts somewhere; for many, it’s a duplex, triplex, or a 4-plex. But what happens when you’re ready to level up? In Alberta’s thriving rental market, scaling from a 4-plex to a 20-unit apartment building isn’t just possible; it’s one of the most effective ways to multiply cash flow, appreciation, and long-term wealth.
Whether you’re managing a property in Killarney or expanding into new builds in Airdrie or Cochrane, the key is knowing how to scale strategically, with financing, management, and growth plans that actually work.
1. Understanding the Jump: 4 Units vs. 20 Units
Owning a 4-plex is considered residential property. Once you cross into 5 or more units, the property becomes commercial — and that changes everything.
Key Differences:
- Financing: Residential loans (under 5 units) focus on your income. Commercial mortgages and CMHC’s MLI Select program look at the building’s income potential.
- Valuation: Instead of comparing to other properties, commercial buildings are valued based on Net Operating Income (NOI) and cap rate meaning your management efficiency and rent strategy directly increase property value.
- Management: A 20-unit building brings greater complexity, multiple tenants, higher maintenance coordination, and often professional management needs.
That’s where Green Casa steps in, managing everything from tenant screening to maintenance, helping investors focus on growth instead of daily stress.
2. Financing the Leap: Using Equity and MLI Select
Scaling up doesn’t mean starting from scratch; it means leveraging what you already have.
Here’s a smart investor strategy:
- Refinance your 4-plex in Mount Pleasant or Renfrew to pull equity.
- Use that capital as the down payment for a 10–20 unit apartment in Edmonton or Calgary.
- Apply through CMHC’s MLI Select for longer amortization (up to 50 years), lower interest rates, and reduced equity requirements.
MLI Select rewards buildings that include affordable, energy-efficient, or accessible units, and new builds in Calgary are increasingly designed to qualify.
3. Where to Invest: Calgary’s Emerging Multi-Family Hotspots
Calgary’s inner-city communities like Killarney, Renfrew, and Mount Pleasant are undergoing revitalization, making them ideal for small and mid-size apartment projects.
Meanwhile, outer communities such as Strathmore, Airdrie, Okotoks, Cochrane, and Chestermere offer:
- Lower land costs
- Strong rental demand from families and commuters
- Faster development approvals for new builds
For investors, that means an opportunity to build new or buy value-add mid-size properties at attractive price points — with reliable property management support from Green Casa.
4. The Management Factor: Scaling Without Stress
As your portfolio grows, professional management isn’t optional; it’s essential.
Green Casa specializes in handling larger multi-unit properties with services that include:
- Coordinated maintenance and repairs
- Rent collection and financial reporting
- Tenant communication and compliance management
The result? A hands-off investment experience that still maximizes ROI and property performance.
5. Final Word: Scale Smart, Not Fast
Scaling up isn’t about collecting more doors; it’s about creating more stability and higher long-term income. With MLI Select, Alberta’s growth, and a capable partner like Green Casa, you can turn a single 4-plex into a sustainable property empire.
Because the smartest investors don’t just grow, they grow strategically.
