Insights from industry experts at the Montréal Real Estate Forum

Montréal’s real estate market is evolving rapidly, presenting both challenges and opportunities for developers, investors, and stakeholders. As we look ahead to the next three to five years, understanding the dynamics shaping the city’s office, industrial, retail, and multifamily sectors is critical. At the Montréal Real Estate Forum, 100+ industry experts will share their invaluable insights on these pressing topics.

Below, we highlight the perspectives of two market leaders — Andrew Cross, Editor at Espace Publications, and William Jegher, Partner at EY — on key questions shaping Montréal’s real estate future and why you should hear more from them at the forum.

Where are the strongest fundamentals over the next 3-5 years?

• Industrial resilience: Long-term drivers such as logistics demand, nearshoring, and automation continue to support Montréal's industrial market. Class A assets with modern features like high clear heights and advanced manufacturing capabilities are expected to dominate demand.
• Multifamily strength: A persistent housing shortage ensures rental demand will exceed supply, particularly in transit-oriented, mixed-use communities that prioritize affordability and sustainability.
• Selective office opportunities: The flight to quality is reshaping the office market, with demand favouring modern, amenitized buildings. Repositioning older assets offers value creation opportunities.
• Destination retail: Experiential retail formats integrating food, entertainment, and wellness are driving tenant performance and repeat visitation.

Andrew’s answers underscore the importance of strategic investment in sectors with strong risk-adjusted returns. For a deeper dive into Montréal's industrial market, don’t miss his session, “The industrial market in the GMR”, at the forum.

How are permitting timelines, construction costs, and municipal policies influencing development decisions?

• Permitting delays: Approval timelines have increased dramatically, with the average time in the Ville-Marie borough rising from 210 days to 540 days — a 157% jump. This has led developers to question project viability.
• Rising costs: Inflation, trade tariffs, and high taxes are driving up construction costs, further complicating financial feasibility for new developments.
• Municipal policies: Rigid zoning regulations and affordable housing mandates are creating significant hurdles for developers, prompting some to consider relocating projects outside Montréal.
• Navigating risks: Developers are increasingly questioning whether Montréal remains a business-friendly environment, given the growing complexity of municipal processes.

William’s answers highlight the urgent need for streamlined policies and collaborative solutions to ensure Montréal remains competitive. For more insights on navigating development risks and strategies, be sure to attend his session, “Development roundtable”, at the forum.

Join us at the Montréal Real Estate Forum

This event is a must-attend for anyone invested in Montréal’s real estate future. Whether you’re a developer, investor, or policymaker, the insights shared by 100+ expert speakers will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the city’s evolving landscape and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

What you’ll gain:

• A deep understanding of the strongest asset classes in the market.
• Strategies to overcome permitting delays, rising costs, and policy challenges.
• Expert perspectives on where to deploy capital for maximum returns.
• Networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers.