The new Québec building code, expected to take effect in October 2027, will change the cost and technical requirements for new residential construction. For owners of existing plex buildings on the North Shore, the direct impact is more limited — but the indirect effects on supply, demand, and market value are real and worth understanding before you make any decisions about renovation, holding, or selling.
What actually changes in the 2027 building code
The 2027 code update introduces more stringent requirements in several key areas:
- Thermal insulation: higher minimum R-values for walls, roofs, and foundations — particularly relevant for Québec's climate;
- Airtightness: tighter air barrier standards to reduce heat loss and improve energy performance;
- EV charging infrastructure: electrical rough-in requirements for electric vehicle charging in buildings above a defined threshold (currently proposed at 5+ units);
- Fire safety: updated provisions for fire separations, suppression systems, and smoke control in multi-unit residential buildings;
- Accessibility: revised requirements for accessible units and common areas in new residential construction.
The energy performance provisions are the most significant cost driver — and the source of the cost-increase estimates published by the industry.
Cost impact — what APCHQ and the RBQ are saying
| Source | Estimated cost increase | Methodology |
|---|---|---|
| APCHQ (builders' association) | +5% to +8% on new residential construction | Survey of member builders; analysis of energy efficiency add-ons |
| Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) | +3% to +6% (regulatory impact analysis) | Government cost-benefit analysis; includes amortization of efficiency gains |
| Gap between estimates | ~2–3 percentage points | Reflects uncertainty in municipal application and contractor pricing |
For a new triplex costing $900,000 to build today, a 5–8% increase translates to $45,000–$72,000 in additional construction costs. This is a meaningful barrier to new supply — fewer new plexes being built means more demand for existing stock.
Does the 2027 code apply to your existing plex?
This is the most important point for current plex owners on the North Shore: the new code generally applies to new construction, not existing buildings. A plex built in 2010, 2015, or even 2022 is not required to be retrofitted to the 2027 code simply because it takes effect.
The exception: if you undertake major renovations that trigger code compliance under the applicable building permit — for example, replacing an entire mechanical system, adding a structural floor, or changing the building's use. In these cases, the renovation scope may pull certain provisions of the new code into play.
EV charging: applies above 5 units
Based on current proposals, the EV charging infrastructure requirement (electrical rough-in for future chargers) would apply to new residential buildings with 5 or more units. A duplex, triplex, or quadruplex would not be required to install this infrastructure under the new code. Confirm with your municipality, as local by-laws may go further.
How the 2027 code affects the value of your existing plex
The effect on existing plex value on the North Shore is primarily indirect — but it is positive for sellers:
- Reduced new supply: higher construction costs slow the pace of new plex development. Fewer new units entering the market means less downward pressure on rents and values for existing stock;
- Comparative advantage: a well-maintained existing plex built at pre-2027 costs offers a competitive cost-per-unit compared to new builds that must absorb the code premium;
- Renovation consideration: if you are planning significant renovations before selling, getting permits before October 2027 locks in the current (lower) code requirements — potentially saving on costs;
- Buyer perception: sophisticated income-property buyers on the North Shore understand the supply dynamics — a well-positioned existing plex becomes more valuable in a constrained supply environment.
Should you renovate before October 2027?
If you are planning renovations that require a building permit — particularly work involving structural elements, mechanical systems, or building envelope — there is a case for getting those permits before the October 2027 deadline to lock in the current code requirements.
That said, for most plex owners on the North Shore who are not planning major capital projects, the 2027 code is not a pressing reason to rush. Where the timing calculus changes is if you are weighing a sale: completing permitted renovations under the current code before selling may add value without the cost premium the new code would impose on equivalent new construction.
Our analysis of the North Shore real estate market in 2026 provides more context on how supply and demand dynamics are playing out right now.
2027 code context — does it change your sell decision?
For plex owners who were already considering a sale, the 2027 code is one more market factor pointing in the same direction: the window before tighter construction costs constrain new supply further is now. A plex that generates stable rental income in a low-vacancy market on the North Shore is an asset buyers want — and the reduced new-construction pipeline only strengthens that position.
ImmoMulti buys existing plex properties as-is, with tenants in place — no renovation required, no code upgrades, no commissions. Confidential offer within 48 hours.
See also: Unprofitable plex in Québec 2026 — when does it make sense to sell? and Multiplex yield calculation — cap rate, GRM and NOI explained.
Informational content only. Building code provisions and effective dates are subject to change by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec and the Québec government. Consult an engineer, architect, or building permit officer for advice specific to your property and planned work.
