Top Real Estate Development Trends to Watch in Canada for 2025
As we step into 2025, the Canadian real estate development landscape continues to evolve, driven by shifting economic conditions, demographic changes, and advancements in technology. For developers, investors, and professionals in the industry, staying ahead of these trends is key to thriving in a competitive market. Here are the top trends poised to shape the real estate development sector in Canada this year.
The Rise of Sustainable and Net-Zero Developments
Environmental sustainability is no longer optional in real estate development. With Canada’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, we expect to see a surge in developments prioritizing energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, and eco-friendly materials. Key examples include the adoption of mass timber construction and buildings designed to meet LEED or Passive House standards.
Recruitment Insight:
The demand for professionals skilled in green building practices, such as sustainability consultants and energy modelers, is expected to grow significantly. Employers should emphasize their sustainability credentials to attract top talent.
Increasing Focus on Affordable Housing
Housing affordability remains a critical issue across Canada, especially in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Governments and developers are exploring innovative solutions, including modular construction, co-living spaces, and public-private partnerships, to address the housing crisis.
Recruitment Insight:
Developers focusing on affordable housing will need project managers and planners who can navigate the complexities of government funding and community engagement.
The Growth of Mixed-Use Developments
Mixed-use projects, which combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, are becoming the cornerstone of urban development. These projects cater to the “live-work-play” lifestyle increasingly favored by younger generations and contribute to the vibrancy of cities.
Recruitment Insight:
Hiring professionals with experience in large-scale, multi-disciplinary projects will be crucial for successful mixed-use developments, especially considering that insights from our 2025 salary survey reveals that 72% of development professionals are actively engaged in the mixed-use space, underscoring its pivotal role in the real estate development sector.
Technology Integration in Real Estate
PropTech (property technology) continues to revolutionize the real estate sector. From smart buildings and IoT-enabled devices to AI-driven analytics for site selection, technology is enhancing the efficiency and appeal of developments.
Recruitment Insight:
Developers should seek tech-savvy candidates, such as data analysts and IT specialists, to integrate these innovations seamlessly into their projects.
Suburban and Secondary Market Expansion
The pandemic-era shift towards remote work has solidified interest in suburban and secondary markets. Developers are focusing on regions with growth potential, such as mid-sized cities in Alberta, Ontario, and Atlantic Canada, offering more affordable options and quality of life.
Recruitment Insight:
Professionals with local market knowledge and expertise in suburban planning will be in high demand.
Emphasis on Resilience and Adaptive Reuse
Climate change and shifting economic needs are prompting developers to prioritize resilience. This includes building designs that can withstand extreme weather and adaptive reuse of existing structures to meet changing community needs.
Recruitment Insight:
Architects and engineers with experience in adaptive reuse and resilient design will play a key role in upcoming projects.
2025 promises to be a transformative year for Canada’s real estate development industry. By staying attuned to these trends and adapting recruitment strategies accordingly, companies can position themselves for long-term success. Whether you’re a developer looking to build your team or a professional seeking your next opportunity, understanding these trends will be your competitive edge.
If you’re looking to navigate these trends with the right talent, DMC Recruitment Group specializes in connecting real estate development professionals with industry-leading companies across Canada. Contact Tim Spindlove to learn how we can help you build the future.
