Real estate broker and industry leader Michelle Kam is using her recent feature interview to raise 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 in the interview. "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.
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. "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."
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
