Ontario Rental Market Reset: Position for 2028 Now
The Ontario rental market is shifting from shortage-driven growth to competition-driven performance.
Projects delivering in 2028 are being financed and secured today.
📊 2024 vs 2028 Snapshot
| Metric | 2024 | 2028 Projection |
| Vacancy | ~1.7% | 3–4.5% |
| Rent Growth | 5–10%+ | 1–3% |
| Market Power | Landlords | Tenants |
| Leading Product | Condo Rentals | Purpose-Built Rentals |
This is not a downturn.
It’s a structural reset.
What Changes?
1️⃣ Incentives Become Standard
Free rent and concessions will be part of the leasing strategy.
2️⃣ Quality Outperforms
Professionally managed Purpose-Built Rentals will command stability and retention.
3️⃣ Margin Compression for Under-Positioned Assets
Older stock and fragmented condo ownership may face cash flow pressure.
Strategic Imperative
The winners in 2028 will be those who:
• Secure land in prime locations today
• Focus on transit-oriented development
• Structure projects with disciplined underwriting
• Deliver high-quality rental product
If you’re evaluating your next move, now is the window to secure well-priced, transit-oriented opportunities before the next competitive phase matures.
Connect with us to discuss current pricing, off-market land opportunities, and strategic positioning for the 2028 cycle. Maziar.m@homeleaderrealty.com
