BLOG
Why a developer’s time is worth $667 per minute
Something that I’ve always watched, but recently become more focused on, is time management. It’s had a big impact on my productivity and overall quality of life, and I think this experience is universal for anyone who prioritizes time management. Most likely if you...
Canada – It’s time to build more apartments!
Today’s economic climate is placing the Canadian real estate market on a wild roller-coaster ride. Many developers are looking at the inherent stability of rental apartments, and really, they’re only needing a small portion of knowledge to bolt onto their existing...
Finding Money to Build Apartments
“To make more money, you either make better deals or find cheaper capital” The Big Picture The following chart breaks down the components for financing construction land from loan-to-cost, interest rate, term, fees, to guarantee. *All numbers are based on 2021...
Key takeaways for office conversions to apartments
Earlier this year, we ran a two-day online event on the conversion of offices to rental apartments. We had a range of speakers, from Canada and the U.S., including developers, architects and municipal government representatives. The presentations were fascinating and...
Condo and home builder development uncertainty?
A challenged condo or home development project warrants that the developer investigate rental development as an alternative exit. There’s been a disruption in the marketplace with the rapid rise in interest rates that we’ve seen to date, with more in store in the near...
Ontario guideline rent increase 6.2 per cent for 2023?
Will we see an Ontario guideline rent increase of 6.2 per cent for 2023? We should, but it won’t happen. The annual guideline is well below the pace of inflation and owners and property managers shouldn’t expect any relief coming soon! With inflation rising, landlords...
The Apartment Feasibility Study
Why Is a Feasibility Study Needed? A feasibility study serves two different purposes. One, it’s needed for internal decision-making. Without a good grasp of the market, the financials and potential outcomes, solid decision-making is next to impossible. Two, investors...
Real estate developers live longer lives
After having conversations with hundreds of real estate developers, and non-developers, and comparing their thinking, attitudes and courage, I am confidently making this statement: “Real estate developers live longer than most people.” People typically think living...
Building Apartments With a Joint Venture Partner
What is a Joint Venture? A joint venture (JV) is a collaboration between two or more business entities for the purpose of starting a new business activity. Each party contributes value to the joint venture and agrees how to divide up income and expenses. Where a JV...