Send us a text

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

For more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.Com.

Send us a text

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

For more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.Com.

Send us a text

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

For more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.Com.

Send us a text

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

For more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.Com.

Send us a text

In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights podcast, host Payam Noursalehi is joined by Ed Hamzanlui, founder and operator of Masscan Capital in Boston, Massachusetts. Ed shares his experience and insights into the housing crisis solutions being implemented in Massachusetts. They discuss various initiatives like the MBTA Act, which encourages density around public transportation hubs, and the Gateway Cities program aimed at revitalizing older industrial cities.

The conversation also touches on the similarities between Massachusetts and Toronto’s housing challenges and the concept of ‘Light Touch Density’ for creating affordable housing options. They delve into the effectiveness of regulatory changes and the necessity of aligning financial viability with development initiatives. This episode is a comprehensive look at the shared struggles and innovative solutions in real estate development on both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border.

• Discussing Housing Crisis Similarities
• Challenges in the Massachusetts Housing Market
• Regulatory Hurdles and Market Dynamics
• Comparing Housing Issues in Toronto and Massachusetts
• Impact of Housing Costs on Population Movement
• Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Act
• Gateway Cities and HDIP Zoning
• Exploring the Midwest and Massachusetts
• The Missing Middle Housing Concept
• Affordable Housing Initiatives in Massachusetts

For similar episodes list to A Conversation with a Real Estate Developer – Shakeel Walji

For more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.Com.

Send us a text

In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights Podcast, I sat down with Josh, a seasoned executive in the housing development industry, to discuss his journey from a high-profile corporate role to co-founding InnoDev Partners. They explore the complexities of Toronto’s housing market, the concept of missing middle housing, and the importance of transit-oriented developments. Josh shares his experiences and vision for creating affordable housing solutions, shedding light on the alignment between municipalities and developers aimed at addressing the housing crisis. This episode provides invaluable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of urban development.

• Why is now the best time to become a real estate developer?
• Why are purpose-built rentals the best opportunity to pursue for developers right now?
• How to select a site for your following real estate development projects to increase your odds of success?
• What is the role of transit in the success and future of rental projects?
• Transition to Residential Development
• Opportunities in Transit-Oriented Development
• Navigating Policy Changes and Incentives
• Site Selection Criteria
• Lessons from Past Corporate Life
• Revenue Expectations and Project Design
• Achieving Early Alignment in Projects

InnoDev Partners is committed to pioneering sustainable construction methods that minimize embodied carbon while creating integrated urban environments. They aim to design spaces that foster holistic living, working, and shopping experiences, with high walkability, convenient transit access, and a focus on inclusivity.

For more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.Com.

Send us a text

In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights Podcast, we interview Dave Dekort, Director of Project Management at Mattamy Homes, to discuss developing mid-rise buildings in the Greater Toronto Area. Dave shares his background, the evolution of Mattamy Homes, and the company’s shift from low-rise to urban mid-rise construction. The conversation covers various building systems, including wood framing, cold-formed steel, pre-cast concrete, and hybrid approaches, emphasizing the pros and cons of each. Dave also offers valuable advice on project management, consultant coordination, and trends in the construction industry, providing listeners with essential tips for navigating the complexities of mid-rise development.

1. Why is Mattamy shifting to more urban developments?
2. Challenges and Strategies in Mid-Rise Construction
3. Key Considerations in Development Projects
4. Different Typologies in Mid-Rise Buildings
5. Acoustic and Fire Separation considerations in Mid-Rise buildings
6. Coordination and Prefabrication Challenges
7. Advice for New Developers and Builders

Mattamy Homes, founded in 1978, is one of North America’s largest privately owned homebuilders. Known for its focus on creating master-planned communities. 

In recent years, Mattamy Homes has been shifting toward midrise building developments, reflecting broader changes in urban real estate markets. The rising demand for housing in urban centers, combined with a growing emphasis on sustainability, transit-oriented development, and land-use efficiency, has encouraged the company to diversify its portfolio. Midrise buildings align with Mattamy’s goals by offering higher-density housing options that cater to a variety of residents, including young professionals, empty nesters, and those seeking more affordable options within desirable urban locations.

For more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.Com.

Send us a text

In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights Podcast, we interview Zev, a partner at Gardner Roberts LLP, a full-service law firm in Toronto, to discuss essential legal considerations for real estate developers. From choosing the proper legal structure, whether a limited partnership or a co-tenancy, to the importance of due diligence and the nuances of financing options, Zev provides a comprehensive guide for newcomers and seasoned investors alike. Ideal for anyone looking to understand the complexities of real estate development, this episode offers practical insights and expert advice.

• Importance of Due Diligence prior to and during the initial stage of a development project. 
• What are the legal structures for a real estate development project?
• Pros & Cons of each legal structure and investment vehicle. 
• Tips and advice for owning and operating a real estate portfolio. 
• What is a real estate investment fund?
• How does a General Partner (GP)/Limited Partner (LP) structure work?
• What do lenders look for from a legal perspective before funding a real estate development project?
• What is a blind fund?
• What are the most essential Legal Considerations for New Real Estate Developers?
• What are the best Ownership Structures and Agreements in a real estate development project?
• What are the key items in Logistics and Liability in Real Estate Deals?
• How can you best segment liability and ownership in a real estate development project?
• What are the common mistakes in raising capital, and how can they be avoided?
• What are the Key Elements of a Term Sheet?

For more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.Com.

Send us a text

Jonathan Diamond is a principal at Well Grounded Real Estate, a family-run firm that owns and operates a portfolio of multi-family and retail properties throughout Ontario.  He has been instrumental in driving purpose-built rental developments, showcasing a commitment to scalable strategies for building design, development, and execution. Notably, Diamond holds a PhD in neuroscience from Queen’s University, providing him with a distinctive perspective in the industry by merging scientific thought, exploration, and innovation.

In this Real Estate Development Insights Podcast episode, Jonathan Diamond discusses his unique journey from neuroscience to real estate development. He shares insights about his family’s long-term approach to building management and current ambitious projects, including a pioneering multi-use development. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of varied backgrounds in real estate, the integration of innovative technologies, and the structural changes needed in the construction industry to promote efficiency and affordability. Listen in for a deep dive into the intersection of business, development, and technical expertise.

• Jonathan’s Background and Career Shift
• Challenges and Insights in Real Estate Development
• Innovative Approaches in Building Design
• Long-term Ownership Perspective
• Energy Efficiency and Passive Design
• Ambitious Project Goals
• Landlord vs Developer: Maintenance Challenges
• Financing Rental vs Condo Buildings
• Long-Term Planning and Government Incentives
• Critical Decisions in Development
• Innovative Technologies in Construction

For more information on their work, please visit https://www.wellgroundedrealestate.com/. 

For similar episodes list to A Conversation with a Real Estate Developer – Shakeel Walji

For more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.Com.

Send us a text

In this special episode, we look back at the show's first year. We recap the key highlights from each episode.

 (#17) Major Streets & Multiplex Housing in City of Toronto

 (#16) A Conversation With A Real Estate Developer

(#15) Limberlost Case Study: A Pioneering Mass Timber Project 

(#14) Building Code Changes, Opportunities & Shortcomings 

(#13)Urban Planning and the Housing Crisis; Andrew Ferancik

(#12) Real Estate Development 101: How to work with your team effectively?

(#11) Structural Systems, Code Changes & Mid-Rise Challenges - Raymond Van Groll

(#10) Interest Rates, Housing Supply & Other Complex Real Estate Problems - Murtaza Haider

(#9) Land Acquisition to Approvals - Hoordad Ghandehari

(#8) Refugee to Real Estate Developer: An Important Canadian Story!

(#7) Heritage, Adaptive Reuse, & Building Unique Projects - Joey Giaimo, 

(#6) Acoustic Engineering & Mass Timber Construction - Simon Edwards,

(#5) Urban Design & Development a Conversation - George Popper

(#4) Facade Systems, Climate Performance, and Important Decisions -Blair Davies

(#3) Engineering, Sustainability, and Real Estate Development - Cara Sloat 

(#2) Risk, Creativity, & Design Excellence: Real Estate De

For more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.Com.