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(50) The 6 Pillars of Development Readiness - Why some projects fail while others succeed?

 In the 50th episode of the Real Estate Development Insights podcast, Payam Noursalehi (president of Dena Project Management) thanks listeners and introduces shorter-format episodes featuring live events, updates, and practical frameworks alongside ongoing expert interviews. He explains the podcast’s core question—why some projects fail while others succeed—and argues that real estate development is fundamentally the business of risk management, where success depends on identifying, pricing, sequencing, and managing risks through effective, disciplined decision-making under uncertainty. Drawing on lessons from guests and references like Sheldon Rosen’s “Know your limit, stay within it” and Jack Welch’s question “What business are we in?”, Payam presents a non-scientific, living “Development Readiness Framework” to help, especially first-time developers, assess readiness amid growing opportunities in Toronto/Canada. The framework has six pillars: local market fundamentals, capital structure/financial feasibility, ownership/legal/tax liability, design and approval strategy, execution and risk management, and operational discipline/mindset, plus a free assessment at developmentreadinessassessment.com.

00:00 Welcome and Milestone

01:12 New Shorter Format

02:57 Why Start the Podcast

04:15 Why Projects Fail

06:44 Development Readiness Framework

07:47 Know Your Limit

08:25 What Business Are We In

10:42 Risk Management Core

13:01 Decision Making Under Uncertainty

15:25 Mindset and Discipline

16:39 Why This Matters Now

19:39 Six Pillars Overview

22:37 Free Assessment and Wrap Up

#RealEstateDevelopment #DevelopmentReadiness  #ProjectFeasibility  #RiskManagement #DeveloperMindset #Housing #HousingSupply #HousingAffordability #TorontoDevelopment #CityBuilding #GTARealEstate #CanadianRealEstate

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Architects Jana Levitt (LGA Architectural Partners) and Sam Eby (executive director of the not-for-profit Rehousing) discuss helping “citizen developers” navigate multiplex housing development in Toronto, especially multiplexes. They explain why the process is complex even for professionals, how Rehousing visualizes options and breaks down steps, and why early decisions include renovation/addition vs teardown/new build, costs, financing, assembling consultants, and clarifying personal goals. They distinguish what’s “possible” vs “viable” on a site, share rule-of-thumb lot dimensions for sixplexes, and highlight critical knock-ons like HST rebates, utility upgrades (e.g., transformers), committee of adjustment risk, and the misconception that “as-of-right” is a slam dunk. They also cover Part 3 Building Code thresholds, alternative ownership models, Jana’s demonstration multiplex project lessons, and point listeners to rehousing.ca and torontorehousing.ca tools.

• What Is Rehousing?
• Empowering Citizen Developers
• First Steps for a Sixplex
• Possible Versus Viable
• Feasibility Tool Overview
• Lot Size Rules of Thumb
• Hidden Costs and Knock-Ons
• As Of Right Myths
• Neighbours And Variances
• Risk Tolerance Strategy
• Building Code Thresholds
• Alternative Ownership Models
• Co-Ownership Mortgage Risks
• Self-Development and Capital

For more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.com

Take our Free Assessment at: DevelopmentReadinessAssessment.com

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2026-2028 GTA Market Outlook According to CMHC - Jordan Nanowski

00:00 Welcome + CMHC Forecast Episode Setup (2026–2028 Focus)
01:38 Meet Jordan Nanowski: CMHC’s GTA Lead Economist
03:46 What CMHC Economists Actually Do (Forecasting vs. Programs)
04:44 How the Forecast Is Built: Models, Stakeholders & Scenario Risks
07:57 The Big Macro Wildcard: USMCA/Tariffs & Uncertainty Across Canada
13:25 Why the GTA Is Different: Pandemic-Era Perfect Storm
16:00 Condo Supply Glut, Investor Math & The Future of Small Units
20:44 Report Takeaways: Slow Growth, Construction Labor Cycles & ‘Supply Kinks’
27:03 Foreign Buyer Ban & Policy Levers: Why Investment Pulled Back
27:53 Pandemic Rate Cuts, Inflation Tradeoffs & Immigration Balancing Act
30:34 GTA Forecast: 2026 Price Bottom, 2027 Recovery & Condo Domino Effects
34:12 Downside Risks: Trade Uncertainty (CUSMA) as the Big Forecast Driver
36:05 Developer Playbook: Stress-Testing PBRs & Missing Middle for the Next 3 Years
38:05 Rental Market Reality Check: Vacancy, Rent Assumptions & Migration Shifts
41:32 Leading Indicators to Watch: Inventory, Starts, Completions & Permits
46:12 Wrap-Up: Nation-Building Optimism, Magic Wand Wish & Resilience Ahead

#RealEstate #HousingMarket #RealEstateDevelopment #UrbanDevelopment #CityBuilding #MissingMiddle #InfillDevelopment #PurposeBuiltRental #Multifamily 

For more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.com

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In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights podcast, Payam welcomes Andrea Adams and Mark Richardson. Andrea is the Executive Director at St. Clair’s, a Toronto-based charitable organization that operates affordable housing. Mark is the Chief Technology Officer at Rich Analytics and the founder of HousingNowTO.com, a project tracking affordable housing efforts in Toronto. They discuss the current state of affordable housing, practical solutions, and the challenges the sector faces. Topics include the importance of supportive housing, the role of nonprofits, and the need for consistent low-interest financing to drive new developments. Tune in for an in-depth conversation on actionable strategies to tackle the housing affordability crisis.

• Transforming Affordable Housing in Toronto
• The Data Behind Affordable Housing
• The Importance of Affordable Housing in Toronto
• Innovative Approaches to Affordable Housing
• Challenges and Solutions in Affordable Housing
• Political and Economic Factors Impacting Housing
• Government Efforts and Housing Crisis
• Challenges in Affordable Housing
• Nonprofit Organizations and Housing Development
• Data and Metrics in Housing

For more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.com

Take our Free Assessment at: DevelopmentReadinessAssessment.com

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In this episode, we dive into the world of affordable housing with Mwarigha, Vice President of Housing Growth Development and Asset Sustainability at Woodgreen Community Services, one of Canada’s leading non-profit organizations. Learn about Mwarigha journey, Woodgreen’s strategies to deliver 5,000 new affordable homes, and their achievements, including the Toronto First National Co-investment Fund project.

We also discuss the significant challenges non-profits face in creating affordable housing, innovative solutions, and the new Affordable Housing Investment Fund. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on future-proofing housing and making a social impact.

• Challenges in Non-Profit Housing
• The Role of Private Developers in Affordable Housing
• Successful Partnerships: The Daniels Corporation Example
• Addressing Housing Supply Shortages
• Woodgreen’s Green Building Initiatives
• Private vs. Government Investment in Housing
• The Shift Towards Density and Its Consequences
• National Housing Strategy and Policy Challenges
• Proposing a New Affordable Housing Fund

Mwarigha M.S. is the Vice President of Housing Growth, Development & Asset Sustainability at WoodGreen Community Services, one of Canada’s leading non-profit affordable housing and human-services organizations. He previously served as General Manager of Peel Housing Corporation (2010 -2017), Ontario’s third-largest municipal housing provider.

A seasoned developer, he leads WoodGreen’s strategy to deliver 5,000 new homes through development, partnerships, and acquisitions. His achievements include delivering Toronto’s first National Co-Investment Fund and Open-Door Program project – 36 homes for low-income and high-needs seniors -completed during the pandemic and fully occupied in 2022.

For more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.com

Take our Free Assessment at: DevelopmentReadinessAssessment.com

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In this insightful episode, Payam sit down with Mazyar Mortazavi, the President and CEO of TAS, a Toronto-based real estate company. Mazyar shares his inspiring journey from immigrating to Canada to working in real estate development and asset management. They delve into the core principles and lessons learned from scaling a real estate business, the importance of financial discipline, risk, leverage and timing. Mazyar also discusses the paradigm shift currently impacting the real estate market, highlighting its challenges and the potential for innovation and community-centric approaches. Moreover, they touch on the importance of impact investing, sustainability, and social equity in real estate. Tune in to gain valuable insights on navigating the current economic landscape and building a resilient, impact-driven real estate business.

• First Development Projects and Lessons Learned
• Understanding Correlation in Business Decisions
• Starting with Impact from Day One
• Scaling and Risk Management in Development
• Nonprofit Leadership and Governance
• The Importance of Community and Collaboration

TAS is an industry leader in impact-driven ground-up development and asset management.TAS manage a best-in-class private equity platform focused on the belief that profit is foundational, but not the only goal. 

For more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.com

Take our Free Assessment at: DevelopmentReadinessAssessment.com

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In this episode, Sarah Segal, CEO of Simply DBS, delves deep into the world of real estate analytics and what it means to be a data-driven landlord. Sarah shares her extensive background in commercial real estate and offers insights on how data can enhance decision-making across housing, office, retail, and industrial spaces. The discussion covers various aspects, from the importance of predictive analytics and community building to the impact of AI and technology on property management. Learn about the significance of tenant data, trending preferences in housing layouts, and the critical role of community and safety in retaining tenants. Whether you're a seasoned developer or new to real estate, Sarah's expertise offers invaluable guidance on leveraging data to improve property management and development strategies.

• Discussion on Real Estate Development
• Purpose-Built Rentals vs. Condos
• Survey Methodology and Data Collection
• Insights from Tenant Surveys
• Addressing Tenant Needs and Preferences
• Balconies and Building Design Considerations
• Safety, Technology, and AI in Real Estate
• AI in Property Management
• Importance of Quick Maintenance Response
• Connected Living Experience
• Essential Amenities for Modern Living
• Community Building and Resident Retention
• Designing for Resident Needs
• Leveraging Data for Development Decisions
• Challenges and Solutions in Property Management

For more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.com

Take our Free Assessment at: DevelopmentReadinessAssessment.com

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In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights podcast, host Payam Noursalehi dives into the fascinating world of digitization, new-age technologies, and construction innovation in real estate development. Joined by three esteemed guests—Amy Villis, Leigh Newman, and Stephan Mansour—the discussion explores the potential of 3D printing, AI, and other digital solutions in transforming the housing industry. Amy, Director of Housing Growth Innovation at Digital, provides an overview of her organization's mission and the projects they're investing in. Leigh, CEO of Print, shares insights on the challenges and successes in adopting 3D printing in construction. Stephan Mansour talks about the importance of standards and certifications in advancing new technologies. Together, they examine the current state of the industry, regulatory hurdles, and the critical role of innovation in meeting housing demands. Tune in for an in-depth conversation on how these pioneering approaches can lead to better, more sustainable homes.

• Housing Growth Innovation
• What is Additive Construction?
• 3D Printing Standards for Construction
• Challenges and Innovations in Construction
• The Role of Data in Housing Innovation
• Easing Innovation into the Construction Ecosystem
• Concerns About New Technologies in Construction
• Challenges with Adoption and Implementation
• Record-Breaking 3D Printed Building Project
• Navigating Regulatory and Permitting Hurdles
• On-site Quality Assurance and Innovations
• Material and Technology Integration

https://mid-rise.ca/

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In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights podcast, host Payam speaks with Daniel Kolominsky, Senior Planner with the City of Toronto. Together, they explore the City’s Multiplex Monitoring Report, unpack the development review process, and examine how new regulations are shaping multiplex housing across Toronto. The conversation sheds light on the drivers behind permit activity, approval timelines, construction costs, and emerging trends that will influence the next phase of urban planning. Tune in for a data-driven discussion on how Toronto is working to expand housing options and support more accessible, diverse communities.

• The Role and Impact of City Planning
• Challenges and Improvements in Development Review
• Insights from the Multiplex Monitoring Report
• Approval Timelines and Construction Insights
• Geographical Distribution of Permits
• Factors Influencing Multiplex Locations
• Challenges and Considerations for Multiplex Construction
• Tracking and Potential of Multiplex Developments
• Building Structures and Permit Trends
• Cost Estimations and Lot Sizes
• Lessons Learned and Future Steps
• Final Thoughts and Advice for Applicants

Related Links

• https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/planning-studies-initiatives/multiplex-housing/
• https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2025.PH22.3

For more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.com

Take our Free Assessment at: DevelopmentReadinessAssessment.com

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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.

For more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.com

Take our Free Assessment at: DevelopmentReadinessAssessment.com