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2021 Looks Bright for the Canadian CRE Sector

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The Canadian CRE sector has been growing for years, managing to remain strong despite the ongoing pandemic. According to Andy Warren, a PwC real estate research director, Canada’s CRE executives are highly optimistic about 2021 as well.

In collaboration with Urban Land Institute (ULI), PwC conducted a survey on emerging real estate trends. Here are some of the most important findings from their report, which show that 2021 will be an excellent year for Canada’s CRE sector.

 

The Most Promising Commercial Real Estate Niche Assets

Canada’s most promising CRE niche assets include mixed-use commercial properties, single-family rentals, self-storage, life sciences, and production studios.

Mixed-use properties that combine retail with medical office, with traditional office or with housing will continue to thrive.

The single-family rental sector is expected to grow mostly because of the rise of remote work. People are looking for bigger properties to accommodate their home offices.

Many of those living in smaller multifamily and single-family homes are struggling with space, which is why the need for self-storage facilities is likely to grow in 2021.

Investing in life sciences will also remain strong next year, primarily due to the ongoing vaccine development for COVID-19.

Given the increasing demand for online streaming services, investing in production studios for TV and film will be quite profitable, too.

 

Read more at:
https://www.redevgroup.com/news-article/2021-looks-bright-for-the-canadian-cre-sector

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The Canadian Real Estate Market is in a Golden Age

Canada has proven to be one of the best destinations to invest in global and domestic capital. When it comes to the 2020 Canadian Real Estate Market, this is the best decade to take advantage of commercial real estate properties in Canada and there are several reasons why.

First, Canada has the highest lease demand in its history. Rent levels are also constantly rising due to market expansion and increased opportunities. Companies renting retail space are also fulfilling their part of the deal by occupying more buildings than ever before.

Canadians aren’t only focused on booming metropolises like Toronto and Vancouver these days. Commercial real estate opportunities are constantly expanding into areas like Saskatoon, Edmonton, and Calgary, among other cities. Let’s analyze the important data of the 2020 Real Estate Market.

 

Statistics for Canadian Retail Estates

Record demand for properties in the Canadian Real Estate market is due to fluctuating societal changes, advanced technological developments, and various developing policies across several years. Large Canadian cities have become lucrative options for businesses, investors, and residents to take advantage of.

Generally, commercial real estate has been demonstrated as a stable and profitable investment for individuals. For example, the retail sector is changing its perspective and mindset on uses for certain spaces and prime locations. Brick and mortar stores are being transformed into pick-up stations for just about everything from food to clothing.

Food services and cooking facilities are gradually being set up for delivery-only meals, marking a new trend in cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Aging retail properties in the downtown and suburban cores of major markets are being rejuvenated through redevelopment plans.

National statistics for retail properties show that there will be about 4.31MM sq.ft of new supply in 2020 and total retail sales are going to increase by 2.9%. According to CBRE Research, total retail sales per capita are forecasted at $16,801 versus $16,480 in previous years. It is expected that retail in 2020 is expected to outperform its performance from last year.

 

Looking Beyond The Big Cities 

The biggest real estate changes have historically happened in the largest cities. However, new data suggests that there is movement going on in smaller markets as well. These smaller cities are getting their spotlight due to broader workplace trends and global investments.

Domestic companies also engage the real estate market and compete with foreign capital. Their primary markets are Ottawa, Quebec, and the Waterloo Region. Projections show that many smaller markets will outperform their forecasts, including:

* Montreal by 13.8%

* Quebec by 10%

* Waterloo by 10%

* Ottawa by 8.5%

 

Regional Statistics 

The Canadian Real Estate Market Outlook forecast shows that Calgary retail commercial retail investments are going to grow over $400 million compared to $386 million in 2019. Even though Calgary is a hot rental market for apartments, the trend is rubbing off on commercial retail as well, and there is noticeable growth.

On the other hand, the total retail sales growth in Saskatoon is projected to have a 3.7% increase in 2020 compared to a year earlier. Along with large mixed-use development projects for both commercial and residential space, it’s expected that the market will grow even further.

 

Conclusion 

Canada is entering the new golden age of retail commercial real estate, and the numbers show it. All indicators are strong and positive. If you want to learn more about it, contact ReDev Properties today.

https://www.redevgroup.com/news-article/canada-cre-entering-golden-age

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Canadian CRE Market to Maintain its Edge in 2020 Per Morguard Reports

The Canadian real estate market is alive and well. In fact, it is anticipated to be as strong as ever in 2020 following its upsurge in 2019, per Morguard. 

Morguard Corporation is a Canadian real estate company that publishes its predictions in the 2020 Canada Economic Outlook and Market Fundamentals Report. Below, I’ve highlighted the most vital forecast information from the Morguard report.

 

Canada’s CRE is on an Upward Trajectory

The retail facet of the CRE has displayed phenomenal growth in 2019 and continues to evolve in the new year. In the middle of last year, the national retail vacancy dived by 100 basis points to reach 5.8%.

By the by, numerous investors have seen big potential in Candian retail CRE assets, so much so that this nation has welcomed a staggering $3.1 billion investment in retail properties.

Given that this estimate is way above the long-term average, commercial real estate properties across Canada will continue to be seen as an incredibly formidable investment in the new decade.

 

Non-Retail CRE Also Sees Its Fair Share of the Action

Morguard has also forecasted that other commercial real estate segments in Canada will perform splendidly in 2020. 

 

Housing

The housing market in Canada has finally achieved some stability after experiencing a sluggish 2019. Home sales and prices have steadily grown for 7 months consecutively in Toronto and Vancouver. 

Over the span of the next 2 years, the national housing sector is anticipated to improve the real estate market significantly. The rental apartment industry has a track record of the biggest ongoing growth that will continue to generate positive numbers in 2020. 

In 2018, the rental apartment sector generated a whopping $8.3 billion in multi-family investments. In 2019, the figure was approximately $4 billion in the first half alone. 

Trends clearly show that more Canadians are downsizing and renting out their apartments. Morguard anticipates that rent rates will skyrocket with this growing demand. 

 

Corporate

The Canadian corporate segment is claiming a slice of this pie. With a soaring performance last year, the nation’s tech industry is largely to be credited.

Till mid-2019, Canada generated $5.5 billion in the office segment in investments alone. During that time there was an 11% national vacancy rate. Today, Vancouver and Toronto display the lowest vacancy rates in North America as far as downtown office space is concerned.

In Alberta, Calgary has been experiencing low energy prices and skyrocketing corporate vacancy rates which are over 20% at the moment. 

 

Industrial

The industrial sector in Canada showed record investments totalling $12.7 billion in 2018. This trend continued well into 2019 and is expected to do so in 2020 as well. The country is in need of more industrial spaces to meet the growing demand. During the first 6 months of 2019, the national availability was just over 3% which was the lowest in 20 years.

 

Conclusion

The CRE market in Canada has displayed an impressive performance in 2019 in spite of the international economic disputes and stunted GDP growth of 1.5%. Canada has one of the fastest-growing populations and this is one of the most essential factors that has aided the commercial real estate market in its steady growth.

The rental segment continues to hold its own and Canada will witness an influx of investors in 2020, per Morguard. CRE assets have made capital investments a very attractive proposition. All in all, the market is expected to be on an upswing in 2020. 

For more information, please visit;

https://www.redevgroup.com/news-article/canadian-cre-market-to-stay-strong-in-2020-morguard-reports

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Fast-Food Joints Eyeing The Canadian Market and All It’s Growth

What’s one thing that tourists and locals alike look for when they are out and about in the city? Food. Whether you are looking for something quick to eat or looking for an aesthetically pleasing meal, you will end up settling on a place to do so. Since food is such a popular medium for so many, major food chains have taken notice. Larger Canadian provinces such as Alberta and Ontario have become home or will become home to a plethora of major food chains that have seen success outside of the country. 

Chick-Fil-A

Chick-Fil-A is a well knowing fast-food joint across the United States, third-largest to be exact. The company plans to expand that success further by opening up 100 new locations across Canada. Toronto, Ontario saw the opening of the first Canadian Chick-Fil-A. Despite the controversy surrounding the fast-food joint, many waited in line for hours to get their hands on the menu items. 

Jollibee

Jollibee is an extremely popular fast-food joint originating from the Philippines. The food simultaneously acts as a comfort to those accustomed to the cuisine and a new experience for those looking to try something beyond what is typically offered. The success in the Philippino market has allowed Jollibee to extend well beyond the country. Today, Jollibee has more than a thousand restaurants across the globe. 

Currently, there are six Jollibee locations in Canada, with talks of a new one opening up in Alberta in the near future. The success generated from this fast-food joint could be grounds for even more locations across the country. 

In-N-Out Burger

Yet another popular food joint from the United States. In-N-Out is known for its burgers and animal style fries. While the other fast-food joints mentioned are making Canada their home, In-N-Out isn’t doing so just yet. In-N-Out is testing the market via a one-day pop-up shop in Aldergrove. 

While the chain isn’t settling down in Canada right now, the move to test the Canadian market could mean plans for expansion are in the making. 

Eataly

Eataly might not be as well-known outside of the American market, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t a massive competitor. Eataly is an Italian-style food chain that mixes both in-house, restaurant-style dining as well as a grocery store that allows patrons to purchase the food and have it prepared in the dining area. The concept has been doing exponentially well in the U.S. and is expanding beyond the borders to Ontario.

There are many fast-food chains eyeing the Canadian market as it continues to grow both in size and popularity. Beyond these, we could see quite a few new food joints opening up in Canada.

Learn more here: https://www.redevgroup.com/news-article/major-food-chains-coming-to-alberta-and-ontario

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Omnichannel: Creating Online and Offline Experiences for Customers

The way consumers shop has changed exponentially over the years. To no surprise, consumers are now shopping both online and offline. With the rise of e-commerce, the ability to obtain goods has grown significantly. Some brands choose to stay brick-and-mortar while some choose to stay strictly e-commerce. While sticking to one stream works for many, the best way to encapsulate a wider array of consumers is to create experiences both online and offline which is also known as omnichannel retailing.

What is omnichannel in regards to retail?

Omnichannel includes the sale of goods/service in both physical and digital means. For example, a clothing store has a physical location where people can shop as well as an online catalogue/website where they can make purchases as well. In essence, omnichannel is being wherever the customer is.

How can adopting an omnichannel model help retail shop owners?

With the growth of e-commerce becoming more and more prevalent, there have been many retailers who have been forced to close their doors due to their inability to compete with the convenience factor e-commerce shopping has. On the other hand, e-commerce lacks that in-person experience many look for. 

Omni-channel caters to those who want a convenient method of shopping and those who yearn for that in-person experience. The ability to cater to two different demographics can help retail owners increase their profit and reach significantly more consumers than they would sticking to one stream.

How can retail shop owners create a digital presence?

Creating a digital presence takes time, but is a well worth it process. Many retailers create (or hire someone to create) a catalogue-type website that displays all the products eligible to be sold online. Retail shop owners can connect this to social media, create digital ads, or promote it through their physical location.

Adopting an omnichannel model can help retail businesses increase their overall traffic and profit. It all comes down to analyzing whether the business can cater to the digital space and how it will and work for the other all betterment of the business.

Want to learn more about the omnichannel experience? Read on here!

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Investment Portfolio: Protect What You Build

Building your investment portfolio takes an abundance of effort and time. Each investment, whether short-term or long-term poses significance to your overall portfolio and acts as a potential stream of income. Ergo, protecting your investment portfolio is just as important as building it. Most methods of protecting your portfolio are within reach and can be done internally. 

Here are a few key ways you can protect your investments and make the most out of them: 

Diversify your investments

Diversification of investments is imperative when it comes to protecting and building upon them. You’ve most likely heard the age-old phrase, don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. This holds merit when it comes to investing. While a stream may prove to be financially beneficial, should any disruption arise, you could risk losing everything you put in. Diversifying your investments allows you to gain from various streams. Should one fall through the cracks, you won’t lose everything and your other investments could make up for any loses. 

Invest in hard assets

The type of streams you invest in play a huge role in their protection. While liquid assets allow you to have access to cash, it can make it easier to spend. Hard assets lock your investment in place meaning the money put forth is in the form of said investment and requires a lot more work to take out.

Real estate is a prime example of a hard asset. The money is locked in into a tangible asset which will grow profit from there. Although the cash is not easily accessible, the asset still falls under your name and overall net worth. Hard assets are a great method of generating income without the temptation of overspending. 

Keep income growth in mind

Generating income is the bread and butter of investments. Whether you are looking to generate high profits in a shorter time frame or you’re looking for a long-term investment, it’s important to understand the potential profit associated with your investments. Some may invest for the sake of wanting a share in a certain realm, but may not consider any cost margins or profit gain. 

If you are unsure about which realms can help you produce the most income, do your due diligence when it comes to research. Set a target goal of how much income you want your investments to produce on a monthly, quarterly, yearly, or overall basis and align your portfolio with that. Typically, the riskier the investment, the more income can be generated in a shorter time frame, however, there are a plethora of long term investments that can bring you in a high profit. 

Protection is key when it comes to making the most out of your investments. The better protected they are, the higher the potential for gain. 

 

Learn even more ways to protect your investment portfolio here: https://www.redevgroup.com/news-article/6-simple-strategies-for-protecting-your-investment-portfolio

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What’s Behind The Rise of Luxury Shops In Canada?

Retail markets continue to thrive well into the year and there is no sign of them slowing down at any time. While certain niche markets may not be able to content, there are those that keep the industry afloat. One retail market in the retail sector is thriving despite the hardships it has faced in the last 12 months. 

The luxury retail market has been flourishing across Canada and consumers are receptive to this new wave. Take a walk in the downtown core of Vancouver or the hustle-and-bustle in the heart of Toronto and you will find a superfluous amount of luxury retailers. The luxury clothing sector, in particular, amasses for a large portion of success the retail markets are seeing. 

What is influencing this growth within the luxury retail market?

Canadians have proven to have an appreciation for European fashion which is most notably crafted by high-end designers. The appreciation accumulated from the fashion market overseas has seen vast success in Canadian markets. Canada boasts a high sense of trust when it comes to this market. While there are places scattered around the country to obtain counterfeit goods, law enforcement is working to eliminate them. The hefty price tags associated with luxury goods, the certificate of authenticity, and the overall atmosphere of a shop are key indicators that goods within are 100% authentic. 

Luxury goods are purchased for two reasons: high quality and social status. Certain luxury goods utilize materials of higher quality, increasing the longevity of the item, thus, being grounds for hiking up the price. Social status is also a major contributor to the growth of luxury good sales. Many believe boasting luxury goods entails and reiterates their wealth and status.

What areas are luxury retailers prevalent in?

Luxury retailers are strategic when it comes to their placement in order to optimize profit. Typically, luxury retailers will look at the jobs and average incomes in the surrounding neighbourhood where they are considering allocating their business. Luxury retailers are most prevalent in Affluent areas such as Bloor Street West, Yorkville Village, Yorkdale, and the downtown core of Vancouver City. 

Aside from affluent areas, luxury retail shops are also prominent in the downtown core of major cities. Because the downtown core of these popular cities (Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, and Montreal) are hot spots for tourists, there is a greater probability to generate business with those foreign to the country. 

What does the future of luxury retailers in Canada look like?

Although the luxury market has had rough patches, it has continued to make an upward trajectory. As long as the demand remains high, luxury retailers will continue to dominate and make a substantial profit. With more luxury shops opening their doors all across Canada, it comes to no avail that there is certainly a high demand for these goods. This retail market speaks to, not only Canadian citizens but to tourists as well, who deem Canada as a safe and trustworthy place to purchase luxury goods. 

 

Want to learn more about the luxury retail market and real estate opportunities surrounding it? Read more here!

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Niche Businesses Paving the Way for Retailers

Toronto is a city full of diversity; from its people right down to its cuisine. With the increase of diverse immigrants flocking to Canada came an influx of new businesses, unbeknownst to Toronto at one point. One major proponent immigrants brought to Canada is the authentic cuisine of their native land. A popular cuisine that has made its way into the commercial scene in Toronto is Syrian food.

 

Those who made a new home from Syria to Canada have created unity with Canadians through their food. Many, however, face a few barriers – language being a major one – making it difficult to find work in this economy. Thus, many have resorted to opening their own businesses, selling their favourite native cuisine.

 

What can large and small retailers alike learn from foreigners?

 

Many retailers think on a grandeur scale, adhering to large trends and technological advancements to further heighten their business models. Tech disruptions and the decline of trends can be detrimental to this strategy. While everyone would like to develop a utilitarian approach and provide for the masses, there is opportunity barely uncovered in niches such as Syrian restaurants and markets.

 

When it comes to booming business, many don’t consider niche businesses to be at the forefront of profit generation, however, foreigners are proving there is substantial room for monetary gain within businesses that are authentic. These businesses typically have a base of extremely loyal customers who not only come back but bring in new crowds as well, creating even more revenue.

 

When it comes to investments in the commercial industries, retailers can take a note from foreign businesses that bring a touch of their old home to their new home. Many niche businesses remain in business for long periods of time due to the loyal customer base and curiosity of Canadians.

 

Learn more about the Syrian food trend in Toronto and how small businesses continue to flourish across the booming city: https://www.redevgroup.com/news-article/retail-restaurants-refugees—syrian-food-trend-in-toronto

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Big Developments Pour Into Smaller Manitoba Cities, Towns

Cheaper land and lower business operating costs are fueling increased demand for commercial real estate and new economic opportunities in smaller Manitoba communities outside of Winnipeg.

Richard Crenian, president of ReDev Properties, noted the trend in a recent blog post. In it, he said many CRE investors “are taking advantage of lower prices in once considered sleeper towns in Manitoba. Investors’ interest has specifically been concentrated on the outskirts of Winnipeg’s Perimeter Highway.”

Crenian also singled out other communities such as Steinbach, Brandon, and Portage la Prairie, which have all attracted the interest of big players.

Availability of land and costs are key driving factors in the interest, Crenian told RENX in an interview. The story is similar to what’s happening in other areas of the country such as Balzac just outside of Calgary, municipalities outside Edmonton and many outlying communities in the Greater Toronto Area.

“People are going to all of these small places because it’s about affordability,” said Crenian.

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Cannabis Retails and Consumers Rejoice as Legal Shops Open for Business

October 17th, 2018 marked a pivotal moment in Canadian history – cannabis became legal across the country. On April 1st of this year, that moment further ignited action as legal cannabis shops officially opened in Ontario; a long-awaited feat post-legalization. The sell of cannabis via brick-and-mortar won’t seize at just Ontario, as other provinces are now showing interest in opening up their own legal shops in the near future.

 

The process for obtaining licensing to open said shops came through as unorthodox with the government issuing licenses via lottery as opposed to reviewing requirements. Albeit, those who were granted a license were subject to a deadline of April first with monetary ramifications should they fail to comply with the set deadline.

 

The first cannabis shop to open was the Hunny Pot located in Toronto. The success of the launch was seemingly unmeasurable as demand flooded in and lines remained extensive even days after. The demand, however, has grown astronomically and supply remains a contingency when it comes to the sell of cannabis. With that being said, supply is not just an issue when it comes to brick-and-mortar; medicinal and online suppliers are still working to meant the demands of the market.

 

Although supplies may run low, the growth of retail cannabis shop will continue and with just a minute number of shops already open, their level of success in the market has been a determining factor in the overall success of brick-and-mortar cannabis shops. What makes these physical retail shops favourable amongst consumers? These shops allow cannabis users to obtain physical knowledge of various strains. Although online markets are popular, the physical element derived from these shops gives a more authentic and engaging experience for those purchasing cannabis.

 

What does the future look like for retail cannabis shop?

 

It’s still too early in the game to know just what the future of these physical retail shops looks like, however, their success in such a short period is telling. The ability to legally purchase cannabis from a tangible source is a key factor these retail shops embody. For owners of these shops, their investments in commercial real estate are beyond wise; catering to a large market across the province. Provided supply can always be met, it’s safe to say that success seems undeniable for these retailers.

Learn more about retail cannabis shops and their expansions across Canada here: https://www.redevgroup.com/news-article/ontario-cannabis-retailers-are-now-opened-for-business