Toronto’s housing market is changing, and nowhere was this clearer than at the recent Missing Middle Conference. The event brought together developers, policymakers, housing advocates, and industry professionals to discuss how mid-rise housing can help address the city’s growing housing crisis.
As a Toronto multiplex property manager, I attended the conference not only to listen but to share insights on how small- and mid-scale developments can transition from construction projects into thriving communities. One highlight was speaking directly with Mayor Olivia Chow about the Major Streets Initiative, which has the potential to unlock 60,000 new homes across the city.
These aren’t luxury towers. They’re mid-rise apartments and multiplexes — duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes that can integrate seamlessly into neighborhoods while adding much-needed housing.
The Approvals Roadblock
At the conference, one theme was repeated again and again: timelines. Even when a project meets zoning, developers are forced to wait months for approvals. In one case, a developer spent nine months waiting for planning approvals and another nine for permits — for a project with only 10 units.
As a Toronto multiplex property manager, I understand how damaging these delays can be. Every month lost to red tape means higher carrying costs, delayed rental income, and increased risk for developers. If approvals could be cut to three months, projects would generate more value while delivering housing faster, ensuring tenants move in sooner and communities grow stronger.
👉 Read more about the City’s Major Streets Initiative.
Where Property Management Fits After Construction
While policies like Missing Middle are essential to increasing supply, what happens after construction is just as important. This is where a Toronto multiplex property manager becomes critical.
At AVS Hospitality, we’ve seen the transition developers face after the exhausting process of construction. Budgets are tight, lenders are expecting results, and the last thing a developer wants is to struggle with tenant placement, rent collection, or ongoing maintenance. By partnering with a property manager early, developers can:
Lease units quickly at market rents with professional tenant screening.
Streamline rent collection with automated systems.
Ensure preventative maintenance and inspections protect the building.
Provide tenants with responsive communication that boosts retention.
This ensures the investment not only launches smoothly but also performs over the long term.
The Design and Livability Factor
Another theme from the conference was livability. Developers often focus on cost efficiency, but as a Toronto multiplex property manager, I see firsthand how design decisions impact tenant satisfaction.
Simple upgrades like soundproofing walls, improving hallway lighting, or adding bike storage can dramatically reduce tenant turnover. These aren’t big expenses compared to the overall build cost, but they directly impact retention and rental income.
According to HousingNowTO, Missing Middle projects succeed when they balance density with livability — a principle we see reinforced every day in property management.
The Stabilization Challenge for Developers
From my experience as a Toronto multiplex property manager, one of the most overlooked hurdles is stabilization. Developers spend months focusing on construction, financing, and approvals, but once the building is complete, they are often left with an empty property that must be leased, managed, and maintained.
This stage is high-stakes. Vacant units mean lost income, and the wrong tenants can create disputes or cause damage. Without strong systems, developers can quickly find themselves in financial strain even after a successful build.
That’s why property managers play such a crucial role in bridging the gap. We bring proven systems for tenant placement, financial reporting, and preventative maintenance that transform a construction project into a stable, income-generating property.
A Multiplex Property Manager’s Takeaway
For me, the Missing Middle Conference reinforced a simple truth: developers build housing, but property managers keep it working. Without strong management, even the best-designed project can struggle with high turnover, rent arrears, or maintenance issues. With the right systems in place, however, Toronto multiplex property managers can protect the developer’s investment while creating better experiences for tenants.
Why Work With AVS Hospitality
At AVS Hospitality, we focus exclusively on Toronto multiplex property management — serving developers and landlords of duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and low-rise apartments. What sets us apart is our developer-first approach:
We understand the financial pressure after construction.
We provide systems that stabilize income quickly.
We align our operations with long-term investor goals.
Beyond day-to-day operations, we act as strategic partners. We advise on design decisions that impact livability, coordinate preventative maintenance to avoid costly surprises, and deliver clear financial reporting for lenders and investors. By choosing AVS Hospitality, you gain more than management — you gain a partner who ensures your multiplex isn’t just built, but thrives.
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📧 Email us: contact@avshospitality.ca
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