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Recorded live at the Toronto Land Development Forum, in this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast,  Aaron Cameron and Adam Powadiuk welcome Ben Rogowski, COO at Canderel Group, for an honest look at the turbulent landscape of Canadian condo development. Rogowski unpacks why current economics don’t support new builds, even with free land, and how high deposit requirements, construction costs, and slower closings are reshaping the market. He shares how experienced developers are shifting from condo to rental projects, why patience and partnerships are critical, and the role the government might play in the future. It’s a must-listen for anyone navigating or investing in Canadian real estate today.

What you will learn:

• How successful developers are managing condo project closings with 95%+ success 
• Why the current condo market requires a minimum 15-20% deposit versus historical 5%
• The economics behind why new condo developments don’t currently work
• How established developers are pivoting from condo to rental projects 
• Why government intervention may be necessary to address development cost 
• The importance of patience and strategic partnerships in navigating the current market 
• How property management services provide stable revenue during downturns
• Why Toronto’s historical crane count of 265 may not return
• The shift from investor-driven (75%+) to end-user condo markets
• Why market recovery may take 3-4 years, but fundamentals remain strong due to immigration and housing needs

Ben Rogowski is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Canderel, a leading Canadian real estate development and management company celebrating its 50th anniversary. With extensive experience across commercial and residential real estate sectors, he oversees business strategy and development operations across seven major Canadian markets. Ben brings valuable insights into current market challenges and opportunities, particularly in navigating the complexities of residential development in challenging economic conditions. His expertise spans property management, asset management, and development, overseeing a portfolio of over 20 million square feet of commercial space and 20,000 residential doors.

The post From Condos to Rentals: Adapting Real Estate Strategies with Ben Rogowski, COO at Canderel Group appeared first on Commercial Real Estate Podcast.