What if the path to solving housing challenges wasn't just policy—but smarter development?

In this episode, I sit down once again with urbanist and investor Jeffrey Kirton to break down the biggest projects reshaping Montreal's real estate landscape. We dive into MAC's $3.5 billion redevelopment at Jean-Talon, explore density-driven solutions like mixed-use buildings, and talk about how city planning, bylaws, and public opposition shape what actually gets built.

Jeffrey unpacks how bylaw 20-20-20 reshaped development economics, what developers really face when navigating social and affordable housing mandates, and why large-scale projects are becoming the only viable option in high-regulation environments. We also discuss the unintended consequences of citizen referendums and the need for smaller lots, architectural guides, and housing diversity.

Tune in to learn how policy, vision, and development pressures are colliding—and what it will take to create more inclusive, livable cities.

—

Tired of spreadsheets and admin headaches in your rental business?

If you're a real estate investor looking to simplify operations and grow your portfolio, Kompas is your new best friend. This all-in-one property management and accounting software helps you automate the tedious stuff—like receivables, renewals, and leasing—so you can focus on creating value.

Boost your cash flow, improve your NOI, cut down back-office work, and scale with confidence.

👉 Visit www.kompaspm.com to sign up and get your time back.

—

SUPPORT US ON PATREON!

patreon.com/realestateeffect and become a part of our real estate family! You'll get access to exclusive content, monthly virtual meetings [Ask me anything!], special events, and more!

And please subscribe to the show, share it with a friend and send us feedback. Visit www.realestateeffect.ca and follow me on IG @monsaxel

—

Connect with Axel Monsaingeon:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/axel-monsaingeon-42577b28/

Website - https://www.realestateeffect.ca/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/realestateeffect/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/veryrealestateeffect/

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc8EYrmO1aVvVIgwT7AfNFw

—

Do you have any questions about your real estate journey?

Whether you're curious about navigating the complexities of development projects, dealing with financial challenges, or anything in between, I'm here to delve into the topics that matter most to you.

I invite you to submit your questions by visiting our website at https://www.realestateeffect.ca/ and clicking on the 'Send Voicemail' widget on the right side.

Your inquiries will help shape our upcoming episodes, ensuring we cover the real estate issues you're most interested in.

What if rent growth wasn't guaranteed—and your assumptions were the real risk?

In this episode, I sit down once again with urbanist and investor Jeffrey Kirton to unpack the latest national rental data and what it means for developers and investors. We dive into CMHC and StatsCan's updated rent reports, exposing the gap between advertised and actual rents, and the danger of relying on outdated metrics when planning a project.

We explore trends across cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver, compare market shifts in smaller towns like Sherbrooke and Drummondville, and discuss how public investment, remote work, and changing lifestyles are reshaping demand. Jeffrey also breaks down key investor metrics like yield on cost and why rent growth assumptions in your pro forma could make or break your next deal.

Tune in to learn why staying informed, questioning your assumptions, and thinking a few steps ahead is more important than ever in today's rental landscape.

—

Tired of spreadsheets and admin headaches in your rental business?

If you're a real estate investor looking to simplify operations and grow your portfolio, Kompas is your new best friend. This all-in-one property management and accounting software helps you automate the tedious stuff—like receivables, renewals, and leasing—so you can focus on creating value.

Boost your cash flow, improve your NOI, cut down back-office work, and scale with confidence.

👉 Visit www.kompaspm.com to sign up and get your time back.

—

SUPPORT US ON PATREON!

patreon.com/realestateeffect and become a part of our real estate family! You'll get access to exclusive content, monthly virtual meetings [Ask me anything!], special events, and more!

And please subscribe to the show, share it with a friend and send us feedback. Visit www.realestateeffect.ca and follow me on IG @monsaxel

—

Connect with Axel Monsaingeon:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/axel-monsaingeon-42577b28/

Website - https://www.realestateeffect.ca/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/realestateeffect/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/veryrealestateeffect/

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc8EYrmO1aVvVIgwT7AfNFw

—

Do you have any questions about your real estate journey?

Whether you're curious about navigating the complexities of development projects, dealing with financial challenges, or anything in between, I'm here to delve into the topics that matter most to you.

I invite you to submit your questions by visiting our website at https://www.realestateeffect.ca/ and clicking on the 'Send Voicemail' widget on the right side.

Your inquiries will help shape our upcoming episodes, ensuring we cover the real estate issues you're most interested in.

What if zoning rules weren't barriers—but puzzle pieces?

In this episode, I sit down again with urbanist and investor Jeffrey Kirton to demystify the complex world of city planning, zoning, and permitting in Montreal. We break down acronyms like PPCMOI, PIIA, and CCU, and explain how developers can navigate these layers of approval to unlock real opportunities. From overlapping regulations to political bottlenecks, Jeffrey shares how to manage city processes with more confidence and less guesswork.

We dive into how to plan for setbacks, height allowances, and parking requirements—and why understanding both the written code and the unspoken rules can make or break your project. Jeffrey also explains how site selection, due diligence, and community engagement shape what you can actually build, no matter what the zoning map says.

Tune in to learn how real urban planning works behind the scenes—and how knowing the system can help you avoid costly delays and turn complex sites into real value.

—

Tired of spreadsheets and admin headaches in your rental business?

If you're a real estate investor looking to simplify operations and grow your portfolio, Kompas is your new best friend. This all-in-one property management and accounting software helps you automate the tedious stuff—like receivables, renewals, and leasing—so you can focus on creating value.

Boost your cash flow, improve your NOI, cut down back-office work, and scale with confidence.

👉 Visit www.kompaspm.com to sign up and get your time back.

—

SUPPORT US ON PATREON!

patreon.com/realestateeffect and become a part of our real estate family! You'll get access to exclusive content, monthly virtual meetings [Ask me anything!], special events, and more!

And please subscribe to the show, share it with a friend and send us feedback. Visit www.realestateeffect.ca and follow me on IG @monsaxel

—

Connect with Axel Monsaingeon:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/axel-monsaingeon-42577b28/

Website - https://www.realestateeffect.ca/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/realestateeffect/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/veryrealestateeffect/

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc8EYrmO1aVvVIgwT7AfNFw

—

Do you have any questions about your real estate journey?

Whether you're curious about navigating the complexities of development projects, dealing with financial challenges, or anything in between, I'm here to delve into the topics that matter most to you.

I invite you to submit your questions by visiting our website at https://www.realestateeffect.ca/ and clicking on the 'Send Voicemail' widget on the right side.

Your inquiries will help shape our upcoming episodes, ensuring we cover the real estate issues you're most interested in.

What if your best real estate insight came from the city planner's desk?

In this episode, I sit down with Jeffrey Kirton, an urbanist turned investor, to explore how city planning, zoning knowledge, and on-the-ground experience can shape smarter real estate decisions. Jeffrey shares his journey from civil engineering dreams and poker tables to working within Montreal's urban system—and how those lessons now fuel his investment strategy.

We break down how zoning can unlock hidden value, why permit timelines matter more than people think, and what to look for when evaluating neighborhood potential. Jeffrey also shares his experience building a Vermont cabin, adding ADUs, and buying undervalued properties with major upside—all by applying a planner's lens to every deal.

Tune in to learn how thinking like an urbanist can help you invest with more clarity, less risk, and stronger long-term returns.

—

Tired of spreadsheets and admin headaches in your rental business?

If you're a real estate investor looking to simplify operations and grow your portfolio, Kompas is your new best friend. This all-in-one property management and accounting software helps you automate the tedious stuff—like receivables, renewals, and leasing—so you can focus on creating value.

Boost your cash flow, improve your NOI, cut down back-office work, and scale with confidence.

👉 Visit www.kompaspm.com to sign up and get your time back.

—

SUPPORT US ON PATREON!

patreon.com/realestateeffect and become a part of our real estate family! You'll get access to exclusive content, monthly virtual meetings [Ask me anything!], special events, and more!

And please subscribe to the show, share it with a friend and send us feedback. Visit www.realestateeffect.ca and follow me on IG @monsaxel

—

Connect with Axel Monsaingeon:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/axel-monsaingeon-42577b28/

Website - https://www.realestateeffect.ca/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/realestateeffect/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/veryrealestateeffect/

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc8EYrmO1aVvVIgwT7AfNFw

—

Do you have any questions about your real estate journey?

Whether you're curious about navigating the complexities of development projects, dealing with financial challenges, or anything in between, I'm here to delve into the topics that matter most to you.

I invite you to submit your questions by visiting our website at https://www.realestateeffect.ca/ and clicking on the 'Send Voicemail' widget on the right side.

Your inquiries will help shape our upcoming episodes, ensuring we cover the real estate issues you're most interested in.

What if the biggest threat to your next deal wasn't interest rates—but hesitation?

In this episode, I share a real-time pulse check on what's happening in the Quebec real estate market. From stalled absorption to construction strikes and policy delays, things are shifting—and investors are feeling it. I unpack how rising labor costs, city approvals, and social acceptance are changing timelines and forcing developers to think more strategically.

We dive into why many investors are sitting on the sidelines, how to rethink renovation plans, and the importance of surrounding yourself with experienced peers. I also explain how communities like Cercle Tres offer support in uncertain times and why now is the time to sharpen your strategy—not shrink from the market.

Tune in to hear why staying curious, educating yourself, and connecting with the right people might be your biggest edge in a high-friction market.

—

Tired of spreadsheets and admin headaches in your rental business?

If you're a real estate investor looking to simplify operations and grow your portfolio, Kompas is your new best friend. This all-in-one property management and accounting software helps you automate the tedious stuff—like receivables, renewals, and leasing—so you can focus on creating value.

Boost your cash flow, improve your NOI, cut down back-office work, and scale with confidence.

👉 Visit www.kompaspm.com to sign up and get your time back.

—

SUPPORT US ON PATREON!

patreon.com/realestateeffect and become a part of our real estate family! You'll get access to exclusive content, monthly virtual meetings [Ask me anything!], special events, and more!

And please subscribe to the show, share it with a friend and send us feedback. Visit www.realestateeffect.ca and follow me on IG @monsaxel

—

Connect with Axel Monsaingeon:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/axel-monsaingeon-42577b28/

Website - https://www.realestateeffect.ca/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/realestateeffect/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/veryrealestateeffect/

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc8EYrmO1aVvVIgwT7AfNFw

—

Do you have any questions about your real estate journey?

Whether you're curious about navigating the complexities of development projects, dealing with financial challenges, or anything in between, I'm here to delve into the topics that matter most to you.

I invite you to submit your questions by visiting our website at https://www.realestateeffect.ca/ and clicking on the 'Send Voicemail' widget on the right side.

Your inquiries will help shape our upcoming episodes, ensuring we cover the real estate issues you're most interested in.

What if your biggest rental risk wasn't vacancy—but poor planning?

In this episode, I break down what's really going on in today's rental market and why absorption has become one of the most misunderstood challenges in real estate. I share lessons from the field, explain why there's no housing crisis—but an affordability crisis—and what that means for your next project. From luxury vacancies to tenant incentives, the game has changed, and you need to be ready.

We dive into how to run a strategic location analysis, why rental demand has to be ultra-specific, and how your unit mix and amenities impact lease-up speed. I also unpack common mistakes in pro forma planning, how CMHC can hold back your loan, and why getting real data—not just listings—makes all the difference.

Tune in to learn how developers and investors can stay ahead by understanding absorption, adjusting to real demand, and using flexibility as an edge in today's shifting market.

—

Tired of spreadsheets and admin headaches in your rental business?

If you're a real estate investor looking to simplify operations and grow your portfolio, Kompas is your new best friend. This all-in-one property management and accounting software helps you automate the tedious stuff—like receivables, renewals, and leasing—so you can focus on creating value.

Boost your cash flow, improve your NOI, cut down back-office work, and scale with confidence.

👉 Visit www.kompaspm.com to sign up and get your time back.

—

SUPPORT US ON PATREON!

patreon.com/realestateeffect and become a part of our real estate family! You'll get access to exclusive content, monthly virtual meetings [Ask me anything!], special events, and more!

And please subscribe to the show, share it with a friend and send us feedback. Visit www.realestateeffect.ca and follow me on IG @monsaxel

—

Connect with Axel Monsaingeon:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/axel-monsaingeon-42577b28/

Website - https://www.realestateeffect.ca/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/realestateeffect/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/veryrealestateeffect/

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc8EYrmO1aVvVIgwT7AfNFw

—

Do you have any questions about your real estate journey?

Whether you're curious about navigating the complexities of development projects, dealing with financial challenges, or anything in between, I'm here to delve into the topics that matter most to you.

I invite you to submit your questions by visiting our website at https://www.realestateeffect.ca/ and clicking on the 'Send Voicemail' widget on the right side.

Your inquiries will help shape our upcoming episodes, ensuring we cover the real estate issues you're most interested in.

What if your biggest advantage wasn't a deal—but your mindset?

In this episode, I sit down with Laurent Soulé to explore how a deep commitment to learning can reshape the way we invest, grow, and lead. We go beyond real estate and business buying to talk about reading smarter, changing mental filters, and developing the kind of clarity that leads to better decisions. Laurent shares the books, podcasts, and mental models that helped him shift from operating to thinking like an owner.

We break down why sharpening your lens matters more than chasing shortcuts, how speed reading and strategic learning impact execution, and why removing yourself from daily operations is the first step toward a real exit plan. Laurent explains how education compounds, why 10x thinking often beats 2x effort, and why buying back your time is more than just a business tactic—it's a life skill.

Tune in to learn how personal growth, deep reading, and intentional mindset shifts can shape your success far beyond the next business deal.

—

Tired of spreadsheets and admin headaches in your rental business?

If you're a real estate investor looking to simplify operations and grow your portfolio, Kompas is your new best friend. This all-in-one property management and accounting software helps you automate the tedious stuff—like receivables, renewals, and leasing—so you can focus on creating value.

Boost your cash flow, improve your NOI, cut down back-office work, and scale with confidence.

👉 Visit www.kompaspm.com to sign up and get your time back.

—

SUPPORT US ON PATREON!

patreon.com/realestateeffect and become a part of our real estate family! You'll get access to exclusive content, monthly virtual meetings [Ask me anything!], special events, and more!

And please subscribe to the show, share it with a friend and send us feedback. Visit www.realestateeffect.ca and follow me on IG @monsaxel

—

Connect with Axel Monsaingeon:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/axel-monsaingeon-42577b28/

Website - https://www.realestateeffect.ca/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/realestateeffect/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/veryrealestateeffect/

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc8EYrmO1aVvVIgwT7AfNFw

Connect with Laurent Soulé:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lsoule/

—

Do you have any questions about your real estate journey?

Whether you're curious about navigating the complexities of development projects, dealing with financial challenges, or anything in between, I'm here to delve into the topics that matter most to you.

I invite you to submit your questions by visiting our website at https://www.realestateeffect.ca/ and clicking on the 'Send Voicemail' widget on the right side.

Your inquiries will help shape our upcoming episodes, ensuring we cover the real estate issues you're most interested in.

What if you could buy a business with zero capital and still win big?

In this episode, I sit down with Laurent Soulé to explore the mindset shift from real estate to business ownership. We unpack why buying a business doesn't require millions, how to build equity without cash, and the underrated power of confidence and creativity in deal-making. Laurent shares how the same skills used in real estate, like due diligence, structure, and relationship-building, can be transferred to acquire and scale small businesses.

We talk about the difference between owning and operating, why working on the business matters more than working in it, and how AI, automation, and workflow systems can help de-risk even the most intimidating businesses. Laurent explains how to start small, reduce risk, and offer real value without needing to be the expert in the industry.

Tune in to learn why value creation, not capital, is your biggest lever in business acquisition, and how to get started by simply asking: where can I help?

—

Tired of spreadsheets and admin headaches in your rental business?

If you're a real estate investor looking to simplify operations and grow your portfolio, Kompas is your new best friend. This all-in-one property management and accounting software helps you automate the tedious stuff—like receivables, renewals, and leasing—so you can focus on creating value.

Boost your cash flow, improve your NOI, cut down back-office work, and scale with confidence.

👉 Visit www.kompaspm.com to sign up and get your time back.

—

SUPPORT US ON PATREON!

patreon.com/realestateeffect and become a part of our real estate family! You'll get access to exclusive content, monthly virtual meetings [Ask me anything!], special events, and more!

And please subscribe to the show, share it with a friend and send us feedback. Visit www.realestateeffect.ca and follow me on IG @monsaxel

—

Connect with Axel Monsaingeon:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/axel-monsaingeon-42577b28/

Website - https://www.realestateeffect.ca/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/realestateeffect/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/veryrealestateeffect/

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc8EYrmO1aVvVIgwT7AfNFw

Connect with Laurent Soulé:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lsoule/

—

Do you have any questions about your real estate journey?

Whether you're curious about navigating the complexities of development projects, dealing with financial challenges, or anything in between, I'm here to delve into the topics that matter most to you.

I invite you to submit your questions by visiting our website at https://www.realestateeffect.ca/ and clicking on the 'Send Voicemail' widget on the right side.

Your inquiries will help shape our upcoming episodes, ensuring we cover the real estate issues you're most interested in.

What if the secret to better tenants wasn't luck—but process?

In this episode, I sit down with Cory Friedman from Kompaspm.com to unpack the full "lead to lease" process—how top property managers turn interest into signed leases with less risk and more precision. Cory shares how centralization, tech, and team specialization help his firm screen tenants faster, smarter, and more thoroughly.

We explore why incomplete applications cost you the best renters, how AI is starting to support front-end leasing, and how automation can cut weeks of admin down to minutes. Cory explains how human connection and digital tools must work together to protect your NOI and set the tone for the entire tenant relationship.

Tune in to learn why lead-to-lease efficiency is the biggest unlock for modern landlords—and how you can use these systems to stay competitive and in control.

—

Tired of spreadsheets and admin headaches in your rental business?

If you're a real estate investor looking to simplify operations and grow your portfolio, Kompas is your new best friend. This all-in-one property management and accounting software helps you automate the tedious stuff—like receivables, renewals, and leasing—so you can focus on creating value.

Boost your cash flow, improve your NOI, cut down back-office work, and scale with confidence.

👉 Visit www.kompaspm.com to sign up and get your time back.

—

SUPPORT US ON PATREON!

patreon.com/realestateeffect and become a part of our real estate family! You'll get access to exclusive content, monthly virtual meetings [Ask me anything!], special events, and more!

And please subscribe to the show, share it with a friend and send us feedback. Visit www.realestateeffect.ca and follow me on IG @monsaxel

—

Connect with Axel Monsaingeon:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/axel-monsaingeon-42577b28/

Website - https://www.realestateeffect.ca/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/realestateeffect/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/veryrealestateeffect/

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc8EYrmO1aVvVIgwT7AfNFw

Connect with Corey Friedman:

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-friedman-cpa-77462b80/

Website: https://www.kompaspm.com/

—

Do you have any questions about your real estate journey?

Whether you're curious about navigating the complexities of development projects, dealing with financial challenges, or anything in between, I'm here to delve into the topics that matter most to you.

I invite you to submit your questions by visiting our website at https://www.realestateeffect.ca/ and clicking on the 'Send Voicemail' widget on the right side.

Your inquiries will help shape our upcoming episodes, ensuring we cover the real estate issues you're most interested in.

What if planning with your builder from day one could save you hundreds of thousands?

In this episode, I sit down with Nick Roth, founder of Habikon, to break down what truly makes a real estate project succeed. From building high-end custom homes to multifamily developments, Nick shares how he turned his love for structure into a company that thrives on trust, collaboration, and detailed planning.

We talk about why most projects go over budget, how to fix it with integrated project delivery (IPD), and the surprising tech stack powering his construction process. Nick explains how aligning expectations upfront, building in phases, and using cost simulation tools are helping clients build smarter—not just bigger.

Tune in to hear why planning is the most underrated skill in real estate—and how choosing the right builder could be your biggest investment decision.

—

Tired of spreadsheets and admin headaches in your rental business?

If you're a real estate investor looking to simplify operations and grow your portfolio, Kompas is your new best friend. This all-in-one property management and accounting software helps you automate the tedious stuff—like receivables, renewals, and leasing—so you can focus on creating value.

Boost your cash flow, improve your NOI, cut down back-office work, and scale with confidence.

👉 Visit www.kompaspm.com to sign up and get your time back.

—

SUPPORT US ON PATREON!

patreon.com/realestateeffect and become a part of our real estate family! You'll get access to exclusive content, monthly virtual meetings [Ask me anything!], special events, and more!

And please subscribe to the show, share it with a friend and send us feedback. Visit www.realestateeffect.ca and follow me on IG @monsaxel

—

Connect with Axel Monsaingeon:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/axel-monsaingeon-42577b28/

Website - https://www.realestateeffect.ca/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/realestateeffect/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/veryrealestateeffect/

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc8EYrmO1aVvVIgwT7AfNFw

—

Do you have any questions about your real estate journey?

Whether you're curious about navigating the complexities of development projects, dealing with financial challenges, or anything in between, I'm here to delve into the topics that matter most to you.

I invite you to submit your questions by visiting our website at https://www.realestateeffect.ca/ and clicking on the 'Send Voicemail' widget on the right side.

Your inquiries will help shape our upcoming episodes, ensuring we cover the real estate issues you're most interested in.