As Toronto's skyline continues to rise, real estate broker Michelle Kam is advocating for a shift in how buyers approach housing decisions. With condominiums now representing over 70% of new residential construction in the city, Kam argues that the biggest challenge is not a lack of opportunities but a lack of preparation among buyers.
"People spend weeks choosing countertops and paint colours," Kam said. "I always ask them to spend the same amount of time thinking about how they'll actually live in the space five years from now." This perspective is crucial as Toronto's population grows and urban living evolves. According to Statistics Canada, more than 80% of Canadians now reside in urban areas, and Toronto remains one of North America's fastest-growing metropolitan regions.
Kam, who has experience in luxury resale, pre-construction developments, and brokerage leadership, believes that condos are no longer just temporary homes. "Now they're where people build careers, raise children, and spend much larger parts of their lives," she explained. "That changes every decision you make."
She recalls a client who initially wanted the largest unit they could afford. After discussing daily routines, they realized that proximity to transit was more valuable than extra space. "Their commute dropped by almost an hour each day," Kam said. "That decision gave them back time every single week."
Kam emphasizes the importance of examining building quality over cosmetic finishes. "I've watched buyers fall in love with a showroom kitchen," she said. "Then we reviewed the building's financial health and maintenance history, and suddenly they realized those details would affect them long after the excitement of move-in day." She encourages buyers to review a building's reserve fund and maintenance history before becoming emotionally attached to a property.
To improve decision-making, Kam suggests prospective buyers visit neighbourhoods at different times of day, think about lifestyle changes over five to ten years, prioritize layout and functionality, and learn about future transit projects and development plans. "Small decisions today shape everyday life for years," Kam noted. "Preparation doesn't remove uncertainty, but it gives you confidence."
Kam hopes more people will view home buying as a long-term lifestyle decision rather than simply a transaction. With stronger consumer education, buyers can ask better questions and make more informed choices in Toronto's dynamic housing market.
