Why are condo investors pulling out, and what does it mean for Canada’s housing market? On this episode of Sync or Swim, Steve Saretsky, founder of Saretsky Group and co-host of The Loonie Hour podcast, joins the show to break down the shifting economics behind new housing. Steve explains why pre-construction condo sales have collapsed, how rising rates and falling rents are squeezing investors, and why developers are increasingly pivoting to purpose-built rentals. He also touches on issues like blanket appraisals, distressed buyers, and the long municipal approval timelines holding back supply. From policy missteps to structural market changes, Steve offers a clear-eyed look at where Canadian housing is headed and what needs to change to make new housing viable again. Tune in for a grounded, insider perspective on one of the country’s most pressing economic challenges. Thanks for listening!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing today’s guest, Steve Saretsky, founder of Saretsky Group.

• Why the pre-construction condo market is collapsing.

• How rising rates and falling rents are squeezing investor margins.

• The risks of flipping assignments in a down market.

• Why some developers are renegotiating with distressed buyers.

• The growing use of blanket appraisals and the risks they pose.

• Why developers are shifting from condos to purpose-built rentals.

• How smaller investors are struggling to compete with bigger developers.

• The shift from a speculation-driven model to a more value-driven model.

• Challenges to meeting Canada’s housing targets by 2030.

• The impact of red tape and fees on housing supply timelines.

• Why city governments may be forced to lower development charges.

• Predictions regarding the Bank of Canada, rate policies, and mortgage options.

• Steve’s take on policymaker mistakes and housing speculation.

Quotes:

“The investor market and the new construction market is in a world of pain.” — @SteveSaretsky [0:04:33]

“The more mom-and-pop investor types [who] don’t have the deep pockets. It's harder for them to navigate [a difficult market] than it is for these big developers.” — @SteveSaretsky [0:17:45]

“We're going back to a market where builders/developers are having to serve the market. And the market today is end users. And end users are looking for more space, ground-oriented. And that's what's happening.” — @SteveSaretsky [0:20:01]

“I think cities are going to be forced, and we’re starting to see it, to actually cut their development fees and charges if they want to get new housing off the ground.” — @SteveSaretsky [0:23:21]

“If you're a developer with deeper pockets today, this is certainly a good environment for [you] to go and pick up some distressed land sites. And if you've got a long enough time horizon, there will be another bull market. I don't think it's in the next 12 months. It is further out.” — @SteveSaretsky [0:28:03]

“What the federal government can and should be doing is they should be running good policy to ensure that you've got a healthy labor market that is seeing a lot of productivity and higher wages. And that will help people afford housing.” — @SteveSaretsky [0:34:38]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Steve Saretsky

Steve Saretsky on LinkedIn

Steve Saretsky on YouTube

Steve Saretsky on Instagram

Steve Saretsky on Facebook

Steve Saretsky on X

Steve Saretsky on Substack

Steve Saretsky Linktree

Saretsky Group

The Loonie Hour Podcast

Rentsync

Sync or Swim Podcast

Sync or Swim Email

Tariffs, Interest Rates, and Canada’s Rental Market

In real estate, time is money, and at a time when tariffs are ever-changing, the housing and rental market are even more unpredictable than usual! Today on the Sync or Swim Podcast, we are joined by Tu Nguyen, an economist at RSM Canada, to discuss the recent tariff changes, interest rates, and the Canadian housing market. Tuning in, you’ll hear about how the new US tariffs are going to affect housing development and rent, how Canadian policy and market shifts can lessen the consequences of these tariff changes, how they will affect the rental and housing market, and so much more! We delve into the problematic nature of high construction prices before discussing the relationship between interest rates and the price-to-rent ratio. Tu even tells us what happens to the rental market when interest rates fluctuate and shares her thoughts on renting versus buying. Finally, hear about how new policies and the changing political landscape in Canada may impact the rental and housing market. Thanks for listening in! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing today’s guest, Tu Nguyen.

• How the new US tariffs will affect housing development and rental prices. 

• Ways policy and market shifts can mitigate these effects. 

• How tariffs can impact the rental and housing market specifically. 

• The dangers of construction prices that are too high. 

• The relationship between the price-to-rent ratio and interest rates. 

• What happens in the rental market as interest rates fluctuate. 

• Tu shares her thoughts on renting versus buying in this market. 

• How politics and new policy may impact the rental and housing market. 

Quotes:

“There are no winners in a trade war.” — Tu Nguyen [0:07:55]

“With all the tariff measures that came out yesterday, we’re expecting that there could be a global recession, and Canada is also expected to enter a recession this year. — Tu Nguyen [0:08:05]

“In real estate, in construction and housing, time is money, right? Because – every minute that you are not building, you’re wasting time, you’re wasting money, and you’re not adding supply.”— Tu Nguyen [0:24:27]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Tu Nguyen on LinkedIn

RSM Canada

Rentsync

Sync or Swim Podcast

Sync or Swim Email

Is the GTA housing market oversupplied or just misunderstood? In this episode of Sync or Swim, host Max Steinman takes a deep dive into the purpose-built rental market with industry leaders Chrystal LeBlanc (BGO), Michelle Calloway (Fitzrovia), and Todd Spencer (Park Property Inc.). Together, they explore how their organizations are responding to shifting renter preferences, navigating condo oversupply challenges, and redefining the rental experience in the Greater Toronto Area. Tune in for expert advice on navigating Toronto's rental market, practical strategies for adapting to evolving renter expectations, and inspiring lessons from exceptional leaders shaping the future of multifamily housing. Whether you're a property pro, a curious investor, or simply interested in where Toronto’s housing market is headed, this episode will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to take action!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Purpose-built rental developments in Toronto: affordable, downsizer-friendly, and amenity-rich.
• Market insights into rental oversupply and condo saturation impacting prices and demand.
• Key distinctions between condos and purpose-built rentals (and why purpose-built is better!)
• Michelle’s take on the decline in foreign student demand in Toronto rentals.
• Growing demand for flexible lease terms, dedicated workspaces, and personalized leasing.
• Insight into the customer service evolution needed to meet changing renter preferences.
• Strategies the panel has implemented to reduce “shopping around” and close deals faster.
• Hospitality-inspired practices that are key to elevating the resident experience.
• Reframing renting as a choice, emphasizing security, community, and modern amenities.
• Combatting negative stigma around renting and landlords by creating great experiences.
• New language, fostering renter dignity, and leveraging technology to change perceptions.
• The panel’s reflections on the “promise of Toronto” and why they remain optimistic.
• Why collaboration and knowledge-sharing among industry peers is critically important.
• Reasons to create community “stickiness” and what it can to do reduce tenant turnover.
• Some of the most rewarding aspects of being in the purpose-built rental industry.

Quotes:

“We need to be better at saying why purpose-built rental is different [to condos]. We think about our residents – 24/7 – We need to work harder in the sales pitch to highlight what that means: that our service levels are higher [and] our systems are better.” — Todd Spencer [0:10:26]

“You can spend all the money on marketing in the world, but if you don't step in that front door and have a consistent experience with what you see – online, it can fall flat really quickly.” — Chrystal LeBlanc [0:13:46]

“What I always say is we don't have 500 suites. When a prospect walks in the door, we have three suites for you based on your budget, your family, what's important to you, [and we only show] suites that are right for that prospect.” — Chrystal LeBlanc [0:19:37]

“If we want to be recognized as world cities, we need to behave like world cities. In the rest of the world, renting is not a stigmatized activity. It's actually the dominant housing ecosystem in most major cities in the world.” — Todd Spencer [0:25:19]

“We need to be better at sharing insights with each other in the industry. I invite everybody to come tour my assets not because they're new and shiny but [because] I want to hear what you're doing too. That's going to raise us up altogether.” — Michelle Calloway [0:35:28]

“The [purpose-built rental] industry is changing since I joined 10 years ago. That – excites me. We still have a long way to go. We're not there yet, but I can't wait to see where we go.” — Michelle Calloway [0:40:39]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Toronto Rentsync User Roadshow 2024

Chrystal LeBlanc

BentallGreenOak (BGO)

Chrystal LeBlanc on LinkedIn 

Michelle Calloway

Fitzrovia

Michelle Calloway on LinkedIn

Todd Spencer

Park Property Management Inc.

Todd Spencer on LinkedIn

Elm-Ledbury by Fitzrovia

Sloane by Fitzrovia

Waverley by Fitzrovia

Max Steinman on LinkedIn

Rentsync

Sync or Swim Podcast

Sync or Swim Email

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has recently released its annual rental market report, and today, we sit down with its Deputy Chief Economist, Tania Bourassa-Ochoa to discuss what the report means for the future of housing in Canada. We begin with the work of CMHC and who its target market is before diving into its 2024 rental market report. Then, we unpack the recent rise of housing supply, how Montreal is a step ahead, why the number of multifamily units is beginning to match that of studio apartments, and how rent control measures may influence tenant behaviour and market stability. To end, we explore the consequences of Canada’s ageing population and the growing number of families, what policymakers and housing developers need to be doing more of to meet high demands, key trends to take note of, and the future of Canada’s housing market in 2025 and beyond.  

Key Points From This Episode:

• The ins and outs of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
• More details on CMHC’s annual rental market report. 
• Understanding Canada’s recent rise in supply and whether this growth is sustainable. 
• How Montreal is leading the way. 
• Why the gap between the number of condo starts and purpose-built rentals is closing. 
• How rent control influences rent increase at turnover. 
• The way current housing trends influence tenant behaviour and market stability.  
• Canada’s ageing population and the growing number of families. 
• The distribution of the market (from studios to multifamily) and how it’s evolving.
• Why housing policy should address both affordability and supply at the same time. 
• Whether policymakers and housing developers are doing enough to meet the demand. 
• Key trends and indicators that policymakers and stakeholders should be paying attention to. 
• What we can expect from Canada’s housing market in 2025. 

Quotes: 

“Our goal is really to provide as much information as possible to help all of the stakeholders out there to make important decisions.” — Tania Bourassa-Ochoa [0:02:08]

“The main solution will be really focused around adding more supply, and I would even say to have a steady influx of supply that comes into the market every year. That is going to help to alleviate some of the pressures that we're seeing right now, for sure.” — Tania Bourassa-Ochoa [0:12:15]

“In the end, housing needs to evolve and change over time.” — Tania Bourassa-Ochoa [0:17:35]

“I think policy needs to address both supply but also affordability, especially for those lower-to-medium-income renters.” — Tania Bourassa-Ochoa [0:20:11]

“There's definitely place for more innovation; there's place for more productivity in the construction space, for sure.” — Tania Bourassa-Ochoa [0:23:11]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Tania Bourassa-Ochoa on LinkedIn 

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)  

CMHC on YouTube

CMHC Fall 2024 Rental Market Report 

Canadian Housing Survey

Rentsync 

Giacomo Ladas on LinkedIn

Sync or Swim Podcast

Sync or Swim Email

For most listeners of the show, the housing crisis is a very prominent issue; affecting careers and finances. But it is actually a much bigger conversation for the entire population of the city. Today, we are bringing you a very special episode of the Sync or Swim Podcast: a live recorded interview with Brad Bradford from the Toronto Roadshow! Tuning in, you’ll hear about Brad’s assessment of Toronto’s housing supply, the affordable housing crisis, the problems with old housing policies, and more! We delve into the political nature of housing in Toronto before discussing how to create a regulatory environment that incentivizes what the market needs (in this case, more rental units). Finally, Brad shares his opinion on the potential evolution of Toronto’s housing market over the next five to 10 years. Thanks for listening in! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Today’s topic: a live recording from Toronto Roadshow with Brad Bradford. 
• Brad assesses Toronto’s performance in terms of housing supply over the last few years. 
• How old policies are causing the breakdown of the housing market. 
• The disconnect in the industry between time and affordability. 
• Why the housing agenda is so politically charged. 
• The importance of defining what affordable housing actually is. 
• How to create an environment that incentivizes what the market needs most. 
• Brad shares how he sees the housing market in Toronto evolving over the next few years. 

Quotes:

“It seems like the sort of story of the day here in Toronto is we do lots of press conferences about housing, but we don’t actually do any housing, and I think that’s a big problem.” — @BradMBradford [0:06:02]

“The most affordable housing that we have is the housing that’s already there. Nothing that you are building today or tomorrow is going to be more than what we already have.” — @BradMBradford [0:27:45]

“Now is the time to respond to the challenges in front of us with the type of bold leadership and action that recognizes the way forward is not the same way we’ve been doing things.” — @BradMBradford [0:41:41]

“We need to write a future together if that empowers partnership with the market with the private sector because it is your capital and your talent that is actually going to address the big challenges.” — @BradMBradford [0:41:55]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Brad Bradford

Brad Bradford on LinkedIn

Brad Bradford on Instagram

Brad Bradford on X

Gabriel Diamond on LinkedIn

Rentsync

Sync or Swim Podcast

Sync or Swim Email

Imagine paying $5,600 a month in rent in Toronto by 2032. In this episode, Giacomo Ladas hosts Erkan Yönder, Associate Professor at Concordia’s John Molson School of Business, to unpack this projection and its far-reaching impacts. Using advanced AI models, Erkan’s recent study forecasts steep rental increases in Canada’s largest cities, driven by immigration, high demand, and supply constraints. Surprisingly, even a growing supply hasn’t eased rents due to overwhelming demand, creating an unsustainable market. Erkan and Giacomo explore potential solutions, including targeted job creation in smaller regions and flexible zoning laws to distribute growth beyond Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. With AI’s ability to trace complex patterns in rental trends, Erkan offers a glimpse into how rent could reshape Canadian cities over the next decade. Tune in for a deeper understanding of the housing challenges ahead and the partnerships needed to keep living costs manageable.

Key Points From This Episode: • Introducing today’s guest Erkan Yönder and his research. • Why rents in Toronto could hit $5,600 per month by 2032. • The surprising correlation between supply increases and rising rents. • Why high demand outpaces rental supply in big cities. • How immigration policies and other factors impact housing demand and rental prices. • Why Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal face unique rental market pressures. • Erkan’s perspective on job creation to draw people to smaller regions. • The role of zoning laws in expanding housing beyond major cities. • Why certain areas experience higher rent growth than others in Canada. • Ways that advanced AI models enhance real estate predictions and analysis. • Advice to landlords and renters for navigating changing rental markets. • How investors and government can work together to improve housing.

Quotes:

“Then the question becomes, why do we have more immigrants in Toronto than many other regions across Canada? The reason is there are – more available jobs.” — @erkanyonder [0:14:11]

“AI can help us in certain aspects, especially when it comes to projections and predictions. So, why not have that information on the table and try to make more sophisticated decisions?” — @erkanyonder [0:28:23]

“Capital from the government won’t be enough to build this much, – we need institutional investors to come to these markets and invest in those property companies, invest directly.” — @erkanyonder [0:33:10] “In the long run, it’s a very simple solution, we need to build more, and in order to build more, we need capital investors, real estate companies, and local governments and the government involved in this problem.” — @erkanyonder [0:35:03]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Erkan Yönder

Erkan Yönder at Concordia

Erkan Yönder on LinkedIn

Erkan Yönder on X

‘AI-Driven Insights into Key Factors Influencing Canada’s Rental Market’Concordia’s John Molson School of Business

Giacomo Ladas on LinkedIn

Rentsync

Sync or Swim Podcast

Sync or Swim Email

The housing market in Canada has done some very surprising things since 2020 and today on the Sync or Swim Podcast, Tom Storey joins us to share his thoughts on the market and tell us all about his podcast, the Tom Storey Show. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Tom’s career, why he decided to start the Tom Storey Show, how condo prices have changed pre-COVID, why the rise in purpose-built rentals is only going to continue, and so much more! Tom stresses the importance of being educated on the rent-control date and what it means for landlords before telling us that renting in the short term may be more beneficial than buying. He even shares some advice for first time property buyers, discusses what you should look for when buying a property, and discusses his opinions on the housing supply issue. Lastly, we explore how secondary markets are going to affect the housing market. You don’t want to miss this conversation, so be sure to press play now!

Key Points From This Episode: • Introducing today’s guest, Tom Storey. • Tom tells us about his career and what inspired him to start his real estate podcast. • The surprising change in condo prices and the kind of stock that’s moving now. • Why Tom believes we will see a rise in the building of purpose-built rentals. • The importance of understanding what the rent-control date means. • What Tom is seeing in terms of new supply coming into the housing market. • Why our guest believes that renting for the next two years is the best option. • How buyers are making some money back by renting out part of their properties. • Tom shares some advice for first-time rental property buyers just starting out. • Seasonal changes in the market and what to look out for when buying property. • How secondary markets are going to affect housing markets in the future. • Tom shares his opinions on the housing supply issues in Canada right now.

Canada’s rental crisis is often oversimplified as a mere supply and demand issue. However, for today’s guest, Weiting Bollu, it became deeply personal after losing over $35,000 to delinquent tenants and navigating Ontario’s complex rental compliance laws. Her experiences led her to recognize the critical need for a transparent and cohesive rental ecosystem that rewards responsible behavior, essential for building a fair and sustainable rental market. Drawing on her extensive background in software product management across various sectors including education, telecommunications, insurance, and AI, Weiting co-founded Openroom with her husband, Vishal. This innovative crowdsourcing platform empowers tenants and landlords by providing access to crucial tenancy court orders and enhancing transparency in the Canadian rental market. In this episode, Weiting discusses the importance of treating rental properties as compliant businesses and tenants as valued customers. She also offers practical advice for new landlords and sheds light on the significant challenges posed by rent nonpayment. Tuning in, you’ll gain valuable insights into creating a fair rental environment, practical tips for landlords, and a deeper understanding of how Openroom is driving positive change in the rental market. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding of the rental landscape today!

Key Points From This Episode: • The tenancy dispute that Openroom was created to solve and what it offers today. • Reasons that transparency and cohesion in the rental ecosystem are so important. • Insight into Weiting’s entrepreneurial journey with her husband, Vishal. • Why landlords should treat renting property as a business and tenants as customers. • Education-focused advice for new landlords to help them overcome typical challenges. • Stats from the LTB to illustrate the trouble landlords face with nonpayment of rent. • How the law works to protect both landlords and tenants equally. • Factors that contribute to unpaid rent and the repercussions that follow. • Ways that Openroom is working to change the rental ecosystem for the better. • How Weiting hopes to be a role model for other minority women in tech. • Why Openroom maintains its grassroots focus, even as the company scales. • Training programs, subscriptions, and more: Openroom’s approach to monetization. • Weiting’s take on rental increase caps and rent control more generally.

Ever questioned the validity of the hot takes on Canada’s rental market? Then be sure to join us on this episode of the Sync or Swim podcast, as we dive into an open conversation and unpack the truths and myths of the rental market’s hottest takes. We are excited to have two incredible guests on the show, Max Steinman, the CEO at Rentsync & Rentals.ca, and Jenna Chick, the Director of Leasing at Fitzrovia. Together, we break down several hot takes prevalent in the Canadian rental market, including renting as a simple waste of money, Canada’s perceived low vacancy rates, arbitrary rent prices and the ability for landlords to make a fair return, rent control as a solution to housing affordability, and more! Thanks for listening, enjoy.

Key Points From This Episode:

• What listeners can expect from today’s Sync of Swim podcast episode.
• Our thoughts on the idea that renting is simply a waste of money.
• Redefining rental living in Canada.
• Are landlords only interested in profits and are they one-size-fits-all?
• We unpack Canada’s perceived low vacancy rates.
• The benefit of purpose-built rentals and the associated laws around them.
• We discuss the record-high interprovincial migration (from Ontario to Alberta).
• Jenna highlights tips on what landlords are looking for in possible tenants and how to beat the competition.
• Arbitrary rent prices and the ability to make a fair return.
• We analyze the new legislation around short-term rentals (and whether they’re ruining the housing market).
• Rent control as the solution to housing affordability.
• Advocating and educating on purpose-built rentals. 
• Why simply plugging a tenant into any unit won’t lead to success (for leasing agents!)
• How rent control works in Toronto.
• Our take on whether tenants have community involvement in renting situations. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Jenna Chick on LinkedIn
• Jenna Chick Email
• Max Steinman on LinkedIn
• Rentals.ca
• Fitzrovia
• Rentsync
• Sync or Swim Podcast
• Sync or Swim Email

Quebec is a unique area in Canada with distinct differences in culture that set it apart from other regions. Naturally, the rental market reflects these differences. Today on the Sync or Swim podcast, we are joined by Rentsync’s very own Quebec rental expert, Hudson Bytautas to take a deep dive into the Quebec rental market. Tuning in, you’ll hear about Hudson’s career journey, some surprising facts and trends in the Quebec rental market, how region-specific trends impact the market, key differences between the rental market in Quebec and other regions, and so much more! We delve into how the lower cost of living in Quebec impacts the culture before discussing the student population that needs to be catered to. We even talk about what other areas of Canada can learn from Quebec’s rental market. Finally, Hudson shares his predictions for this unique area’s future and shares advice for first-timers looking to rent property in Quebec. Thanks for listening in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing Hudson Bytautas and how he became a rental expert in Quebec. 
• Differences, trends, and surprising facts about the Quebec rental market. 
• Region-specific trends and how they impact the rental market overall. 
• How the rental market in Quebec compares to those in other provinces. 
• The importance of marketing and catering to an influx of students throughout the year. 
• How the lower cost of living in Quebec shapes the culture in general. 
• What lessons other areas across Canada can learn from Quebec’s rental market. 
• Where Hudson sees the rental market in Quebec over the next few years. 
• Hudson’s advice for someone looking to rent in Quebec for the first time.