In this episode, Justin Frenette speaks with Darcy Rai, Founder and President of Real Property Data, about how unit-level data is reshaping pre-construction development. Darcy shares how his background as a development manager revealed the critical role of real-time data in acquisition, design, and marketing decisions.

He shares how Real Property Data goes beyond self-reported numbers, collecting real-time, unit-level data to give an unbiased view of the market. The conversation covers why unit mix and sizing now make or break projects, how incentives are becoming central to lease-ups, and why architects should shift from purely design efficiency to a business-driven lens.

Darcy also highlights how oversupply in urban rentals is putting pressure on leasing strategies, why curated amenities are the new differentiator, and how clean datasets will unlock the true potential of AI in real estate decision-making.