Industry Leader Calls for Enhanced Education Amid Canada's Urban Housing Transition

Real estate broker and industry leader Michelle Kam is raising awareness about the growing need for better consumer education and support as Canada continues shifting toward dense, urban living. With condos, lofts, and townhomes dominating new construction in major cities, Kam is urging buyers, sellers, and policymakers to better understand how these changes affect long-term housing stability and affordability. Kam, who has spent her career working across high-end resale, urban housing, pre-construction, and brokerage leadership, says the way Canadians live has transformed faster than the public's understanding of the market. "People want to live where they work and socialise," she shared. "But with that demand comes pressure. Buyers need clearer guidance, and cities need smarter planning to keep up."

More than 70% of new homes built in Toronto are condos, according to municipal data. Across Canada, high-density housing has increased by more than 30% over the past decade, driven by population growth, immigration, and limited land supply in major urban centres. Kam believes this shift is not just a market trend—it's a social and economic reality that requires more transparency and education. "In the interview, I talked about how a client cared more about whether the building allowed dogs than how big the kitchen was," she said. "It may sound funny, but it shows how people's priorities are changing. Housing is no longer just about space—it's about lifestyle, community, and access." She says many buyers still feel unprepared when entering the condo or pre-construction market. "People often come in with questions they think they should already know the answers to," she added. "No one should feel embarrassed for not understanding condo fees or floor plans. We need to normalise education for every level of buyer."

Kam has long believed that education—not hype—is what protects consumers in a fast-moving market. Her time selling pre-construction units only strengthened that view. "Helping someone picture their life in a home that isn't built yet is a big responsibility," she said. "I once told a buyer exactly how the morning sun would hit their balcony. It made everything feel real to them. That's what people need—clear, grounded information that helps them make confident choices." She is now advocating for more accessible housing resources, better municipal communication about urban development, and stronger buyer literacy around fees, timelines, and expectations. "This isn't about selling faster," she said. "It's about helping people make decisions they'll feel good about ten years from now."

Urban areas like Toronto are expected to grow by more than 500,000 residents by 2030, increasing demand for dense housing. Condo fees in major Canadian cities have risen by over 10% in the last two years, prompting concerns about affordability and transparency. Pre-construction delays affect thousands of buyers each year, highlighting the need for clearer communication and realistic expectations. "People don't just need listings—they need clarity," Kam emphasised. "The market is changing too fast for buyers to rely on guesswork." From selling luxury homes to running her own brokerage for more than a decade, Kam has built a reputation as a steady, informed voice in an unpredictable industry. "When I train new agents, I always tell them: stay curious," she said. "The market will change, your clients will change, and your role is to grow with them. That's how you stay useful." Her experience across multiple niches gives her a unique perspective on housing trends and consumer needs.

Kam encourages Canadians to take simple steps to prepare themselves for the realities of modern urban housing: learn the basics of condo fees, building rules, and maintenance expectations; visit neighbourhoods at different times of day to understand noise, traffic, and flow; ask questions early, even if they seem basic—especially around pre-construction timelines; focus on lifestyle fit, not just square footage or finishes; and stay informed about development plans in your city. To read the full interview, visit the website here. "You don't need to be an expert," Kam said. "You just need to be curious and proactive. Housing shapes our lives. The more we understand it, the better choices we can make."