7th Annual Real Estate Canada Forum Toronto | June 14, 2023 Request Agenda

KEY TOPICS OF DISCUSSION:

Is the Risk Worth the Reward?

As Canadian Real Estate markets have continued to evolve over the last 18-24 months, investors are forced to reconsider their allocations in Value-Add and Opportunistic as well as Core and Core Plus investments. Where a risky Opportunistic investment may have seemed highly appealing, some allocators shift focus to Core markets as a means of stabilizing their portfolios. In this dynamic discussion, Real Estate experts share their thoughts on strategically approaching different markets to find returns while hedging against risk.

The Canadian Approach to Commercial

A myriad of technological, geopolitical, and socioeconomic factors is redesigning the Canadian Commercial Real Estate industry. What trends, conditions, and potential risks do investors need to consider when approaching these lucrative opportunities? What types of Commercial properties are seeing the most success? Which are struggling? What are the expectations for Commercial in 2023?

Location, Location, Location

For populous urban centers such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, the fallout from the global pandemic on both residential and commercial real estate has been damaging. Apartments, restaurants, hotels, retailers, and office buildings have struggled. Are cities rebounding, or are suburban areas experiencing more growth? Our panelists will debate which sectors and geographic locations will generate the most yield as we approach 2023.

Investing Outside the Box

Allocators are turning to niche investment strategies as they have outperformed traditional core and core+ assets despite headwinds. Today, niche asset classes are vital in diversifying real estate portfolios. These strategies include life sciences, student housing, self-storage facilities, data centers, film studios, senior housing, manufactured housing, medical office buildings, and much more. What is driving investor appetite for niche investment strategies? Are current yields and returns sustainable?

The Future of Ecommerce and Industrial

The wave of retail closures following the 2020 lockdown quickly led to the explosion of ecommerce globally. Ecommerce, including warehousing, distribution, and flexible storage, has outperformed commercial real estate. Despite the increase in warehouse demand, the ease of growth is slowing. How will ecommerce evolve in 2023? What do Canadian industrial markets look like compared to other markets? Our panel will examine how developing smarter buildings and digital transformation is the next phase of industrial.

Making Private Real Estate Debt Work for Your Portfolio

With low yields and high asset prices in this ambiguous market, our panelists will discuss the value of investing in private real estate debt. This discussion will cover loan structures to watch including mezzanine loans, subordinated secured debt or B-notes, and CRE first mortgages. Our panelists will also discuss the key considerations for investors looking to enter or expand their presence in the space.

ESG, SRI, and Impact Investing Through Real Estate

With trillions of dollars shifting into sustainable financial investments, allocators are now discovering just how lucrative their investments into ESG and SRI can be. How are LPs and GPs making a difference and generating profits? What is in store for the future of sustainable Real Estate investments in Canada? How can you identify and avoid greenwashing? This panel of industry experts will discuss how to best understand the relationship between corporate sustainability practices and financial performance.

Automation and Technology in Real Estate

Automation and technology are altering nearly every aspect of the financial industry. How is automation affecting Canadian Real Estate markets? How are firms leveraging technology to improve firm, portfolio company, and limited partner relationship management and transparency? What technology advancements are emerging in CRE properties? How are managers using technology to protect their investments and integrate front, middle, and back-office technology operations? What trends, challenges, and threats will be at the forefront in 2023?

The Canadian Approach to Residential

With favorable mortgage rates, the Great Migration from urban centers, homeowners benefitting from leverage, record low inventories, and baby boomers opting to stay in their large family homes in lieu of downsizing to a condo, housing markets are booming. How are our panelists approaching different facets of the Canadian Residential Real Estate market? Where does affordable housing fit in to your portfolio allocations? Economists optimistically suggest we may not be facing a bubble or a crash, but they suggest proceeding cautiously in potentially overvalued markets. This panel discussion will focus on maximizing your exposure in Residential Real Estate.

Deep Dive on Investment Due Diligence

As allocations to real estate funds continue to increase, so does the level of scrutiny managers incorporate into this process. How are GPs performing due diligence? Have their due diligence processes changed in the last 12-24 months? Considering direct investments cash flow quality, asset and liability quality, working capital, systems, and personnel, GPs have financial projection analysis and downside risk mitigation top of mind.