Rezoning is not just paperwork.
Development is not just construction.

It is strategy, timing, relationships, financial analysis, and community alignment working together to unlock value.

Whether you are selling development land, acquiring a site with density potential, or navigating municipal approvals, you need more than surface-level advice. You need a guide who understands the full lifecycle of a project.

With over 18 years of experience in real estate, land planning, rezoning, rental housing development, and investment strategy across Greater Victoria, Matt Peulen helps his clients move forward with clarity and confidence.

We are not just selling land. We are unlocking opportunity.

This property was acquired at a distressed price after previous ownership was unable to secure city approvals.

A different approach was required.

By partnering with BC Housing and redesigning the proposal to address neighbouring concerns, the project achieved Council approval and delivered 48 affordable rental units.

Matt Peulen had a role that included:

• Managing the project from acquisition through completion and exit
• Re-designing plans to address community concerns
• Initiating and negotiating a 10-year housing covenant with BC Housing
• Managing capital raise, construction financing, and operating budgets
• Coordinating consultants, engineers, and stakeholder communication
• Overseeing permits and construction management

A critical component was listening.

Neighbour concerns were vocal and persistent. By engaging thoughtfully and adjusting the proposal strategically, Matt aligned municipal priorities, financial feasibility, and community interests.

Development succeeds when collaboration replaces conflict.

At acquisition, this property was designated for agricultural use and widely viewed as low development opportunity.

Through extended community consultation and strategic engagement with Mayor and Council, Matt achieved rezoning approval that included 50 market rentals and 40 affordable rental units in perpetuity, later acquired by BC Housing.

Key services included:

• Managing acquisition, rezoning, consultation, and exit
• Coordinating all consultants through design phase
• Negotiating affordable housing commitments with the municipality
• Preparing zoning and development variance documentation
• Leveraging local government knowledge and housing need data

The result was a meaningful housing solution serving seniors, young families, and local workers in a community that had seen little rental development in nearly 30 years.

This is what strategic land planning looks like.