Real Estate Development Insights

Payam Noursalehi

Your ultimate resource for in-depth discussions, expert interviews, and valuable insights into the ever-evolving world of real estate development. Hosted by Payam Noursalehi, this podcast brings you the knowledge and expertise of industry leaders, innovators, and professionals shaping real estate's future. Whether you’re a seasoned developer, an aspiring professional, or simply curious about the field, our episodes are designed to provide you with actionable information, real-world case studies, and the latest trends in the industry. Join us as we explore various topics, from cutting-edge technologies and sustainable building practices to market analysis and strategic planning. Each episode features conversations with top architects, engineers, planners, and developers, offering their unique perspectives and experiences. Our mission is to empower you with the tools and insights needed to navigate the complexities of real estate development and make informed decisions that drive success. Subscribe now and stay ahead of the curve with the Real Estate Development Insights Podcast – where knowledge meets opportunity.www.RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.com

  1. MAR 3

    (49) As-of-Right Isn’t a Slam Dunk: Insights On The Toronto Multiplexes - Janna Levit & Samantha Eby

    Send a text 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 DevelopersFirst Steps for a SixplexPossible Versus ViableFeasibility Tool OverviewLot Size Rules of ThumbHidden Costs and Knock-OnsAs Of Right MythsNeighbours And VariancesRisk Tolerance StrategyBuilding Code ThresholdsAlternative Ownership ModelsCo-Ownership Mortgage RisksSelf-Development and CapitalFor more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.com Take our Free Assessment at: DevelopmentReadinessAssessment.com

    56 min
  2. FEB 17

    (48) What the CMHC 26-28 Outlook Means for GTA Developers - Jordan Nanowski

    Send a text 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 Take our Free Assessment at: DevelopmentReadinessAssessment.com

    54 min
  3. JAN 20

    (46) Affordable Housing Investment Fund: A Solution to the Housing Gap - Mwarigha M.S. - Wood Green

    Send a text 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 HousingThe Role of Private Developers in Affordable HousingSuccessful Partnerships: The Daniels Corporation ExampleAddressing Housing Supply ShortagesWoodgreen’s Green Building InitiativesPrivate vs. Government Investment in HousingThe Shift Towards Density and Its ConsequencesNational Housing Strategy and Policy ChallengesProposing a New Affordable Housing FundMwarigha 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

    59 min
  4. JAN 6

    (45) How To Think About Risk, Leverage, And Timing In Real Estate Development - Mazyar Mortazavi - TAS Impact

    Send a text 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 LearnedUnderstanding Correlation in Business DecisionsStarting with Impact from Day OneScaling and Risk Management in DevelopmentNonprofit Leadership and GovernanceThe Importance of Community and CollaborationTAS 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

    51 min
  5. 2025-12-23

    (44) What 30,000+ Renter Surveys Tell Us About Balconies, Parking, Layouts, etc. - Data for your next rental - Sarah Segal - SimplyDBS

    Send a text 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 DevelopmentPurpose-Built Rentals vs. CondosSurvey Methodology and Data CollectionInsights from Tenant SurveysAddressing Tenant Needs and PreferencesBalconies and Building Design ConsiderationsSafety, Technology, and AI in Real EstateAI in Property ManagementImportance of Quick Maintenance ResponseConnected Living ExperienceEssential Amenities for Modern LivingCommunity Building and Resident RetentionDesigning for Resident NeedsLeveraging Data for Development DecisionsChallenges and Solutions in Property ManagementFor more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.com Take our Free Assessment at: DevelopmentReadinessAssessment.com

    58 min
  6. 2025-12-09

    (43) Modern Methods of Construction & Canada’s First 3D Printed Building - Amy Vilis, Leigh Newman, Stephan Mansour

    Send a text 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 InnovationWhat is Additive Construction?3D Printing Standards for ConstructionChallenges and Innovations in ConstructionThe Role of Data in Housing InnovationEasing Innovation into the Construction EcosystemConcerns About New Technologies in ConstructionChallenges with Adoption and ImplementationRecord-Breaking 3D Printed Building ProjectNavigating Regulatory and Permitting HurdlesOn-site Quality Assurance and InnovationsMaterial and Technology Integrationhttps://mid-rise.ca/ For more information, please refer to RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.com Take our Free Assessment at: DevelopmentReadinessAssessment.com

    1h 8m
  7. 2025-11-25

    (42) All about Multiplex Housing: Data from 452 Multiplex Building Permits - Daniel Kolominsky - Senior Planner at City of Toronto

    Send a text 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 PlanningChallenges and Improvements in Development ReviewInsights from the Multiplex Monitoring ReportApproval Timelines and Construction InsightsGeographical Distribution of PermitsFactors Influencing Multiplex LocationsChallenges and Considerations for Multiplex ConstructionTracking and Potential of Multiplex DevelopmentsBuilding Structures and Permit TrendsCost Estimations and Lot SizesLessons Learned and Future StepsFinal 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

    1h 9m
5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Your ultimate resource for in-depth discussions, expert interviews, and valuable insights into the ever-evolving world of real estate development. Hosted by Payam Noursalehi, this podcast brings you the knowledge and expertise of industry leaders, innovators, and professionals shaping real estate's future. Whether you’re a seasoned developer, an aspiring professional, or simply curious about the field, our episodes are designed to provide you with actionable information, real-world case studies, and the latest trends in the industry. Join us as we explore various topics, from cutting-edge technologies and sustainable building practices to market analysis and strategic planning. Each episode features conversations with top architects, engineers, planners, and developers, offering their unique perspectives and experiences. Our mission is to empower you with the tools and insights needed to navigate the complexities of real estate development and make informed decisions that drive success. Subscribe now and stay ahead of the curve with the Real Estate Development Insights Podcast – where knowledge meets opportunity.www.RealEstateDevelopmentInsights.com

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