Free interactive pencil test
Will my laneway or garden suite pencil?
Test cost, rent, and margin for a detached backyard suite. Illustrative assumptions — not a zoning lookup.
Laneway / garden suite pencil test
Illustrative assumptions only — does not read your zoning or parcel record.
PencilsRental · 1 units
$2,160/mo required
Market rent $2,400/mo · 1 units
All-in $344,750 · $344,750/unit
4,000 sf
2
750 sf
$350
18%
$0
1
$35,000
$2,400/mo
6.0%
$350/mo
Cost build-up
- Hard construction$262,500
- Soft costs$47,250
- Parking$35,000
- Land$0
- All-in$344,750
Save this scenario
Email yourself the verdict, cost build-up, and a link you can reopen — no account required.
Why we built this
Backyard suites are often sold as “easy density,” but parking, utility tie-ins, and soft costs decide whether they pencil. This tool puts those levers in one place.
When a scenario looks promising, take the next step on a real address — zoning, lot dimensions, setbacks, and height limits are free tools on Bucky.
FAQ
- What counts as a laneway or garden suite here?
- A detached backyard dwelling — coach house, laneway home, or garden suite — modeled as a single rental or for-sale unit behind the main house.
- Does this read my zoning?
- No. This is an assumption calculator — you set lot size, costs, and rents. For parcel-backed zoning facts, use Bucky’s free address tools or a project workspace.
- Who is this for?
- Developers, architects, and planning consultants who want a fast “does this typology pencil?” check before committing to a site or detailed study.