The Canadian Real Estate Investor

We are joined by Adam & Matt from the Vancouver Real Estate Podcast to have a catch up discussion and settle the argument as to which market has been worse. Toronto or Vancouver. Tune in to find out.  Try it NordVPN risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Use our code "realestate" to get 4 extras months from a 2 years plan Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management VANCOUVER MULTIPLEX EVENT TICKETS LISTEN AD FREE Realist.caSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canadian borrowers and investors are shifting from variable and long fixed terms toward 3-year fixed mortgages in 2026, seeking short-term certainty without locking into long rates, and how that decision ties into portfolio planning, refinancing risk, and programs like CMHC MLI Select. Fixed (3- or 5-year) = predictable payments, easier modeling for equity/refinance and portfolio scaling. Variable = a macro bet (rates must fall for it to be advantageous); can cause sudden payment spikes. 3-year fixed = compromise: short-term protection with flexibility if rates decline; financing programs (e.g., CMHC MLI Select) can affect timing and cost. Try it NordVPN risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Use our code "realestate" to get 4 extras months from a 2 years plan Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management VANCOUVER MULTIPLEX EVENT TICKETS LISTEN AD FREE Realist.caSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We cover a whole bunch of breaking news in this episode.  Construction productivity is collapsing (−37% since 2001) amid a massive retiring workforce and small‑firm dominance, constraining new supply and raising costs. Affordability gains are concentrated in condos — not broad-based — while taxes, development charges and stalled starts (RESCON’s HST‑holiday pitch) risk deepening the supply shortfall. Financial and market stress is rising: power‑of‑sale listings are spiking in Ontario, rental affordability is worsening regionally (Nova Scotia worst), and growing private‑credit exposure could tighten financing for builders and buyers. Try it NordVPN risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Use our code "realestate" to get 4 extras months from a 2 years plan Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management VANCOUVER MULTIPLEX EVENT TICKETS LISTEN AD FREE Realist.caSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bank of Canada and Better Dwelling argue Toronto’s condo boom was driven by investor speculation and presale funding, creating Ponzi‑like dynamics where ongoing new-buyer inflows were needed to sustain prices and projects; when demand and returns fell, many projects stalled, inventory surged, and systemic risk materialized. 3 major bullet points: Presale-dependent financing + high investor leverage (small deposits, assignment flipping) made the development model reliant on continuous new buyers rather than end-user demand. Rising interest rates, easing population growth, and oversupply collapsed expected short-term returns, leaving many investors with negative‑cash‑flow units and unsold inventory. Consequences: record unsold/returned units, halted starts and cancellations, developer stress : a market correction that resembles Ponzi finance dynamics but lacks outright fraud. Try it NordVPN risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Use our code "realestate" to get 4 extras months from a 2 years plan Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management VANCOUVER MULTIPLEX EVENT TICKETS LISTEN AD FREE Realist.caSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canada's weak housing market start to 2026, debating whether January's 16.2% year-over-year sales decline signals a deeper slowdown or just winter seasonality.⁠⁠​ National weakness across metrics: Sales down 16.2% YoY, new listings up 7.3%, sales-to-new listings ratio fell to 45%, and HPI down 4.9% YoY⁠⁠​ Regional divergence: Ontario markets (Hamilton, Oakville) down double digits, while secondary markets like Quebec City and Sudbury show double-digit gains⁠⁠​Investor positioning: Buyers have more negotiating leverage; sellers need to price correctly as multiple offers are limited to select markets Try it NordVPN risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Use our code "realestate" to get 4 extras months from a 2 years plan Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management VANCOUVER MULTIPLEX EVENT TICKETS LISTEN AD FREE Realist.caSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we sit down with a Vancity leader, Ryan Mckinley to unpack multiplex financing and policy across Canada. We explore why most multiplexes in Vancouver are strata-title, promoting homeownership, while Toronto’s market is trending toward rentals. Hear practical financing options for homeowners, investors, and small developers, plus a local case study and market outlook. We discuss the big opportunity for Toronto as condo ownership supply tightens, and how multiplexes can deliver lower construction and management costs, greater exit flexibility, and a pathway to more affordable ownership. Try it NordVPN risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Use our code "realestate" to get 4 extras months from a 2 years plan Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management VANCOUVER MULTIPLEX EVENT TICKETS LISTEN AD FREE Realist.caSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick & Dan are joined by Tania Bourassa-Ochoa, Deputy Chief Economist at CMHC, who authored the recent report on the mortgage renewal wave. Over 1.5 million Canadians have already renewed at higher rates, with another million coming. While Toronto arrears have quadrupled, nationally only 0.25% of mortgages are in arrears. 1.5 million households renewed, 1 million more coming — the largest renewal wave in modern Canadian history⁠⁠​ Toronto and Vancouver are most stressed, particularly pandemic buyers, but most Canadian homeowners are still paying⁠⁠​  Despite rising arrears, only 0.25% of mortgages nationally are in arrears — this isn't a nationwide housing collapse⁠⁠ Try it NordVPN risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Use our code "realestate" to get 4 extras months from a 2 years plan Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management VANCOUVER MULTIPLEX EVENT TICKETS LISTEN AD FREE Realist.caSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this news episode, Nick & Dan cover major challenges in Ontario's housing market, including regulatory enforcement against brokerages, inconsistent multiplex approvals despite new zoning policies, a new RBC-REALTOR partnership, and a severe collapse in residential construction threatening the provincial economy. RECO Trust Account Scandal: Save Max brokerages had $2.7 million unlawfully taken from trust accounts for operating expenses, resulting in suspensions and account freezes — the second major trust breach after iPro's $10.5 million scandal. Multiplex Policy Inconsistency: Toronto's "gentle intensification" policy shows conflicting results, one six-storey project on Islington got approved while a similar Pharmacy Avenue project was rejected over parking and "neighbourhood character," despite both streets being designated for small apartment buildings. Construction Crisis: Ontario's residential construction is collapsing with housing starts down 58% in Toronto, single-family sales down 71% in the GTHA, and 2025 marking the worst year for GTA new home sales in 45 years, threatening to shrink the provincial economy by 1.5-2.5% in 2026. Try it NordVPN risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Use our code "realestate" to get 4 extras months from a 2 years plan Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management VANCOUVER MULTIPLEX EVENT TICKETS LISTEN AD FREE Realist.caSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canada's rental market in Q1 2026, revealing a major shift from growth to stagnation. The main takeaway is that rent growth has essentially stopped nationwide, with some cities experiencing declines. Join us as we go through the Yardi Rental Report  Rent growth has flatlined: National rent growth is only 3.2% year-over-year (in-place rents) and new lease rents are up just 0.7%, with cities like Calgary and Toronto seeing negative growth on new leases. Vacancies at 5-year highs: National vacancy hit 4.5%, with Calgary at 6.1% and turnover exceeding 40% in some Western markets, giving renters unprecedented leverage. Operating costs squeezing margins: Average expenses are $8,000 per unit annually (highest in Ontario at $8,822), making it harder for landlords to maintain profitability as rent growth stalls. Try it NordVPN risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Use our code "realestate" to get 4 extras months from a 2 years plan Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management VANCOUVER MULTIPLEX EVENT TICKETS LISTEN AD FREE Realist.caSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick & Dan do a comprehensive deep dive on Alberta's real estate market, part of "The Canadian Re Tour" podcast mini-series. We covers Alberta's economic fundamentals, major cities (Calgary and Edmonton), and mid-sized markets, with detailed data on home prices, rents, vacancy rates, and cap rates as of December 2025. Alberta has Canada's highest GDP per capita at ~$96,544, strong wages, and no rent control, making it attractive for cashflow-focused real estate investors. Calgary ($615,986 avg price) is more expensive and corporate-focused with 102 head offices, while Edmonton ($454,981 avg price) remains Canada's most affordable major citywith stable government employment. Vacancy rates have risen significantly in 2025—Calgary approaching 6%and Edmonton at 3.8%—due to a record 20,000 rental unit starts, helping stabilize the market after an extremely tight 2023. Try it NordVPN risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Use our code "realestate" to get 4 extras months from a 2 years plan Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management VANCOUVER MULTIPLEX EVENT TICKETS LISTEN AD FREE Realist.caSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A January 2026 Senate report called housing "Out of Reach." We look at the report and cover the rental market squeeze, development charges, and regulatory delays that are driving up housing costs across Canada Toronto housing fees are staggering: New homes in Toronto carry approximately $200,000 in municipal fees, compared to under $10,000 in cities like Moncton or Charlottetown⁠⁠. Approval timelines are crippling supply: It takes an average of 11 years to get a new housing development approved and built from start to finish in some Canadian cities⁠⁠. Rental market reforms are coming: The Senate report recommends incentivizing rental construction through tax breaks, preserving affordable units, and potentially restricting institutional investors from buying up residential rentals⁠ Try it NordVPN risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Use our code "realestate" to get 4 extras months from a 2 years plan Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management VANCOUVER MULTIPLEX EVENT TICKETS LISTEN AD FREE Realist.caSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BMO economist Robert Kavcic forecasts a "long and slow grind" toward housing affordability in Canada⁠⁠. Prices have fallen 17% from their 2022 peak, but remain unaffordable for many⁠⁠. Investors have exited the market, calling real estate "dead money" compared to equities⁠⁠, and Kavcic predicts prices will continue to decline, especially in the condo and rental segments⁠⁠. The current market favors buyers, with sellers more likely to lower prices than buyers are to pay more⁠⁠​GTA prices still falling Detached houses dropped 8% year-over-year and condos fell 3.8% in the Greater Toronto Area⁠⁠​Rental market concerns Pre-construction condo buyers facing higher mortgage rates are forced to rent instead of sell, which reinforces bearish rental market outlook⁠ Try it NordVPN risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Use our code "realestate" to get 4 extras months from a 2 years plan Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management VANCOUVER MULTIPLEX EVENT TICKETS LISTEN AD FREE Realist.caSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump's proposed ban on corporate landlords buying single-family homes with Canada's MLI Select program, arguing that financial incentives work better than bans for directing institutional capital toward building new housing supply. Policy Contrast: Trump's ban excludes new construction, potentially pushing institutional investors toward building rather than buying existing homes—inadvertently achieving what Canada's MLI Select program does deliberately through financing incentives MLI Select Mechanics: Canada's program offers 50-year amortizations and 95% financing for multi-family projects that score points for affordability, energy efficiency, and accessibility—making new construction more attractive than competing for existing homes Incentives vs. Bans: The fundamental lesson is that redirecting institutional capital through attractive financing works better than prohibition—creating alignment between investor profit motives and public policy goals without demonizing capital Try it NordVPN risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Use our code "realestate" to get 4 extras months from a 2 years plan Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management VANCOUVER MULTIPLEX EVENT TICKETS LISTEN AD FREE Realist.caSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this news episode we discuss how inflation-adjusted home prices have fallen back to 2017 levels, despite appearing stable nominally. Housing starts hit record numbers in 2025 but momentum is fading, with the Bank of Canada holding rates at 2.25%ahead of its January 28th decision. Meanwhile, inflation rose to 2.4% in December, with renters experiencing 4.9% annual rent growth while homeowners saw just 1.3% inflation. Real estate has lost real value: While home prices dropped only 4% year-over-year, inflation-adjusted prices are back to 2017 levels, with weak sales driven more by buyer hesitation than affordability. Housing construction momentum is fading: Despite 2025 being the fifth-best year for housing starts, the six-month average has been declining since September, with economic uncertainty pushing builders toward smaller projects. Renters face much higher inflation than homeowners: Renters experienced 4.9% annual rent growth in December—the fourth-largest jump since 1988—while homeowners saw only 1.3% inflation. Try it NordVPN risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management VANCOUVER MULTIPLEX EVENT TICKETS LISTEN AD FREE Realist.caSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are joined by Fred Cassano, Partner and National Real Estate Leader at PwC Canada, discussing the state of Canadian real estate markets around the ULI Emerging Trends report. Market in Transition: The real estate market is experiencing mixed sentiments with a sense that it may be hitting bottom. Office Market Recovery: Office leasing is seeing renewed activity, particularly for trophy assets, driven by return-to-work mandates. Housing Supply Crisis: Canada needs to build 500,000 homes annually to meet demand, with government initiatives like BCH addressing supply issues. Capital Market Shifts: Private capital is filling gaps left by large institutions, with foreign investment in Canadian real estate increasing. Emerging Opportunities: Senior housing presents strong investment potential due to years of undersupply, while retail remains resilient by adapting to consumer needs. Try it NordVPN risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management VANCOUVER MULTIPLEX EVENT TICKETS LISTEN AD FREE Realist.caSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick & Dan are joined by Journalist & Podcaster Amber Kanwar for a discussion on her career journey in finance, the "In The Money" podcast, real estate investing (strengths, misconceptions, evolution in Canada, current market challenges), the Canadian economy's trajectory, and financial advice for young Canadians entering real estate.  Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management VANCOUVER MULTIPLEX EVENT TICKETS LISTEN AD FREE Realist.ca  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick & Dan explain Canada's Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) and Section 45(2) elections, focusing on how to protect tax-free capital gains when buying a second property. The discussion covers how capital gains work in Canada (50% inclusion rate), the PRE's tax-free benefit, and the critical Section 45(2) election that allows homeowners to continue claiming their former home as a principal residence for up to 4 years after converting it to a rental. One exemption at a time: You can only designate one property per year as your principal residence, but buying a second property doesn't immediately eliminate the exemption on your first home Section 45(2) election protects you: When converting your home to a rental, this election prevents a deemed disposition and lets you continue claiming it as your principal residence for up to 4 more years—but you must not claim depreciation (CCA) on the property Change-of-use creates tax exposure: Without the Section 45(2) election, moving out and renting your home triggers a deemed disposition at fair market value, potentially creating a taxable capital gain even though you haven't actually sold Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management LISTEN AD FREE Realist.caSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canada's banking system is dominated by just six major institutions (the Big Five plus National Bank), which control over 80% of banking assets. While this concentration was designed for stability, it creates limited competition and flexibility compared to the U.S., which has thousands of banks with diverse underwriting philosophies. Illusion of choice: Canadians feel like they have banking options, but are essentially rotating through six institutions that behave similarly in terms of rates, underwriting, and credit requirements. Designed for stability, not competition: Canada's concentrated banking system was intentionally created post-Depression to prioritize safety over flexibility, which helped avoid failures during the 2008 crisis but limits competition. Different bank personalities: Each of the Big Six has distinct lending approaches—RBC prefers "vanilla" borrowers, TD is systems-driven, Scotia is unpredictable, BMO is business-friendly, CIBC is mortgage-aggressive, and National Bank is regionally focused. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management LISTEN AD FREE Realist.ca  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick & Dan discuss co-ownership structures for real estate, focusing on joint tenancy vs. tenants in common, and land lease properties. Joint tenancy means equal shares with automatic transfer to surviving owners upon death, while tenants in common allows unequal shares that pass to heirs. Land lease properties let you own the building but lease the land, offering lower purchase prices but with ongoing ground rent and lease expiration concerns. Joint tenancy requires equal ownership and unanimous consent for major decisions, with automatic survivorship rights. Tenants in common allows flexible ownership percentages and independent sale of shares, but no automatic transfer on death. Land lease properties have lower purchase prices since you only own the structure, but require ongoing ground rent and the lease eventually expires. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management MULTIPLEX MASTERCLASS LISTEN AD FREE free 1 week trial for Realist Premium Deal AnalyzerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canada's housing market remains stalled despite lower interest rates. The problem has shifted from mortgage costs to fundamental affordability — buyers don't believe prices have reset enough, sellers are discounting to move properties, and the market lacks conviction on both sides. Then in the second half of the show we are joined by our amazing event hosts for some national updates. Market weakness is broad-based: National sales down 10.7% year-over-year, prices down 3.8%, with Toronto and Vancouver leading the decline. Rates aren't the issue anymore: The Bank of Canada cut rates four times in 2025 to 2.25%, but affordability concerns and economic unease still prevent buyers from acting. 2026 outlook is mixed: Spring 2026 is the earliest realistic turning point, with strong growth expected in Quebec City, Montreal, and Regina, while Toronto and Vancouver prices continue falling. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management MULTIPLEX MASTERCLASS LISTEN AD FREE free 1 week trial for Realist Premium Deal AnalyzerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.