Year: 2025
Investment with Tax Advantages – Episode 8
In this episode of Smart Real Estate with Westcliff, hosts Addy Saeed and Kaz Jaffer discuss the importance of understanding tax advantages in real estate investments. They cover key tax benefits such as depreciation, deductible expenses, and the 1031 exchange in the U.S. They also explore tax-efficient structures like REITs and LPs and mention available tax credits for energy-efficient properties or historic renovations. Emphasizing the importance of strong property fundamentals, they conclude with information on leveraging tax advantages to maximize returns and minimize liability.
We hope you’ve learned something valuable in this episode. Subscribe to our podcast for more expert advice and visit westcliffam.com for more information.
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Luxury and Niche Real Estate Investments – Episode 7
In this episode of Smart Real Estate with Westcliff, hosts Addy Saeed and Kaz Jaffer discuss luxury and niche real estate investments. They define luxury properties as high-end homes and premium developments catering to high net worth individuals, and niche real estate as specialized markets like student housing and senior living communities. The hosts outline the potential for significant returns and the importance of understanding the risks associated with these investments. They highlight the need for expert guidance from Westcliff to navigate these markets effectively. The episode encourages thorough due diligence and offers insights on the benefits of diversification in real estate portfolios. Listeners are urged to visit Westcliff’s website or contact them for further information. The episode concludes with a teaser for the next topic on investments with tax advantages.
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Portfolio Diversification Options – Episode 6
In this episode of Smart Real Estate with Westcliff, hosts Addy Saeed and Kaz Jaffer discuss portfolio diversification options for real estate investors. They explore different methods of diversifying investments such as direct real estate ownership, alternative investment vehicles like Real Estate Income Trusts (REITs), and co-investing through General Partner and Limited Partner (GPLP) structures. The episode highlights the importance of balancing risk and return across various asset types, markets, and investment structures. Additionally, the hosts emphasize the benefits of geographic and asset-type diversification and touch on the tax advantages associated with different investment strategies. They also encourage listeners to reach out for personalized advice and stay tuned for the next episode on luxury and niche real estate investment opportunities.
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Webinar 3 – Thrive in ’25: Durum Industrial REIT
In a rapidly evolving real estate market, staying informed is more crucial than ever. On March 18th, 2025, a riveting webinar was hosted by Westcliff Asset Management, featuring insights from Simon Reddish of Durum Capital. This event, part of the “Thrive in 25” series, focused on industrial real estate and its potential as a lucrative investment opportunity. Below, we delve into the key themes and insights shared during the session.
An Introduction to Westcliff Asset Management
Kaz Jaffer, co-host of the webinar, kicked off the session by introducing Westcliff Asset Management. Westcliff’s business strategy revolves around three core elements: Learn, Invest, and Manage. With a profound commitment to investor education, Westcliff offers a variety of resources, including podcasts and webinars. The company’s strategic partnership with Waverly Corporate Finance allows them to cater to accredited and eligible investors looking for tailored investment opportunities.
Meet the Speaker: Simon Reddish of Durum Capital
Simon Reddish, a key figure at Durum Capital, joined the discussion to shed light on the company’s shift towards innovative and value-driven investments. With a diverse background in asset management and development, Simon emphasized Durum’s creative approach to uncovering investment value where others might not.
Understanding Industrial Real Estate
The discussion transitioned to a broader overview of industrial real estate. Simon highlighted that industrial properties, encompassing everything from distribution facilities to manufacturing sites, are foundational to our everyday lives. Each click online to purchase a product typically involves industrial facilities at some stage—from manufacturing to shipping. These properties generally involve long-term leases (5-15 years), offering stability and predictability for investors.
The Durum Capital Landscape
Durum Capital is characterized by its diverse fund offerings, including an Industrial REIT focusing on Canada’s Prairie Provinces, Durum Developments, a Carbon Fund, and an Opportunities Fund. Each offers distinct opportunities and challenges. Simon touched on the competitive nature of acquiring industrial sites, particularly post-COVID, and the impact of macroeconomic elements like tariffs on their investments.
The Durum Approach to Investment
Simon detailed Durum’s investment principles, highlighting their focus on tenant creditworthiness and the physical characteristics of the properties. Recent acquisitions, like a notable one in Edmonton, demonstrate Durum’s strategic approach. These acquisitions often involve improvements designed to enhance property value and tenant satisfaction, indicative of Durum’s hands-on strategy to add investor value.
The Future of Industrial Real Estate with Durum
Looking ahead, Durum Capital aspires to grow significantly, driven by its focus on the Prairie Provinces, which offers higher yields compared to markets like Toronto or Vancouver. This strategic geographic focus, combined with Durum’s commitment to creating value through capital improvements and opportunistic acquisitions, positions them uniquely against other market players.
Conclusion: The Westcliff and Durum Collaboration
As the webinar wound down, Kaz and Addy of Westcliff reiterated their commitment to empowering investors through education and strategic partnerships. For those interested in exploring more about these exciting investment opportunities, Westcliff offers several ways to engage—from podcasts to their online community.
For inquiries or a copy of the webinar slides, Westcliff can be contacted via text at 647 799 2264 or through email at info@westcliffam.com.
High Growth Potential Investments – Episode 5
In this episode of Smart Real Estate with Westcliff, hosted by Addy Saeed and co-host Kaz Jaffer, they continue Series 4 on Personalized Investment Opportunities by discussing high-growth potential investments. They explain how to identify markets with rapid population growth, economic expansion, and infrastructure development that offer exceptional returns. They highlight data-driven tools and strategies used by Westcliff to pinpoint such opportunities early, ensuring clients can benefit before the broader market catches on. They also discuss the importance of sustainability, risk mitigation, and long-term fundamentals in making these investments successful. Examples like the Greater Toronto Area’s infrastructure impact are used to illustrate these concepts. Finally, they provide contact information and emphasize the unique learn, invest, and manage approach of Westcliff.
We hope you’ve learned something valuable in this episode. Subscribe to our podcast for more expert advice and visit westcliffam.com for more information.
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Co-Investment Opportunities – Episode 4
In this episode of Smart Real Estate with Westcliff, hosts Addy Saeed and Kaz Jaffer delve into co-investment opportunities. They explain how co-investment allows multiple investors to pool resources and share expertise to participate in larger or more complex real estate deals. The discussion covers the basics of co-investment, its benefits such as risk-sharing and portfolio diversification, and how Westcliff facilitates these opportunities for investors. The episode aims to inform both seasoned and new investors on how co-investing can help achieve their financial goals without the need for daily property management.
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2025-2027 Canadian Housing Market Outlook
Canada’s housing market is at a crossroads. The CMHC’s latest 2025 report reveals a mix of challenges and opportunities for real estate investors, particularly those eyeing rental properties. Let’s cut through the noise and break down what this means for your portfolio.
What Investors Need to Know
1. Mortgage Rates Are Dropping—But Not for Everyone
The Bank of Canada is expected to trim interest rates in 2025, making variable-rate mortgages more appealing. However, fixed-rate loans won’t see dramatic dips, so investors should weigh short-term savings against long-term stability.
2. Condos Are Cooling, Rentals Are Heating Up
Condo construction is slowing nationwide (thanks to weak presale demand), but purpose-built rental apartments are booming. Governments are throwing cash at rental projects—think tax breaks and faster permits—making this segment a safer bet.
3. Vacancies Are Rising, But Don’t Panic
More supply means vacancy rates will creep up, especially in cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Still, rents aren’t crashing. Why? Inflation and demand for modern units keep upward pressure on prices.
Where to Invest: Top Markets to Watch
1. Toronto’s Suburbs: The 905 Is King
The Opportunity:
Condo projects in downtown Toronto are struggling, but suburbs like Mississauga and Brampton are goldmines for rental apartments. Developers here get more bang for their buck, and tenants flock to family-friendly neighborhoods.
Average rents for 2-bedrooms will hit $2,060/month by 2027—up 4% annually.
The Catch: Land costs are rising in the 905, so act fast. Look for properties near transit hubs or upcoming infrastructure (e.g., the Ontario Line extensions).
2. Alberta’s Hidden Gems: Calgary and Edmonton
Why It Works:
- Calgary’s population is exploding (thanks to relocations from pricier cities), yet prices here are still 40% lower than Toronto’s. Single-family homes and duplexes are in high demand.
- Edmonton’s rental market is loosening, but investors can still score 5-6% annual returns on well-located units.
Pro Tip: Alberta’s lack of rent controls means you can adjust rates freely—a perk if you’re renovating units to attract higher-paying tenants.
3. Quebec and Atlantic Canada: Steady Wins the Race
- Montréal: Vacancy rates hover near 2%, and rents are climbing steadily. Focus on neighborhoods like Griffintown or Verdun, where young professionals dominate.
- Halifax: Limited supply and a growing tech scene make this a sleeper hit. Just brace for slower construction timelines—local labor shortages are real.
Red Flags: Risks to Keep on Your Radar
Immigration Cuts: Fewer international students = emptier units near colleges. Avoid investing in “student ghettos” like parts of Brampton or Scarborough.
Trade Wars: If U.S. tariffs hit Canadian exports, manufacturing-heavy regions (e.g., Windsor, Hamilton) could see job losses—and softer housing demand.
Condo Glut: Toronto’s downtown core has a 12-month oversupply of unsold condo units. Steer clear of pre-construction here unless it’s a fire-sale price.
3 Actionable Strategies for 2025
- Swap Condos for Rentals: Use government incentives (like GST rebates) to build or buy purpose-built apartments. Bonus: Tenants stay longer in these units.
- Go Small in Secondary Cities: London, ON, or Winnipeg offer cap rates over 6%—way higher than Toronto’s 3-4%.
- Lock In Rates Now: Refinance variable loans to fixed rates while lenders are still offering sub-5% deals.
Conclusion
The next three years will reward investors who adapt. In Toronto, that means ditching condos for suburban rentals. Out West, Alberta’s affordability is a magnet for cash flow. And if you’re risk-averse? Québec and the Maritimes offer slow-but-steady gains.
Income Producing Assets – Episode 3
In this episode of Smart Real Estate with Westcliff, hosts Addy Saeed and Kaz Jaffer discuss income producing assets – investments that generate steady cash flow and appreciate over time. They explain what makes an asset income producing, provide examples such as multifamily buildings and retail centers, and discuss the importance of tenant quality, lease terms, and market conditions. The hosts also highlight the benefits of diversification and leveraging for maximizing returns and emphasize the importance of working with experienced professionals. The episode concludes with an invitation to explore income producing assets with Westcliff’s guidance and a preview of the next episode on co-investment opportunities.
We hope you’ve learned something valuable in this episode. Subscribe to our podcast for more expert advice and visit westcliffam.com for more information.
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Development Projects Needing Funding – Episode 2
In this episode of Smart Real Estate with Westcliff, hosts Addy Saeed and Kaz Jaffer discuss personalized investment opportunities in development projects. They cover topics such as the types of development projects requiring funding, the role of investors, and how Westcliff manages these investments. They highlight the potential for higher returns, the importance of location and project timelines, and the common risks involved. They also share insights from a recent project in King Cardin, emphasizing the value of partnering with experienced firms. Listeners are encouraged to learn more about these opportunities and reminded of the importance of seeking personalized investment advice.
We hope you’ve learned something valuable in this episode. Subscribe to our podcast for more expert advice and visit westcliffam.com for more information.
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Exclusive Opportunities in Mutli-Family Properties – Episode 1
In this episode of ‘Smart Real Estate with Westcliffe,’ hosts Addy Saeed and Kaz Jaffer introduce Series 4, focusing on personalized real estate investment opportunities, particularly multifamily properties. They discuss the benefits of multifamily investments, such as stability, cash flow, and scalability, while emphasizing Westcliff’s strategy of curating exclusive off-market deals. The hosts outline the advantages of these opportunities, including reduced competition, better pricing, and significant tax benefits. A case study involving a 12-unit property in East York, Toronto, illustrates the potential for substantial returns through strategic management and minor renovations. The hosts conclude by inviting listeners to explore more investment opportunities through Westcliff, while reminding them to seek personalized advice before making any investment decisions.
We hope you’ve learned something valuable in this episode. Subscribe to our podcast for more expert advice and visit westcliffam.com for more information.
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