The Suite Additions Podcast

Most missing middle projects are being built as rentals, but there is another model that could unlock real ownership in Toronto.

Andy Tran talks with Dan Zimberoff about turning small multiplexes into condominiums, why that structure may be the better fit for today’s market, and how it creates a true alternative to tower living.

Dan brings a rare mix of legal and development experience, having worked as a homeowners association and condominium attorney in California, Washington, and Oregon before moving to Toronto and going full time into real estate development and consulting.

He also shares how his background helped him spot a major gap in the market: people who want new, attainable homes near transit and amenities, but do not want to buy a box in the sky.

We break down the difference between purpose-built rentals, co-ownership, stacked townhomes, and condominiumized multiplexes, including why the legal structure matters, how financing changes, and what makes this model more flexible for both developers and buyers.

Dan explains why separate entrances, individual meters, limited common elements, and much lower maintenance fees make these projects feel far more like single-family homes than traditional condos.

You'll also hear the real-world details behind his Harvey Town Homes project, a three-unit plus garden suite development in Toronto, from site selection and design decisions to the practical timing of the condo registration process.

Dan shares what the city is actually looking for, why the process is less intimidating than most people think, and how the recent shift in HST treatment is changing the economics for small developers.

If you are a small developer, investor, homeowner, or anyone watching the missing middle space and wondering what comes next, this conversation shows why condominiumized multiplexes may be one of the most compelling ownership products in the market right now.

https://harvietownhomes.com/

https://dezmanagement.ca/

Chapters:

1:28 — Transition from law to real estate development
1:44 — The concept of condominiumizing small multiplexes
4:29 — Market need for ownership options in missing middle housing
7:18 — Traditional condos vs. multiplex condos
12:16 — Legal and management advantages
16:38 — Registration process and timeline
24:10 — Costs and project feasibility
31:39 — Harvey Town Homes project
37:44 — Design and construction insights
42:40 — Market potential and future outlook

What HST rebates are available when you build a garden suite, laneway suite, multiplex, or new home—and where do homeowners and investors most often get caught out?

In this episode of the Suite Additions Podcast, Rami Miransky breaks down the current HST landscape for new residential construction, substantial renovations, rental properties, and small-scale multiplex projects.

He explains the difference between first-time homebuyer and enhanced provincial rebates, when self-assessment applies, and why the structure of a project can dramatically affect the outcome.

They also cover common mistakes around substantial renovations, the four-unit threshold for purpose-built rental housing, valuation, land value, rental leases, and how to approach ADUs and multiplex conversions more strategically.

If you’re planning a garden suite, laneway suite, duplex, triplex, fourplex, or rental conversion, this conversation offers a clear starting point for understanding the tax side before construction begins.

Disclaimer:

For informational purposes only. This video is not intended as investment or tax advice. Every situation is unique - please speak with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.

About The Guest:

Rami Miransky has a BSc from the University of Toronto and an
MBA from York University. He has spent most of his career in
financial services as a financial advisor/planner and he has
handed over the practice to his son over the last few years.

Fourteen years ago, two of Rami’s client’s built new homes and
he assisted them apply for and receive the HST New Housing
Rebate. Realizing there was a gap in knowledge about HST and
how it applies to New Residential Real Estate he set out to learn
all he could about the subject.

Since that time he has helped hundreds of homeowners receive
the rebates that they are entitled to, by assisting them apply for
rental rebates, or when they build their own homes.

Over the last 5 years he has become an expert on the HST
implications of building Accessory Dwelling Units, such as
laneway and garden suites. He has given numerous
presentations about HST and New Residential Real Estate to real
estate offices across the GTA, he has been on CFRB radio many
times talking about the subject and has been a guest speaker at
the National Home Show in 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026.

Suite Additions Podcast Episode 01

How can small-scale infill create more housing while keeping development projects practical and financially viable?

In this episode, Andy sits down with Charles Wah, founder of Gateway Group, to explore missing middle housing development across Hamilton, the Greater Toronto Area, and beyond.

They discuss Charles’ path from engineering into real estate development, why smaller infill projects can offer a more manageable path than large-scale builds, and the opportunities in duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, garden suites, and lot severances.

The conversation also covers nonprofit housing partnerships, development approvals, common investor mistakes, neighbourhood concerns, and the keep-and-sever strategy for unlocking value in underused properties.

You can connect with Charles and his team at www.gatewaygroup.ca
and follow the on IG @ gatewaygroupca

Chapters

00:00 Missing Middle Housing Development
00:53 Meet Charles Wah
01:37 From Engineering to Development
03:06 Starting Big, Then Going Small
05:54 Why Small-Scale Infill Works
10:15 Faster Approvals for 10 Units or Less
12:21 Advocacy for More Housing
13:57 Nonprofit Housing Partnerships
17:33 The Keep-and-Sever Strategy
20:48 Project Costs and Rental Income
24:35 Common Development Pitfalls
27:30 Missing Middle Myths and Neighbour Concerns
32:17 Working Through Neighbour Opposition
34:09 Construction Quality and Client Work
36:27 Final Thoughts and How to Connect

#MissingMiddleHousing #RealEstateDevelopment #OntarioRealEstate #InfillDevelopment #Multiplex #HamiltonOntario