🎙️ In this episode, I sit down with Dean Holmes, Senior Vice President of Residential Operations at QuadReal Property Group, for a deep dive into the apartment market, the dynamics of rent control, and the evolving expectations of renters in Canada and beyond.
With over 25 years of multifamily leadership experience and a career that spans roles at Campus Apartments, Madison Apartment Group, and Berkshire Group, Dean now oversees operations for QuadReal’s 10,000-suite national residential portfolio. His background — including a decade in the U.S. Air Force — informs a leadership style rooted in discipline, strategic thinking, and a focus on delivering results for both residents and investors.
What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Dean’s big-picture perspective on how the Canadian market differs from the U.S. — from tenant turnover and rent control to amenities and renter expectations. He also offers candid insights into how developers sometimes get amenities wrong, why rent control can be framed as a benefit rather than a barrier, and how to build communities that resonate with renters-by-choice.
In this episode, we dive into:
(1) Key differences between Canadian and U.S. multifamily markets
(2) How rent control impacts demand — and how it can even be positioned as an amenity
(3) Why Toronto is a low-transaction market and what that means for investors
(4) What renters actually want — and how to design amenities they’ll truly use
(5) What it takes for the younger generation to succed in the real estate world
Dean’s insights are strategic, data-driven, and grounded in real-world experience — a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the nuances of the Canadian apartment market, the forces shaping renter behaviour, and how operational strategy drives long-term success.
🟢 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen.