Real Estate Development Insights – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights podcast, our host Payam sits down with Peter Norman, Vice President and Chief Economist at Altus Group. Together, they explore a wide range of topics critical to the real estate development industry, from shifting demographic demands and historical market data to current trends impacting the commercial real estate industry outlook. They dive deep into the importance of affordability, macroeconomic considerations, infrastructure finance, and the role of government initiatives in housing development. This comprehensive discussion provides invaluable insight for developers, investors, and professionals navigating the evolving landscape of real estate.

• Canada Commercial Real Estate Outlook
• Macro-housing outlook: Canada 2025
• Affordability as a structural driver in the GTA
• Impact of Demographic Shifts
• The shift to rental and multi-unit products in Canada
• Pre-sales risk in Ontario/BC and conversion to rental
• Pent-Up Demand and Future Projections
• Affordability and Productivity in Housing
• Investment Strategies for Real Estate Developers
• Top metrics developers and investors must watch
• Retail and Office Space Market Outlook

Altus Group is a trusted partner to some of the world’s leading commercial real estate (CRE) investors, managers, and advisors, seamlessly connecting its capabilities across the business to deliver the on-demand performance intelligence the industry requires. By leveraging its proprietary ARGUS technology, investing in data standardization, and generating actionable insights, Altus Group empowers clients to make informed decisions, mitigate risks, and achieve exceptional returns.

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In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights podcast, Payam speaks with Chris Spoke, partner at Toronto Standard, a firm specializing in midrise rental infill in Toronto. The episode dives into Chris’s unconventional journey from a digital background to a real estate developer, his advocacy for midrise projects, the challenges and opportunities in this sector, and the importance of long-term ownership. They also discuss intriguing topics, including policy improvements, the benefits of midrise construction, and a unique approach to sourcing project sites. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in real estate development, especially those looking to understand the evolving landscape in Toronto.

• Challenges and Insights in Real Estate Development
• Mid-rise and Rental Infill Projects
• Micro vs. Macro Trends in Urban Development
• Why Six Stories Is the Sweet Spot for Toronto Real Estate Developmnet
• As-of-Right Zoning & Policy Barriers
• The Long-Term Ownership Model
• Operational Considerations for Long-Term Ownership
• Construction Efficiency & Prefab Insights
• Fixing Ontario’s Building Code

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In this episode of Real Estate Development Insights, we explore a topic at the heart of every development conversation today: construction costs. Our guest, Marlon Bray, is a seasoned industry expert who recently transitioned from cost consulting into a more hands-on construction management role. With decades of experience in pricing, budgeting, and project execution, Marlon offers a candid and insightful look at the evolving landscape of construction costs in Canada.

We’ve all heard the headlines—construction costs are falling. But is that good news? Not exactly. As Marlon explains, today’s cost reductions are a symptom of deeper industry problems, not a sign of market health. The dramatic drop in activity, loss of trades, and market hesitancy have all contributed to reduced pricing, but at a hidden cost: a weakened development ecosystem and eroding long-term capacity.

This episode breaks down the complex relationship between construction cost trends, municipal red tape, policy stagnation, and developer hesitation. If you’re a builder, planner, or investor wondering when to re-enter the market—or trying to understand what the real cost drivers are—this episode is essential listening.

Key topics we cover:

• Why construction costs are falling—and why developers should be cautious, not celebratory.
• The real reason thousands of shovel-ready units remain stalled.
• How planning delays and policy inconsistency drive up both risk and cost.
• The role of tariffs and taxes in inflating material prices.
• Why “cost” isn't just about dollars per square foot—it’s about timing, approvals, and survival.
• Critical mistakes new developers make when estimating project costs.
• The long-term danger of talent loss and trade attrition due to stalled projects.

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In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights podcast, we sit down with Brendan Whitsitt to explore the evolving landscape of purpose-built rental housing (PBR). With a career that spans architecture, private development, and large institutional platforms like Tricon Residential, Brendan brings a nuanced perspective on what it takes to make rental projects work in today’s environment.

We dive into the differences between condo and rental development models, the critical importance of systems and incentives, and why execution—rather than entitlement—has become the main driver of value. Brendan also shares insights into building better rental buildings, from thoughtful amenity selection to optimizing the resident move-in experience.

He unpacks the current market reality: stalled condo projects, financing challenges, and what his new venture, Recovery Capital, is doing to reposition struggling developments as viable rental opportunities.

Here are some of the topics we cover in this episode:

– The evolution of purpose-built rental development in Toronto

– Key differences between condo vs. rental execution models

– Why horizontal project management outperforms vertical handoffs in rentals? 

– Critical systems and incentives every rental project needs

– How to design rental buildings with resident experience and retention in mind?

– Challenges in leasing, amenities, and operational strategy

– The role of institutional investors in the Canadian PBR market

– A closer look at Recovery Capital’s model for saving stalled developments

- Forecasting the next 3–5 years of housing supply, immigration, and affordability

Imprint Development is a real estate company focused on delivering rental and mixed-use projects that last—physically, financially, and socially. Headquartered in Toronto and informed by experience across North America, we apply a fully integrated model to design, build, and operate high-quality rental housing with discipline and care. For the communities where we work, this means more thoughtful buildings and better long-term outcomes.

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In this episode, Join Payam and esteemed architect Jaegap Chung as they delve into the complexities and future of urban housing design. Jaegap, a first-generation immigrant and seasoned architect focusing on housing solutions, shares insights on creating livable and sustainable mid-rise buildings in Toronto. The conversation navigates through the evolution of housing trends, the quality of city design, public and private realms, and the importance of creating functional living spaces. Discover the challenges and solutions related to urban housing, including the benefits of mid-rise buildings, the importance of public transportation, and how prefabrication and automation can shape the future of construction. A must-listen for anyone interested in architecture, urban planning, and housing policy.

• Biggest Challenges in Urban Housing and City Planning
• Top Mid-Rise Building Trends in Urban Design
• What to Consider Before Starting an Urban Infill Development
• How to Improve Livability in Mid-Rise Apartment Buildings
• Best Ways to Maximize Small Space in Urban Housing
• What Is a Third Space and Why It Matters in Urban Living
• How Mid-Rise Buildings Can Help Revitalize Neighborhoods
• Common Housing Development Problems and How to Solve Them
• Innovative Housing Ideas for the Future of Cities
• How to Build Community in Multi-Unit Residential Buildings
• What Is Co-Living and How It Builds Social Connection
• How to Speed Up the Housing Development Process
• What’s Next for the Construction Industry in Canada

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In this episode, we sit down with David Roff, Vice President of Business Development at Cranson Capital, to discuss all things related to raising equity for residential real estate development. David explains the intricate differences between equity and debt in the context of real estate projects, covering various forms of financing such as construction loans, bridge loans, and mezzanine loans. He emphasizes the importance of working with experienced developers due to the complex nature of high-stakes projects. David walks us through the detailed multi-step process that Cranson Capital follows for evaluating projects, the legal structuring involved, and the crucial factors investors consider when raising capital. He also delves into common mistakes developers make and highlights key considerations for successful project financing. With insight into current real estate trends and the impact of government policies on development feasibility, this episode offers invaluable knowledge for both new and seasoned developers.

• How To Raise Capital For Real Estate Development?
• What do investors look for in real estate deals?
• What is a good IRR for real estate investors?
• How much equity does a developer need to raise
• Understanding Equity in Real Estate Development
• Developer’s Experience and Project Feasibility
• Legal and Financial Structuring
• Understanding Profit Splits in Real Estate Development. What is a Waterfall?
• How does CMHC financing work? 
• Common Mistakes in Development Projects
• Industry Challenges and Trends
• Timelines and Processes for Raising Capital

Cranson Capital is a boutique investment banking firm based in Toronto, specializing in private real estate investments and private capital markets. The firm provides accredited investors with exclusive access to development opportunities across the Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario.

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In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights Podcast, we welcome architect Matt Bolen, who has been a pioneering force in the field of  prefabrication & mass timber construction. Matt discusses his extensive experience and passion for innovative building technologies, focusing on sustainable design and prefabricated methods. We delve into the definition of sustainability, the challenges of incorporating mass timber, and the potential of prefabrication in modern construction. Additionally, Matt shares insightful thoughts about the benefits of single stair exits in mid-rise buildings and the importance of focusing on the ultimate goal of constructing efficient, community-centric buildings. Join us for an engaging conversation that spans practical approaches to overcoming conventional construction challenges and future-focused strategies for sustainable development.

• What is Sustainability in Architectural Design?
• Practical Tips for Sustainable Design
• Challenges and Opportunities in Mass Timber Construction
• Pros & Cons of Prefabrication and Modular Design
• The Importance of Commitment and Innovation
• Historical Context and Industry Examples
• The importance of Prototyping and Real-World Applications
• Required Changes to Industry Regulations

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In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights podcast, Edward Skira and Ash Navabi from Urban Toronto discuss the comprehensive data and trends in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) real estate market. The episode delves into the founding of Urban Toronto, the types of data they track, and the significant impact of policies on development. The conversation highlights current market trends, approval processes, the shift from condo to rental developments, and the surprising complexities of urban planning and policy implementation. Listeners are also guided on effectively using the Urban Toronto platform for real estate investment decisions.

• The Origins of Urban Toronto
• Urban Toronto's Data and Insights 
• Clientele and Usage of UT Pro 
• Impact of Policy on Development
• Parking Policy Changes and Effects 
• Provincial Policies and Their Outcomes
• Multiplexes and Minor Variances
• Understanding the Complexity of the Housing Crisis
• Biggest Challenges in the Housing Market
• Economic Factors Affecting Housing
• Toronto's Housing Market vs. Other Cities
• Navigating the Development Process
• Using Urban Toronto's Platform for Development
• Trends in Rental vs. Condo Projects
• The Role of Developers and Public Perception
• The Growth of Toronto's Skyline

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In this episode, Payam hosts Mike, a seasoned entrepreneur who has made the shift from a landlord to a real estate developer. Mike shares his experiences, challenges, and learnings, from starting a tech-incubator company that didn't survive the dot-com burst to build a successful real estate portfolio with 300+ units. They dive deep into the importance of relationships, the misconceptions about developers, and the complexities of being a landlord. The conversation also tackles the pressing issues in the housing crisis, the political and regulatory landscape, and the critical need for policy reforms. Tune in for an enlightening discussion about real estate development, managing multifamily properties, and the future of housing.

• What are the Keys to Success in Real Estate Investing?
• What are the myths and Misconceptions in Real Estate Development?
• The Housing Crisis and Policy Changes
• How Can Technological Innovations in Construction Help Solve the Housing Crisis?
• Municipal Regulations and Development
• What is the true impact of Development Charges on a Real Estate Development Project?
• Challenges of being a small landlord and potential solutions

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In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights podcast, host Payam Noursalehi discusses the importance of adapting to changes in the construction and real estate development industry. With no guests, Payam shares his personal experiences and insights from working on various projects over the years. The episode focuses on the need for new, sustainable, and efficient building methods and presents a practical framework for evaluating new systems. Topics covered include challenges in the industry, such as labour shortages and rising costs, the importance of proven track records for new products, project definition, team experience, procurement issues, and long-term building operation considerations. Payam emphasizes careful, informed decision-making to ensure innovation brings real benefits without unintended risks. A downloadable PDF checklist is available to help guide future project planning.

• Adapting to Industry Changes
• Challenges in the Construction Industry
• Innovative Building Systems
• Evaluating New Systems
• Project Definition and Planning
• Understanding Building Costs
• Importance of Team Experience
• Flexibility and Limitations of New Systems
• Managing Change in Construction Projects
• Approval Processes and Risk Management
• Procurement and Installation Considerations
• Quality Assurance and Control
• Post-Construction and Long-Term Operation

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