Plan your next small multi-unit project with precise financial projections
How building efficiently at $168/sq.ft unlocks Nova Scotia's affordable housing programs
In Nova Scotia, 'affordable housing' is defined as units rented at or below 80% of the CMHC Average Market Rent (AMR) for your region. This calculator has built-in AMR data for major regions and provincial averages.
Helio's $168/sq.ft construction (vs industry $220+) creates immediate equity
Units meeting affordability thresholds qualify for up to $50,000/unit in forgivable loans
Lower construction costs + government incentives = superior investment outcomes
Building at $168/sq.ft vs industry average $220/sq.ft creates immediate equity and enables affordable rents
Understanding the definitions, thresholds, and incentives
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) conducts regular rental market surveys to determine Average Market Rent (AMR) in different regions. In Nova Scotia, these figures are used to define affordability thresholds.
Example: If CMHC AMR for a 2-bedroom in Halifax is $1,660, the affordability threshold would be $1,328 (80% of $1,660)
| Region | Bachelor | 1 Bedroom | 2 Bedroom | 3+ Bedroom |
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Define your project location, size, and unit configuration
Select your project location to see CMHC Average Market Rent data for the region.
Define your building's size to calculate base structure cost.
Define your unit mix and rental rates. Units at or below affordability thresholds may qualify for incentives.
Calculate your total project costs including structure, land, and other expenses
Enter costs beyond the base structure to calculate total project cost.
See how Helio's fixed price of $168/sq.ft creates significant savings and equity.
Identify available incentives based on your project's affordability
Based on your project details, here are the incentives you may qualify for.
Provides a capital contribution of up to $50,000 per affordable unit as a forgivable loan.
Rebate for a portion of the HST paid on construction of new rental property.
Rebates for energy-efficient features like heat pumps, solar readiness, and improved insulation.
These incentives can significantly reduce your effective project cost and improve returns. Actual incentive amounts may vary based on program availability and specific eligibility criteria.
Calculate your property's operating income and expenses
Your rental income is based on your unit mix and rental rates.
Enter your expected operating expenses to calculate Net Operating Income.
Configure your construction and permanent financing details
Configure your construction loan parameters.
Configure your long-term financing after construction.
Projected schedule for development, construction, and lease-up phases.
Complete financial analysis of your investment
See the impact of Helio's $168/sq.ft construction vs. industry average.
Compare different scenarios to understand risks and opportunities.
Complete analysis of your multi-unit development project
Building with Helio at $168/sq.ft saves you $0 compared to industry average.
Your project creates $0 in initial equity, while the same project at industry average rates would have less equity.
Completing construction in 6 months (vs. industry average 12) provides $0 in additional income and interest savings.
Your project qualifies for approximately $0 in government incentives and rebates.
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Our internal analysis tools go much deeper than this calculator, with custom projections for your specific project.
No obligations—just exploring if we're the right partner for your investment goals
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