Expanding Into Multi-Family Real Estate: A Strategy for Long-Term Success

Josh Perez • July 28, 2025

As a real estate investor with over 400 doors under my belt, I’ve had the privilege of learning from my experiences and from those around me. Recently, I sat down with a seasoned real estate investor to talk about the evolution of his investment strategy and the changes he’s made over the years. During our conversation, he shared his growing focus on larger multi-family properties—specifically 10, 20, 30, and 40-unit apartment buildings—and why this shift is a key part of his long-term success.


Why Move into Multi-Family?

While my guest still works with triplexes and fourplexes, his main focus has increasingly shifted to multi-family buildings. The appeal of these larger properties lies in the control they provide over the asset’s performance. Unlike single-family homes, where property value is often tied to comparables—prices of similar properties in the neighborhood—the value of multi-family units is based more on how well you manage and improve the building.

According to my guest, multi-family buildings offer more opportunities to add value. By focusing on improving operations, stabilizing the property, and enhancing the tenant experience, he’s been able to increase the overall value of the building, without relying solely on market trends. This allows him to focus on value creation rather than just the current price of the asset.


Key Fundamentals in Real Estate: Leverage and Control

In real estate, two fundamentals stand out: leverage and control. My guest emphasized how critical leverage is in today’s market—especially with the rising interest rates. The ability to borrow money wisely allows investors to acquire larger, income-generating properties. But it’s not just about borrowing money; it's about making sure that the asset will generate cash flow and provide long-term returns.

Control is another critical factor. With multi-family investments, my guest can actively manage and improve the property to increase its value. From adjusting rents to market value to making necessary upgrades and improving management, these properties offer a level of control that residential investments often don’t.


The Shifting Market and the Role of CMHC

As the market shifts and interest rates rise, my guest’s investment strategy has increasingly relied on the commercial space—specifically multi-family properties. One of the most stable ways to invest in this space is through the CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) program, which offers longer amortizations—40, 45, and even 50 years.

These long-term financing options help investors like my guest secure properties that are cash flow positive right from the start, while also positioning themselves for larger appreciation in the future. This program allows investors to hold properties indefinitely, riding out the market fluctuations and benefiting from eventual property appreciation.


The Takeaway:

Building Long-Term Wealth with Multi-Family Properties

Through my conversation with this experienced investor, it became clear that multi-family properties offer a tremendous opportunity for long-term wealth. In a market where interest rates are rising and the landscape is changing, these properties provide a more stable and predictable way to generate cash flow and build value over time.

If you’re a real estate investor looking for a stable investment strategy, consider moving into the multi-family space. By stabilizing and improving properties, you can create long-term cash flow while allowing for future appreciation. Whether you’re just starting or have years of experience, multi-family properties are a smart choice for building wealth that stands the test of time.

The focus has moved from the price of the asset to the potential for value creation. Stabilizing a multi-family building—whether through improving operations, increasing rents to market value, or making necessary upgrades—can significantly increase the overall value of the property.

Josh Perez
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How to Finance a Spousal Buyout After Separation or Divorce

By Josh Perez • August 19, 2026
Mortgage Options During Divorce or Separation: What You Should Know If you’re going through—or considering—a divorce or separation, you may not realize that there are mortgage solutions specifically designed to help one party keep the home . For many people, the family home is their largest asset and where most of their equity is tied up. In situations like this, a spousal buyout program can allow one person to refinance the property and buy out the other party’s share—often up to 95% of the home’s value . This option can work whether you want to keep the home or your former partner does. What Is the Spousal Buyout Program? The spousal buyout program is a refinancing option that allows one owner to purchase the other owner’s share of the property as part of a separation or divorce settlement. In some cases, it can also be used to pay off jointly held debts, as outlined in a legal agreement. Below are some of the most common questions about how the program works. Is a finalized separation agreement required? Yes. Lenders require a signed and finalized separation agreement that clearly outlines how assets and debts are to be divided. This document is essential for approval. Can the funds be used for renovations or personal debts? No. Funds from a spousal buyout can only be used to: Buy out the other owner’s share of equity Pay off joint debts specifically listed in the separation agreement They cannot be used for renovations, personal loans, or unrelated expenses. How much equity can be accessed? The maximum amount available is the amount required to: Buy out the other party’s agreed-upon share of equity Pay off any joint debts listed in the agreement This amount cannot exceed 95% loan-to-value . What is the maximum loan-to-value allowed? The maximum loan-to-value is the lesser of : 95%, or The remaining mortgage balance plus the required buyout and joint debt payout The property must be the primary owner-occupied residence . Do all parties need to be on title? Yes. All individuals involved in the buyout must currently be registered on title. Your solicitor will confirm this through a title search. Does this only apply to married or common-law couples? No. While commonly used for married or common-law couples, the program may also apply to siblings or friends who jointly own a property and need one party to exit the mortgage. These cases are typically reviewed on an exception basis and require insurer approval. If no separation agreement exists, the purchase contract must clearly outline the buyout terms. Is a full appraisal required? Yes. A physical, on-site appraisal is required to confirm the property’s value before the mortgage can be finalized. Final Thoughts This overview covers some of the most common questions about mortgage options during separation or divorce, but every situation is different. Working with an independent mortgage professional gives you access to multiple lenders, specialized programs, and unbiased advice—so you can clearly understand your options and choose what’s best for your future. If you’re navigating a separation and need guidance around keeping or selling the home, feel free to connect anytime. All conversations are handled with discretion and confidentiality, and I’d be happy to walk you through your options.

How to Legally Assign a Construction Mortgage

By Josh Perez • August 12, 2026
Why More Mortgage Options Matter—Especially for Assignment Purchases One of the biggest advantages of working with an independent mortgage professional is access to choice. Instead of being limited to one lender and one set of products, mortgage brokers work with multiple lenders—each with different guidelines, risk tolerances, and mortgage solutions. That flexibility becomes especially valuable when your situation doesn’t fit neatly into a “standard” box. A great example of this is purchasing new construction through an assignment contract . Why Assignment Purchases Can Be Challenging Assignment purchases are often viewed as higher risk by traditional lenders. Rather than declining these deals outright, many lenders quietly make them difficult by adding layers of conditions, restrictions, or uncertainty. This can lead to delays, frustration, or financing falling apart late in the process. The Good News There are lenders—available exclusively through the broker channel —that have clear, favourable policies for assignment purchases. With the right lender and proper planning, these transactions are absolutely doable. Typical Financing Requirements for Assignment Purchases While every situation is unique, many lenders that allow assignment financing look for the following: Standard purchase qualification, including income verification, credit, and down payment Assignments accepted at either the original purchase price or current market value Minimum 620 credit score , with no prior bankruptcies or consumer proposals The full down payment must come from the purchaser —seller incentives cannot be used Required Documentation To secure financing, lenders typically require: The original purchase agreement signed by all parties The MLS listing (if applicable) The assignment agreement signed by the builder, original purchaser, and new buyer Any side agreements outlining changes to the purchase price A full appraisal to confirm value This list isn’t exhaustive, but it highlights that while assignment purchases require more coordination, they are very achievable with the right lender and guidance. Final Thoughts Assignment contracts can open doors to great opportunities—but only if your financing supports the transaction. This is where access to multiple lenders and specialized policies makes a real difference. If you’re considering purchasing new construction through an assignment, or if you’d like to explore more traditional purchase options, feel free to connect anytime. I’d be happy to walk you through the mortgage products available and help you choose an option that doesn’t limit your financing possibilities.