Author: Zoe Mitchell
Downtown Surrey is emerging as a forward-thinking urban center, reimagining what a 21st-century city can be. Century City Holland Park aims to be a leader in this transformation, presenting a master-planned community where modern technological advancement harmonizes with lush natural landscapes and urban agriculture. This innovative development is positioned to become a landmark destination for Metro Vancouver, appealing to investors and residents who envision a dynamic yet balanced lifestyle. Architectural Vision At the heart of Century City Holland Park is an architectural vision that blends urban sophistication with natural serenity. The design is conceived as a modern counterpoint to the…
Currently under construction in Vancouver is a new residential development by Alabaster Homes that aims to deliver modern living in a high-demand central location. Situated between the city’s west and east sides, Thesis offers a design that blends functional living spaces with quality amenities and convenient access to shopping, dining, and green spaces. With occupancy planned for January 2026, this limited collection of homes also presents an opportunity for investors, with a projected average ROI of 18.95%. Architectural Vision Thesis reflects a balanced approach to modern design and practical functionality. The project features two primary colour schemes (grey and white)…
In an effort to tackle Vancouver’s chronic housing shortage, the City has unveiled a new strategy to deliver market rental housing on City-owned land. The initiative—led by the recently launched Vancouver Housing Development Office (VHDO)—aims to both increase the supply of middle-income rental homes and generate non‐tax revenue to fund critical infrastructure and community projects. A New Approach to Housing Delivery Announced on February 6, 2025, the strategy builds on the City’s broader Housing Vancouver Strategy, which sets an ambitious target of delivering 83,000 new homes over the next decade. At its core, the pilot project seeks to repurpose underutilized…
Calgary’s real estate market demonstrated strength in 2024. Despite some seasonal declines, the year was characterized by solid sales activity and robust price growth across multiple property types. Sales and Inventory Trends In December 2024, the market recorded 1,322 sales, for a 3% decline compared to December 2023, but this figure remained nearly 20% higher than long-term trend levels for the month. Overall sales for 2024 came in just shy of the previous year’s totals. Gains in higher-priced properties helped to counterbalance the pullbacks in the lower price ranges, where supply challenges were more pronounced. Inventory levels rose as the…
The Canadian labour market has undergone significant shifts over the past several months, shaped by slowing economic activity, increasing public sector reliance, and softening wage growth. While job creation has continued, underlying trends behind these employment gains raise concerns. Job Growth and Sectoral Disparities The composition of new jobs has been heavily skewed toward the public sector and older workers, according to reports from Edge Realty Analytics. In November 2024, employment rose by 51,000 month over month, per the Labour Force Survey (LFS), but 80% of these jobs were in the public sector. Similarly, in December 2024, Canada saw its…
On February 2nd, Playbook Media hosted the inaugural event of its 2025 Investor’s Series, a one-day lunch and learn session that brought together over 200 investors and industry professionals for a successful afternoon of learning. Combining an informative, educational program with exclusive investment opportunities, the event provided a comprehensive look into the evolving landscape of real estate investment. The gathering not only delivered valuable insights from experienced speakers but also offered a chance to invest in a master-planned development in Kitchener-Waterloo – The Platform at Station Park – with benefits. Pre-construction incentives were available, for a limited time for attendees,…
Calgary’s real estate market is one of Canada’s most dynamic, offering a range of housing options that cater to diverse lifestyles and budgets. Unlike other major Canadian cities, such as Toronto and Vancouver, where high property prices often push buyers into small condos, Calgary offers a unique mix of urban high-rises, inner-city infill homes, master-planned suburban communities, and even sprawling estate properties. This variety makes Calgary an appealing destination for buyers seeking affordability, space, and strong long-term value. The city’s economy, historically driven by the energy sector, is diversifying, attracting new residents and investors. Jesse Davies, leader of the Jesse…
Canada’s housing market is set to experience changes in 2025 due to economic uncertainty, shifting immigration policies, and evolving real estate trends. In its Housing Market Outlook for 2025, the CMHC has indicated that, while the economy is expected to grow at a modest pace, factors like lower mortgage rates and updated mortgage rules will drive a recovery in housing sales and prices. However, affordability challenges and regional differences will create an uneven recovery across the country. The CMHC developed a tiered set of forecasts, ranging from a slower recovery due to economic challenges to a stronger rebound driven by…
For landlords operating in today’s dynamic rental markets, providing an attractive, move-in-ready property can set them apart. Furnishing services, tailored specifically to landlords and property managers, have emerged as a valuable solution to ensure rental units stand out. These services provide a one-stop approach to equipping a property with furniture, appliances, and decor, catering to various tenant preferences and elevating rental appeal. What Is a Furnishing Service for Rental Properties? A furnishing service for rental properties is a professional service that will furnish a property with everything tenants need to live comfortably, while creating an attractive, welcoming space. These services…
The City of Edmonton is investing up to $20 million in grants to support affordable housing development in 2025, marking the seventh round of funding through its Affordable Housing Investment Program. This initiative aims to accelerate the creation and preservation of affordable homes by providing financial support to non-profit and private-sector developers. Since 2019, the Affordable Housing Investment Program has offered financial assistance for both new developments and the rehabilitation of existing units, with an investment of $254 million to date by the City of Edmonton. The program’s latest round of funding is now open to eligible developers, with applications…
