As Toronto's housing landscape shifts from outward expansion to upward growth, real estate broker Michelle Kam is advocating for enhanced public awareness around urban housing decisions. Kam, who has extensive experience in luxury resale, pre-construction developments, and brokerage leadership, argues that many buyers are unprepared for the long-term realities of condo living.
"People spend weeks choosing countertops and paint colours," Kam says. "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."
Condominiums now account for more than 70% of new residential construction in Toronto, according to housing industry data. With the city's population continuing to grow, demand for well-designed urban housing remains high. Kam notes that condos are no longer viewed as temporary homes but as places where people build careers, raise children, and spend substantial portions of their lives. "That changes every decision you make," she explains.
Kam recalls a client who initially wanted the largest unit they could afford. After discussing daily routines, the client realized that living near transit offered more value than an extra room seldom used. Their commute dropped by nearly an hour each day. "That decision gave them back time every single week," Kam says.
Research underscores the importance of thoughtful housing decisions. More than 80% of Canadians now live in urban areas, according to Statistics Canada, and Toronto remains one of North America's fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Kam believes the conversation should extend beyond property acquisition. "It should be about building a life that works every day," she states.
Kam also advises buyers to scrutinize building quality rather than fixating on finishes. She recounts instances where buyers fell in love with a showroom kitchen but later realized that the building's financial health and maintenance history would have a more significant impact over time. "When people understand reserve funds, maintenance fees, neighbourhood planning, and building management, they ask better questions," Kam says. "Better questions usually lead to better decisions."
To help prospective buyers, Kam recommends several practical steps: visit a neighbourhood at different times of the day to experience traffic and noise, review a building's reserve fund and maintenance history before becoming emotionally attached, consider how lifestyle may change over five to ten years, prioritize layout and functionality over cosmetic upgrades, and learn about future transit projects and development plans.
"Small decisions today shape everyday life for years," Kam says. "Preparation doesn't remove uncertainty, but it gives you confidence." Her message resonates as Toronto's urban evolution continues, urging buyers to view home buying as a long-term lifestyle decision rather than a simple transaction.
