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.