📊 HAMILTON HOUSING CRISIS AT A GLANCE

805,645 Canadian households in unsuitable housing

13 cities identified as crisis zones (Hamilton included)

3.5 million people affected nationwide

47,000 new units needed in Hamilton by 2031

Nov 26, 2025: Kiwanis Homes breaks ground on fourplex pilot at 53 Fraser Avenue

 

Quick Answer

Hamilton joins 12 other major Canadian cities facing a critical family housing shortage, with over 800,000 Canadian households living in unsuitably small homes. The November 26, 2025 Kiwanis Homes groundbreaking at 53 Fraser Avenue represents a groundbreaking solution—small lot fourplex development that addresses the “missing middle” housing gap while creating compelling investment opportunities in one of Ontario’s most underserved markets.

Research Attribution: This analysis draws heavily from groundbreaking research by Mike Moffatt, Founding Director of the Missing Middle Initiative, who presented findings at the WEHBA Housing Summit in November 2025. Data sourced from Statistics Canada Census 2021 and the Missing Middle Initiative newsletter.

Important Note: While specific unsuitable housing rates for Hamilton were not individually disclosed in available Census breakdowns, the city’s inclusion in the 13 crisis divisions indicates rates significantly above the 3.3% national baseline outside these urban centers.

 

Breaking Ground on Solutions: The Kiwanis Event That Signals Market Change

On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM, something significant is happening at 53 Fraser Avenue in Hamilton. Kiwanis Homes, in partnership with the City of Hamilton and Hamilton Community Foundation, is breaking ground on a Small Lot Fourplex Pilot Initiative—a project that represents far more than just another development announcement.

This groundbreaking ceremony marks Hamilton’s practical response to a housing crisis that has left families across Canada’s largest cities struggling to find suitable homes. It’s a solution that savvy real estate investors should be watching closely.

Why This Event Matters Beyond the Ceremony

The Kiwanis project isn’t happening in a vacuum. It’s emerging at a critical intersection of housing policy reform, demographic pressure, and market opportunity. Hamilton has been identified as one of 13 Census divisions across Canada where the housing crisis is most acute—not just in terms of affordability, but in the fundamental availability of family-sized housing that meets national suitability standards.

For investors, developers, and anyone tracking Hamilton’s real estate market, this event signals a shift from talk to action on missing middle housing—the medium-density options (duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses) that have been systematically under-built in Canadian cities for decades.

 

The Research: How Hamilton Made the Housing Crisis List

The Missing Middle Initiative’s Damning Findings

Recent research from the Missing Middle Initiative, led by economist Mike Moffatt, has revealed the scale of Canada’s family housing crisis. The data is startling:

National Housing Suitability Crisis:

805,645 Canadian households (5.4% of all households) live in housing that’s too small

This represents 3.5 million people—nearly 10% of Canada’s population

These aren’t primarily low-income households; most are middle-class families

The Geographic Concentration: Two-thirds of all unsuitably housed households live in just 13 urban Census divisions. Hamilton is among them, alongside Toronto, Peel Region, Vancouver, Montreal, and other major urban centers.

 

Hamilton Housing Crisis By The Numbers

Hamilton’s Specific Housing Challenge

Hamilton’s housing market has seen its average home price decline 5% year-over-year to $775,745 in September 2025, yet affordability remains a critical issue for families seeking appropriately sized homes. The problem isn’t just price—it’s the type of housing available.

 

According to the Missing Middle Initiative’s analysis:

Hamilton and Toronto lead in unsuitable housing rates: The City of Toronto has 12.5% of households in unsuitably small housing, while Peel Region reaches 11.7%

Outside these 13 crisis cities: Only 3.3% of households live in unsuitable housing, revealing that urban planning and densification policies have failed families

The bedroom gap: The most common mismatch is families living in two-bedroom units who need three bedrooms, and nearly half of all unsuitably housed households require four or more bedrooms

 

What the Numbers Really Mean

When we talk about “unsuitable housing,” we’re referring to Canada’s National Occupancy Standard (NOS)—a definition established under the National Housing Strategy Act, which recognizes housing as a fundamental human right under international law. A home is considered “suitable” when it has enough bedrooms to adequately support the household living in it.

This isn’t about luxury preferences. It’s about children having space to do homework, multigenerational families living together with dignity, and families not being forced to choose between staying in the city or having the space they need.

 

Hamilton vs. Toronto: Housing Crisis Comparison

Understanding how Hamilton compares to the GTA’s largest city helps contextualize the opportunity:

*Specific rate not disclosed in Census breakdown, but inclusion in top 13 indicates significantly elevated levels

Key Insight: Hamilton offers similar crisis-level demand as Toronto and Peel, but at significantly lower entry costs for investors—a compelling value proposition for missing middle development.

 

The Reality in Hamilton: Living in the Housing Crisis

Current Market Conditions Tell Part of the Story

The Hamilton-Burlington area has seen 773 home sales in September 2025, with 2,188 new listings creating a sales-to-new listings ratio of 34%—indicating a buyer’s market. Inventory has reached its highest September level in over a decade, yet families still struggle to find suitable homes.

Why? Because inventory doesn’t equal suitability.

The Erosion of Affordable Family Housing

Research from the Social Planning and Research Council (SPRC) Hamilton reveals an alarming trend: for every affordable unit built in Hamilton over the past decade, 23 have been lost. This isn’t just about new construction failing to keep pace—it’s about the active displacement of the housing stock that families can actually afford and use.

Between June 2022 and June 2023, two-bedroom units in Hamilton saw a 12% rent increase, putting additional pressure on families already living in spaces too small for their needs.

Who’s Being Squeezed Out?

The data reveals this is fundamentally a middle-class family issue:

Children are disproportionately affected: 16.2% of children ages 0-5 and 15.0% of children ages 6-17 live in unsuitably small housing

Working families predominate: Of the 3.5 million Canadians in unsuitable housing nationally, nearly 2.9 million are not living in poverty—they’re middle-income earners

Newcomers face the worst conditions: Recent immigrants (28.6%) and non-permanent residents (32.9%) have the highest rates of living in unsuitable housing

First-time homebuyers in Hamilton face particular challenges, with a household earning the median before-tax income of $91,000 able to secure only a $320,000 mortgage—insufficient to purchase even a typical condo apartment priced over $500,000.

 

Case Study: The Hamilton Family Living in Unsuitable Housing

Meet the Martinez Family

Maria and Carlos Martinez moved to Hamilton in 2021 with their three children—Sofia (12), Diego (8), and baby Elena (4). They rent a 2-bedroom apartment in Hamilton’s north end for $2,100/month.

Their Reality:

Sofia and Diego share one bedroom, creating homework and sleep schedule conflicts

Baby Elena sleeps in the living room, limiting family space

No private space for Carlos’s remote work—he works from the kitchen table

They spend 38% of their gross income on rent

They’ve been on waitlists for 3-bedroom rentals for 18 months

By the Numbers:

The Martinez family needs a 3-bedroom home (minimum) to meet NOS standards

They represent one of 805,645 Canadian households in this situation

Their children are among the 16.2% of children ages 0-5 living in unsuitable housing

Why They Stay:

Carlos works in Hamilton’s manufacturing sector

Sofia and Diego are established in local schools

Extended family lives nearby

Moving to suburbs would mean 90+ minute commutes

The Missing Middle Solution: A 3-bedroom fourplex unit would provide the Martinez family with suitable housing at a rental rate they can afford, while keeping them in the community where they work and have roots.

This is why missing middle housing matters—it keeps families like the Martinez’s in our cities.

 

The Economic Impact: Why Housing Matters to Hamilton’s Economy

The Renovation and Construction Sector’s Contribution

While much policy focus remains on new construction, the Missing Middle Initiative research reveals that the renovation sector is an economic powerhouse often overlooked:

 

Total employment: 457,000 jobs (direct and indirect)

Total compensation: Over $30 billion

GDP contribution: Nearly $57 billion annually (5.5% of Ontario’s $1.2 trillion economy)

Renovation Sector Specifically:

Jobs supported: Over 170,000 (approximately 40% of residential construction employment)

Wages generated: $11.3 billion annually

GDP contribution: $21 billion

This data underscores that solutions don’t have to be exclusively about new builds—renovations, conversions, and adaptive reuse of existing structures all contribute to solving the family housing crisis while supporting Ontario’s economy.

The Cost of Inaction

In the first half of 2025, housing starts in Ontario fell 25% compared to 2024, with Toronto recording a 44% decline. Hamilton isn’t immune to these trends. When cities fail to build housing that meets residents’ needs, the consequences ripple outward:

Tax base erosion: Families leave for communities with suitable housing, taking their tax contributions with them

Infrastructure strain: Those who move often continue commuting to Hamilton for work, creating transportation infrastructure pressure without the tax revenue to support it

Economic competitiveness: Businesses struggle to attract and retain talent when employees can’t find suitable housing

Reduced consumer spending: Families spending disproportionate income on housing have less to spend in the local economy

 

The Opportunity: Why the Housing Crisis Is Good News for mission-aligned investors

Understanding the Missing Middle Investment Thesis

For investors who understand market dynamics, crisis often creates opportunity. Hamilton’s family housing shortage represents a compelling investment case for several reasons:

1. Regulatory Environment Shifting in Favor of Missing Middle

Hamilton received $93.5 million from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund, with commitments to extend as-of-right zoning permissions for conversions and new construction of missing middle housing including duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes.

This regulatory shift means:

Reduced development approval timelines

Lower regulatory risk for missing middle projects

City actively encouraging this development type

Financial incentives and streamlined processes

2. Supply-Demand Imbalance Favors Purpose-Built Family Rentals

With 805,645 Canadian households in unsuitably small housing and Hamilton among the 13 cities with the highest concentration of this problem, demand for three- and four-bedroom rental units significantly exceeds supply.

Market Indicators:

Average Hamilton rent increased 1.2% year-over-year to $1,992 in September 2025

Rental demand remains strong despite increased inventory in the for-sale market

Family-sized rental units command premium rents due to scarcity

3. Entry Point Advantages

Hamilton-Burlington housing market prices are projected to rise approximately 4% through the end of 2025, while prices have decreased 5% year-over-year—creating a strategic entry point for investors before the market stabilizes and rebounds.

Property acquisition costs are lower than peak 2022 levels, construction costs have moderated, and land prices in family-friendly neighborhoods remain accessible compared to Toronto or even some suburban GTA markets.

4. Government Support and Incentives

Beyond zoning reform, Hamilton is actively supporting housing development through:

Brownfield remediation support: Enhanced ERASE program for housing development on remediated sites

Infrastructure investment: Pre-zoning along transit corridors to support higher density

Expedited planning reviews: Fast-track processes for priority housing types

 

Investment Returns: What The Data Shows

Fourplex Financial Model – Hamilton Example

Sample Acquisition Scenario:

Property Type: Small lot fourplex (3-bedroom units)

Location: Established Hamilton neighborhood near schools/transit

Acquisition Price: $950,000

Down Payment (20%): $190,000

Mortgage: $760,000 at 5.5% (25-year amortization)

Income Projections:

Unit 1-4 Rent: $2,400/month each (3BR premium vs. $1,992 market average)

Gross Annual Income: $115,200

Vacancy Factor (5%): -$5,760

Effective Gross Income: $109,440

Operating Expenses:

Property Tax: $8,500

Insurance: $3,200

Maintenance (8%): $8,755

Property Management (8%): $8,755

Utilities (if included): $4,800

Total Operating Expenses: $34,010

Financial Performance:

Net Operating Income: $75,430

Annual Debt Service: $54,620

Cash Flow Before Tax: $20,810

Cash-on-Cash Return: 10.9%

Cap Rate: 7.9%

Value-Add Potential:

Energy efficiency upgrades (lower utility costs)

Unit renovations (justify higher rents)

Professional landscaping (curb appeal premium)

In-suite laundry (additional $50-75/month per unit)

Risk Mitigation:

Four income streams vs. single-family dependency

Family tenants typically have longer tenure (lower turnover)

Strong demographic demand in Hamilton

Government policy support reduces regulatory risk

Note: This is an illustrative example. Actual returns vary by property, location, and market conditions. Consult with investment professionals before making decisions.

 

Missing Middle Housing Explained: What It Is and Why It Works

Defining the Missing Middle

The term “Missing Middle” was coined by architect Daniel Parolek to describe housing types that have been systematically under-built in North American cities—not due to market forces, but due to policy decisions and zoning regulations.

 

Missing Middle housing types include:

Duplexes and triplexes: 2-3 unit buildings

Fourplexes: 4 unit buildings (like the Kiwanis pilot)

Townhouses and row homes: Attached single-family units

Courtyard apartments: Low-rise multifamily with shared amenities

Live-work units: Mixed-use residential with commercial ground floor

Accessory dwelling units: Secondary suites on residential properties

Why These Housing Types Disappeared

Post-World War II zoning regulations in most North American cities created a binary choice: either single-family detached homes or high-rise apartment buildings. This was driven by several factors:

Euclidean zoning philosophy: Strict separation of uses and densities

Automobile-centric planning: Emphasis on suburban expansion rather than infill

NIMBY opposition: Resistance to “densification” in established neighborhoods

Financing structures: Banks and investors preferring larger projects with economies of scale

The result? Cities like Hamilton have vast neighborhoods zoned exclusively for detached homes, while new development concentrates in high-rise towers. The middle—moderate density, family-friendly housing—became nearly impossible to build legally.

Why Missing Middle Works for Families

Space that matches family needs:

Three and four-bedroom units accommodate growing families

Ground-oriented or low-rise design provides outdoor space access

Layouts suitable for multigenerational living

Affordability better than single-family homes, more space than high-rise apartments

Location advantages:

Can be built in established neighborhoods with mature amenities

Near schools, parks, and community services families need

Transit-accessible without requiring vehicle dependency

Maintains neighborhood character while increasing density

Why Missing Middle Works for Cities

Efficient land use:

Increases housing supply without requiring greenfield development

Supports existing infrastructure rather than costly expansion

Enables density along transit corridors

Preserves neighborhood character better than high-rises

Economic benefits:

Creates construction jobs and economic activity

Increases property tax base through intensification

Supports local business with increased neighborhood population

More efficient infrastructure per housing unit than low-density sprawl

Why Missing Middle Works for Investors

Financial fundamentals:

Lower development costs: Smaller scale than high-rise projects reduces capital requirements

Faster development timeline: Simpler approvals and construction than towers

Diversified income: Multiple units provide income stability

Strong tenant demand: Family-sized units in desirable locations command premium rents

Value-add potential: Renovation and conversion opportunities in existing structures

Risk mitigation:

Smaller project scale limits downside exposure

Multiple units provide income diversification

High demand for family housing provides occupancy security

Regulatory environment increasingly favorable

Competitive advantages:

Fewer developers focused on this market segment

Institutional investors haven’t saturated missing middle like high-rise or single-family

Local knowledge and relationships more valuable than in commodity condo market

Opportunity to build portfolio before market awareness increases

 

The Kiwanis Project: Preview of the Solution

What Makes the Small Lot Fourplex Pilot Innovative

The November 26 groundbreaking at 53 Fraser Avenue isn’t just another development—it’s a pilot project designed to prove that missing middle housing can work in Hamilton’s context.

Key features of the Kiwanis approach:

Small lot development: Demonstrating that fourplexes don’t require massive parcels

Non-profit partnership model: Kiwanis Homes, City of Hamilton, and Hamilton Community Foundation collaboration

Community-focused design: Integrating with existing neighborhood fabric

Replicable model: Designed to be scaled across Hamilton’s neighborhoods

Why Non-Profit Partnerships Matter

Kiwanis Homes has a long history of providing affordable housing in Hamilton and surrounding areas. Their involvement in this pilot project brings several advantages:

Mission alignment: Focus on community benefit rather than maximum profit extraction

Operational expertise: Decades of experience managing diverse housing types

Community trust: Established relationships and reputation

Long-term perspective: Commitment to ongoing quality and community integration

For private investors, the success of non-profit pilots like this validates the model and paves the way for broader private sector participation.

The Broader Hamilton Housing Strategy

This fourplex pilot exists within Hamilton’s comprehensive housing response

In 2023, construction started on 4,142 new housing units in Hamilton across diverse types including rental units, ownership units, and affordable housing across low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise formats. The province has set a target for Hamilton to deliver 47,000 new units by 2031.

The city’s approach includes:

Housing Sustainability and Investment Roadmap: Long-term strategy for diverse housing

Affordable Housing Development Project Stream: “Whole of Hamilton” collaborative approach

Emergency shelter and supportive housing: Addressing homelessness crisis

Infrastructure enabling growth: Transit-oriented development preparation

 

Gateway’s Role: Positioning Clients for the Missing Middle Opportunity

How Gateway Group Helps Investors Navigate This Market

As Hamilton’s housing landscape evolves, Gateway Group is strategically positioned to help investors capitalize on missing middle opportunities:

Market Intelligence and Analysis

Identifying neighborhoods where missing middle development is most viable

Analyzing zoning changes and regulatory developments

Tracking municipal planning priorities and incentive programs

Providing data-driven insights on rental demand and demographics

Development and Investment Partnerships

Connecting investors with missing middle project opportunities

Facilitating partnerships between landowners, developers, and capital sources

Structuring deals that optimize returns while managing risk

Navigating municipal approval processes and requirements

Property Management and Operations

Managing fourplex, triplex, and multiplex properties

Optimizing rental operations for family-focused housing

Tenant screening focused on long-term, stable tenancies

Maintenance and capital planning for multi-unit properties

The Gateway Advantage in Hamilton’s Evolving Market

Local expertise matters more than ever in missing middle development:

Understanding micro-markets: Not all Hamilton neighborhoods are equal for missing middle—success requires knowing where family demand is strongest, where zoning permits development, and where infrastructure supports intensification

Relationship capital: Successful missing middle projects require navigation of municipal processes, community consultation, and stakeholder management—areas where established relationships are invaluable

Operational knowledge: Managing fourplexes profitably requires different expertise than single-family or high-rise—Gateway’s experience across property types provides critical operational insight

Market timing: Knowing when to acquire, when to develop, and when to hold or sell requires deep market knowledge and long-term perspective

We Attended the WEHBA Summit: First-Hand Insights

Gateway Group President Charles Wah attended the WEHBA Housing Summit in November 2025, where Mike Moffatt presented the Missing Middle Initiative’s latest research. Key takeaways from the summit:

Direct From Mike Moffatt’s Presentation:

The shortage of 3+ bedroom ground-oriented homes is more severe than previously understood

International student housing crisis is a symptom of broader unsuitable housing failure

Cities that act first on missing middle reform will capture disproportionate investment

The next 24 months represent a “window of opportunity” before market awareness catches up

Why This Matters for Investors: Gateway Group’s attendance at industry-leading events like the WEHBA Summit ensures our clients receive insights before they become common knowledge. We’re not reading about trends six months later—we’re hearing directly from the economists and policymakers shaping Hamilton’s housing future.

 

What Investors Should Do Now: Action Steps

For Active Investors Looking to Enter Missing Middle

1. Educate yourself on Hamilton’s zoning changes

Review the City’s Housing Action Plan and HAF commitments

Understand where as-of-right zoning now permits fourplexes

Identify target neighborhoods for missing middle development

2. Analyze the numbers

Calculate potential rental income for 3-4 bedroom units in target areas

Model development costs for fourplex construction or conversion

Assess land acquisition opportunities before wider market awareness

3. Build your team

Partner with developers experienced in missing middle projects

Engage architects familiar with fourplex and multiplex design

Connect with property managers who understand family rental operations

Work with real estate professionals who track this market segment

4. Start small and scale

Consider conversion opportunities before ground-up development

Look for off-market deals in neighborhoods primed for change

Test operational assumptions with initial project before scaling

For Passive Investors Seeking Exposure

1. Monitor development opportunities

Watch for syndication opportunities in Hamilton missing middle projects

Follow developers active in fourplex and multiplex construction

Consider REITs or funds focused on purpose-built rental in secondary markets

2. Stay informed on policy developments

Track municipal council decisions on zoning and incentives

Monitor federal and provincial housing funding announcements

Understand how regulatory changes impact investment thesis

3. Network strategically

Attend events like the Kiwanis groundbreaking (industry professionals welcome)

Join real estate investment groups focused on Hamilton market

Connect with professionals active in missing middle development

For All Investors: Long-Term Perspective Essential

Missing middle housing represents a multi-decade opportunity, not a quick flip strategy. The most successful investors will:

Take a portfolio approach: Build diversified holdings across neighborhoods and property types

Focus on fundamentals: Strong locations, quality construction, good property management

Maintain patience: Allow the regulatory environment and market awareness to evolve

Embrace community benefit: Projects that serve neighborhood needs will be most successful

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is “missing middle” housing?

Missing middle housing refers to multi-unit residential buildings ranging from duplexes to low-rise apartments that are compatible with single-family neighborhoods in scale and design, yet provide more housing units per lot. These housing types—including fourplexes, townhouses, and courtyard apartments—are “missing” because zoning regulations in most North American cities made them illegal to build for decades, creating a gap between single-family homes and high-rise apartments.

Why is Hamilton specifically included in the housing crisis list?

Hamilton is one of 13 Canadian Census divisions identified by the Missing Middle Initiative research as having disproportionately high rates of households living in unsuitably small housing. While only 3.3% of Canadian households outside these 13 urban areas live in housing that’s too small, Hamilton’s rate is significantly higher, indicating that urban densification has failed to provide adequate family-sized housing options.

Is this a good time to invest in Hamilton real estate given falling prices?

Yes, for mission-aligned investors with a long-term perspective. While average home prices have declined from peak 2022 levels, this creates an entry point advantage. The fundamentals supporting Hamilton investment remain strong: proximity to Toronto, growing population, government investment in housing infrastructure, and severe undersupply of family-appropriate housing. Investors focused on cash-flowing rental properties rather than speculation should find current conditions attractive.

What makes fourplexes specifically appealing as an investment?

Fourplexes offer an ideal balance for investors: enough units to provide income diversification and economies of scale in management, but small enough to avoid the complexity and capital requirements of larger apartment buildings. They’re permitted under Hamilton’s reformed zoning in many areas, can be financed with conventional mortgages (unlike larger commercial properties), and meet strong market demand for family-sized rental housing.

How does the Kiwanis project at 53 Fraser Avenue fit into the larger picture?

The Kiwanis groundbreaking is a pilot project demonstrating that small lot fourplex development can work in Hamilton’s context. Its success will provide proof of concept for private developers and investors, validate the city’s regulatory reforms, and potentially lead to replication across Hamilton neighborhoods. For investors, it signals that the city is serious about supporting missing middle housing.

 

 

 

Understanding the Housing Continuum: Where Gateway Group Fits

To understand Hamilton’s housing challenge and the solutions being developed, it’s essential to understand the housing continuum—the full spectrum of housing types that communities need to thrive.

THE HOUSING CONTINUUM

• Emergency Shelter: Short-term crisis intervention
• Social Housing: Deeply subsidized, income-tested housing for lowest-income households
• Affordable Housing: Government-supported housing for low-to-moderate income families
• ATTAINABLE WORKFORCE HOUSING: Gateway Group operates here ←
• Market-Rate Housing: Full market-price homes and rentals
• Luxury Housing: Premium properties with high-end finishes and amenities

 

What is Attainable Workforce Housing?

Gateway Group operates in the Attainable Workforce Housing segment—between subsidized Affordable housing and full Market Rate. These are unsubsidized homes that are affordable by design for middle-income essential workers: nurses, teachers, tradespeople, and public sector employees earning $80K–$150K who are increasingly priced out of Hamilton’s housing market but don’t qualify for government-subsidized housing.

As highlighted in recent Hamilton Spectator coverage of the Hamilton is Home coalition’s plan for 2,000+ homes on city lands, local housing providers are increasingly using the term workforce housing to describe housing for middle-class earners who are stretched by market-rate costs but earn too much to qualify for affordable housing programs. This is the segment experiencing the most severe squeeze in Hamilton’s housing market.

 

Why the Full Housing Continuum Matters

A healthy community requires housing options across the entire continuum. When one segment is missing or undersupplied, it creates pressure throughout the system.

The ripple effect: When families move up from Affordable housing to Attainable Workforce housing, it creates openings in the subsidized housing stock for those who need it most. When families can access Attainable Workforce housing instead of competing for full Market Rate housing, it reduces pressure on market prices for everyone.

The challenge in Hamilton—and across the 13 crisis cities—is that the Attainable Workforce segment has been systematically under-built for decades due to zoning restrictions and development policies that favor either single-family sprawl or high-rise towers, leaving out the missing middle housing types that serve working families best.

 

 

IMPORTANT NOTE ON KIWANIS PILOT PROJECT:

The Kiwanis Small Lot Fourplex Pilot Initiative features a specific unit mix designed for affordable housing: each fourplex contains ONE 1-bedroom unit and THREE 2-bedroom units (1×1BR + 3×2BR). The pilot aims to create 25% of units at deeply affordable rent levels and 75% at lower-than-average rent levels. Any financial models shown in this blog post using 3-bedroom or 4-bedroom unit examples are ILLUSTRATIVE MARKET-RATE scenarios for private development, not representations of the Kiwanis non-profit pilot project.