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Real Estate Investment Blog | Westcliff Asset Management
Introduction to ESG Investing – Episode 1
In the inaugural episode of ‘Investing with Impact,’ hosts Addy Saeed and Kaz Jaffer delve into ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing within the real estate sector. They explain how ESG principles redefine property value assessment, development, and management, emphasizing long-term returns without compromising ethical and environmental responsibilities. The discussion covers the three key pillars of ESG—environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance—and provides a real-world example of an ESG-aligned project. The episode also highlights the growing demand for value-driven investments among younger generations and institutional investors and offers resources for those interested in joining the Westcliff Investors Network.
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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Webinar 4 – Thrive in ’25: Centurion
Welcome, Smarties, to another engaging episode of Smart Real Estate with Westcliff! We are here to guide you through the intricate world of real estate investment, helping you learn, invest, and manage your assets successfully. This episode features a conversation with Aziz Zahmoul from Centurion Asset Management, shedding light on their thriving real estate fund established since 2003.
Introduction to Westcliff
At Westcliff, our philosophy is simple: Learn, Invest, Manage. We are invested in your learning journey, offering webinars and podcasts to guide you through different real estate investment strategies. Our Westcliff Investors Network is a thriving community where investors connect, learn from one another, and seek advice in an interactive setting. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting, our team is here to assist you in making informed and smart investment decisions.
Meet Aziz Zahmoul
Aziz Zahmoul, the Director of Sales at Centurion Asset Management, comes with an impressive background in finance and investment. Initially venturing into accounting, his love for numbers led him to a thriving career in finance, navigating roles at CIBC and Sun Life before joining Centurion. Under his leadership, Centurion has emerged as a major player in the real estate investment sector, focusing on apartment buildings and student housing.
Centurion’s Unique Investment Strategy
Centurion owns and operates buildings without relying on third-party managers, a strategic advantage that allows for economies of scale and cost efficiency. Their investment philosophy prioritizes long-term value creation, capital preservation, and predictable income.
Centurion is a REIT specializing in private income-producing multifamily apartments, student housing, and medical offices. Notably, they invest strategically across Canada, spreading their portfolio across different provinces and leveraging the country’s strongest rental markets.
Centurion’s unique approach includes investing in mortgages rather than direct construction, providing financing for developers in exchange for purchase options on completed properties. This strategy ensures they acquire brand-new, institution-grade apartment buildings without the risk of development.
Portfolio Insights
With over 22,000 units under management, Centurion’s portfolio spans the nation, excluding downtown cores to focus on suburban and ex-urban areas. This approach delivers access to diverse economic cycles and population trends, ensuring steady investment returns.
Notably, Centurion targets a 7-12% annual return for investors, combining monthly distributions with appreciative growth. Despite market fluctuations, robust governance and strategies have kept their investments resilient and profitable.
Challenges and Opportunities
Aziz highlighted potential risks like government legislative changes, property market saturation, and liquidity concerns. Nevertheless, Centurion’s strategic planning, including managing low leverage and securing significant lines of credit, positions them to navigate potential downturns effectively.
Recent Acquisitions and Developments
Centurion continues to expand with strategic acquisitions throughout Canada, focusing on high-demand areas like Kelowna and Nova Scotia. Their acquisition pipeline reflects a commitment to sourcing quality assets through their innovative mortgage book strategy.
Conclusion
In closing, Centurion Asset Management stands as a beacon of innovative real estate investment strategies, intertwined with prudent market navigation and investor-focused outcomes. For anyone eager to diversify their investment portfolio, Centurion provides a compelling option with a track record of stability and growth.
Stay tuned for future episodes as we continue to unravel the complexities of real estate investing, sharing insights, strategies, and success stories from industry experts. For more information, connect with us at Westcliff via our website or various social media platforms.
Thank you for joining Smart Real Estate with Westcliff. We look forward to guiding you on your investment journey.
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.
Series 4 – Personalized Investment Opportunities Recap
In this episode of Smart Real Estate with Westcliff, hosts Addy Saeed and Kaz Jaffer recap the key takeaways from Series 4 on personalized investment opportunities. They revisit topics from each of the 10 episodes, covering areas such as multi-family properties, development projects, income-producing assets, co-investment opportunities, high-growth potential investments, portfolio diversification, luxury and niche real estate, tax-advantaged investments, opportunistic investments, and secured investments. The hosts emphasize the importance of learning, investing, and managing with confidence. They encourage listeners to book an appointment for personalized advice and join the Westcliff Investors Network for exclusive opportunities and insights. Lastly, they remind listeners that the podcast is for informational entertainment purposes and to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals.
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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Secured Investments – Episode 10
In the final episode of Series 4 of ‘Smart Real Estate with Westcliff,’ hosts Addy Saeed and Kaz Jaffer discuss secured investments, ideal for those seeking steady returns and minimized risks. They explain that secured investments are backed by tangible assets like real estate, reducing risk compared to unsecured investments. The episode covers how structured investments like mortgage-backed opportunities and stabilized rental properties provide consistent returns and lower volatility. They also emphasize the importance of due diligence, diversification, and professional management. Listeners are encouraged to explore secured investment opportunities with Westcliff and are reminded to seek personalized advice before making 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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Opportunistic Investments – Episode 9
In this episode of Smart Real Estate with Westcliff, hosts Addy Saeed and Kaz Jaffer discuss the concept and strategies of opportunistic investments, which involve identifying undervalued properties, emerging markets, and distressed assets. They highlight the importance of timing, risk management, funding access, and structured investment approaches like the GP/LP model. The episode provides insights into identifying, evaluating, and capitalizing on these high-risk, high-reward opportunities while ensuring effective exit strategies. The hosts also emphasize the necessity of professional advice and the benefits of working with experienced partners like 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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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.
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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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.
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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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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