The conversation around the Toronto housing crisis is loud—and it’s usually centered on one word: supply.
But what if that’s not the whole story? What if the real crisis isn’t just how many homes we’re building, but what kind of homes we’re building—and who they’re actually for?
As prices soar and ownership slips further out of reach for many families, it’s time we ask the question: Should we be building more homes to rent, not just own?
Why Toronto’s Real Estate Strategy Might Be Backwards
Toronto’s skyline is growing by the week. But while the cranes go up and new condos hit the market, the actual housing needs of most Torontonians are being overlooked.
Here’s what’s happening:
- Condos sit empty or get scooped up by investors—not end users.
- Detached homes have become luxury products, not family homes.
- The rental market is underdeveloped, chaotic, and under-regulated.
Meanwhile, cities like Vienna, Tokyo, Berlin, and New York have built entire systems around long-term renting. These places treat rentals as infrastructure, not just a stopgap before ownership.
Renters Deserve Stability, Not Just Shelter
In Ontario, renting is still seen by many as “Plan B.” But here’s the reality:
- 84% of Canadians now say homeownership feels like a luxury.
- 88% of renters believe they may never own.
- Bidding wars, renovictions, and unstable leases dominate the rental experience.
We need to stop treating renters like temporary citizens. Instead, we should be building family-sized rentals, well-managed multiplexes, and communities that offer long-term security without needing to own.
Why Investors Should Pay Attention to Purpose-Built Rentals
This isn’t just a shift in values—it’s a shift in opportunity.
As ownership becomes harder to access, demand for high-quality rentals will only increase. That presents a major opportunity for real estate investors who think long-term:
- Multi-family properties and fourplexes are in demand.
- Purpose-built rental buildings are seeing strong absorption and stable cash flow.
- Institutional investors (like REITs and pension funds) are already stepping into the gap.
The question isn’t whether rentals are the future—it’s how early you want to get ahead of that wave.
Toronto’s “Missing Middle” Is the Real Opportunity
Most of Toronto is still zoned for single-family homes, making it almost impossible to build the kinds of units we actually need—like duplexes, triplexes, and laneway suites.
But that’s changing.
- The city has legalized fourplexes citywide.
- Laneway and garden suites are becoming more common.
- New developments like The Sloane near Yorkdale are marketing rental units with condo-level lifestyle branding.
For renters and investors, these mid-density options are where affordability, quality, and opportunity intersect.
Renting Isn’t Failure—It’s Freedom
We need to stop measuring success by deeds and down payments.
The truth is, renting offers flexibility, financial clarity, and lifestyle freedom—especially when the alternative is taking on hundreds of thousands in debt just to “own.”
And with better-designed rentals, fairer leases, and new platforms making the process smoother, renting could soon be the smarter move for many Torontonians.
📌 Whether You Rent or Invest—This Is Your Moment
If you’re looking to:
✅ Find a stable, well-managed rental in Toronto
✅ Explore investment opportunities in multiplexes or new builds
✅ See what’s actually available beyond the traditional MLS
→ Start your search here: https://valery.ca/?ref=joshuaj
The market is shifting. Be on the side that sees what’s coming.
🎥 Watch the Full Video Breakdown
If you want the full context, real-world examples, and a breakdown of global cities doing it right—watch my latest video on YouTube:
👉 Toronto’s Housing Crisis: We’re Solving the Wrong Problem
