As the housing market begins to trend in the right direction, 2025 is shaping up to be a promising season for real estate investment opportunities. With changing interest rates, evolving demographics, and shifting buyer preferences, new investment opportunities are emerging in urban and suburban markets.

Here are some top real estate investment trends and opportunities for 2025, including high-growth markets, emerging property types, and strategic considerations. Have a read so you can understand where the smart money is going this year.

Secondary Cities Are Surging

While the major metros like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal remain popular, investors are increasingly looking to secondary cities for better value and growth potential. These cities offer more affordable entry points, lower property taxes, and often better cash flow opportunities.

Hot Secondary Markets to Watch:

• Guelph - Continues to attract Toronto ex-pats and young families thanks to its high quality of life and proximity to the GTA.
• Peterborough - There is a strong demand for rentals, particularly student housing due to Trent University and Fleming College, as well as single-family homes.
• Barrie - Lots of development is planned, especially on the south end. Great for BRRRR (Buy, Renovate, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) and pre-construction condos.
• St. Catharines / Niagara Region- Affordable housing, short-term rental potential, and strong immigration growth.

These markets are seeing increased investment in residential and mixed-use developments, making them excellent choices for buy-and-hold or BRRRR (Buy, Renovate, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) strategies.

Multi-Family Properties Are Back in Focus

With housing affordability remaining an issue, multi-family housing has become a resilient and attractive investment. Duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes are in high demand, especially in cities with tight rental markets.

Why Multi-Family Makes Sense:

• Stronger cash flow than single-family homes
• Lower per-unit cost of management and maintenance
• Easier to weather vacancies since income diversifies across units
• Many municipalities have relaxed zoning laws to allow more multi-unit housing on residential lots

In 2025, look for opportunities to convert existing single-family homes into legal secondary suites or multi-family units, especially in transit-accessible neighbourhoods.

The Rise of Purpose-Built Rentals (PBRs)

Canada's chronic housing shortage and rapidly growing renter population have created a favourable environment for purpose-built rentals. These are professionally managed rental buildings designed specifically for long-term tenants.

Key Markets for PBRs:

• Ottawa - With a stable government-driven economy and a large student population, PBRs near universities and tech corridors are thriving.
• Hamilton - Housing demand is outpacing supply, especially for rentals. The city is encouraging infill and mid-rise development.
• London - London offers incentives like fast-tracked approvals and grants for affordable housing development.

Developers are also receiving incentives in many regions to build rentals instead of condos, including tax breaks and fast-tracked approvals, making this a smart long-term play.

Student Housing in Underserved Markets

As immigration returns to pre-pandemic levels and post-secondary enrollment rises, the demand for quality student housing renews. Schools in smaller cities often lack purpose-built student accommodations, presenting a gap for savvy investors.

Opportunities Abound Near:

• University of Ontario Institute of Technology / Durham College (Oshawa)
• Laurentian University (Sudbury)
• Trent University / Fleming College (Peterborough)
• Lakehead University (Thunder Bay)

Investors can purchase and retrofit small residential buildings or build new mini-dorms near campus. Properties that offer furnished rooms, inclusive utilities, and study-friendly amenities are especially in demand.

Short-Term Rentals in Regulated Markets

While some major cities have cracked down on short-term rentals, others still welcome hosts -- especially in areas with strong tourism appeal and seasonal demand. 2025 expects to see a tourism rebound, allowing investors the opportunity to profit in regulated but accessible markets.

Where to Consider Short-Term Rentals:

• Niagara-on-the-Lake - A tourism hotspot with favourable local regulations.
• Muskoka Lakes / Gravenhurst / Bracebridge - Waterfront cottages have strong seasonal demand and are ideal for mid-length stays.
• Blue Mountains / Collingwood / Thornbury - Turnkey resort-style units often have fewer regulatory headaches, ideal for ski season and summer weekend demand.

Just be sure to check municipal bylaws and licensing requirements before purchasing. Only primary residences or properties with specific zoning can become STRs in some regions.

Industrial Real Estate Is Quietly Booming

Thanks to e-commerce and supply chain shifts, industrial properties like warehouses, distribution centers, and flex spaces are in high demand across the country.

Investment Highlights:

• Greater Toronto (GTA) - The scarcity of industrial land is driving up lease rates.
• Niagara Region (Welland, Thorold, St. Catharines) - Industrial parks and logistics facilities. Great for mid-sized investors who want access to U.S. markets without GTA prices.
• Brantford - Industrial condos and flex space are in high demand. Developers are actively building, but demand still outpaces supply.

Though industrial real estate requires a larger upfront investment, it often delivers solid long-term returns and lower tenant turnover. REITs (real estate investment trusts) are another accessible way to gain exposure to this sector.

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)

Investors are increasingly prioritizing locations with easy access to public transportation. As major cities expand their transit networks, properties near upcoming LRT stations and bus rapid transit lines poise for appreciation.

Notable Projects:

• Eglinton Crosstown LRT (Toronto) - Set to transform midtown Toronto.
• Brampton - Queen Street BRT (Bus Rapid Transit)- Brampton is investing heavily in BRT infrastructure to support its booming population.
• Scarborough - Subway Extension (Line 2)- The Scarborough Subway Extension is adding three stops, bringing high-capacity transit deeper into the east end.

Whether buying pre-construction condos or older homes in need of renovation, investing in transit-adjacent locations is a classic value play.

Land Development and Infill Projects

With municipalities pushing for densification, small-scale developers and investors are turning to land development and infill opportunities. Subdividing lots, adding garden suites or laneway houses, and rezoning parcels for higher density are all viable strategies in 2025.

Where Land is in Demand:

• Orillia - Downtown Core & West Ridge- The city is actively encouraging infill and intensification through its Downtown Tomorrow CIP.
• Waterloo Region - Tech growth and a push for "missing middle" housing make this a key location.
• Oshawa - The city is actively promoting intensification downtown and along transit corridors.

Keep an eye on your area's official plans and zoning changes, as cities are moving quickly to accommodate population growth.

Green and Sustainable Developments

Eco-conscious building isn't just a trend--it's a growing requirement. Investors are seeing value in green buildings that meet high energy efficiency standards or include sustainable features like solar panels, EV charging stations, or geothermal systems.

Why It Matters:

• Increasingly demanded by tenants and buyers
• Eligible for government grants and financing (CMHC Green Home incentives)
• Often command higher rents and resale value

Sustainability is an investment that will pay dividends in ROI and market appeal if you build new or retrofit an existing property.

Pre-construction Condos with Incentives

After a cooling period in 2023-2024, some developers are offering excellent incentives on pre-construction condos to attract investors. These include:

• Extended deposit structures
• Free upgrades or closing credits
• Rental guarantees for the first year

Best Markets for Pre-Construction:

• Mississauga and Brampton - Benefiting from spillover growth from Toronto
• Kitchener-Waterloo - Technology Corridor- The fast-growing population and expanding tech industry create strong demand for rental housing and homeownership options.
• Ottawa - LeBreton Flats & Little Italy- Booming with job growth, especially in the public sector and tech, leading to strong demand for new housing.

Pre-construction units require patience, but with proper due diligence, they can be a lucrative long-term hold.

2025 presents a wealth of real estate investment opportunities, whether focusing on cash flow, long-term appreciation, or development potential. Success depends on thorough research, local market knowledge, and aligning your strategy with your financial goals. Looking to buy? Book an appointment with your local real estate agent for more information.