Tay Investments, a real estate development firm founded by Yuval Shram in 2010, has built a portfolio of over 1,550 residential units across 22 investments in North America and Europe, with assets under management exceeding $475 million. The company’s growth is driven by a consistent principle: build as if you intend to own it forever, a strategy Shram believes is crucial for long-term success.
In real estate development, the temptation to build fast and flip quickly is real, but Shram argues that a short-term mindset can lead to compromised decision-making. Developers optimizing for a sale may choose finishes that look good at closing rather than durable materials, or skip premium warranties, expecting the eventual buyer to handle issues. Tay Investments, however, treats every property as a long-term asset, investing in quality materials and maintaining details year after year. “When you build a solid business, any business, and definitely in Real Estate, aiming for the long-term horizon, you never lose your ability to sell when the right time and buyer comes along,” Shram explains. “It’s still there. But if your only goal is a short-term exit, what happens if you don’t meet the market you were aiming for?”
The hold strategy also provides flexibility. Committing to hold a property does not mean being locked in; it means being able to say no to a bad offer and wait for the right moment to exit. This distinction proved important during market pressures beginning in 2022, when rising interest rates and construction cost inflation tested developers. Tay was not immune to these headwinds, but the long-term orientation allowed the team to make considered decisions rather than forced ones. Patience, Shram argues, is one of the most valuable and least discussed advantages in the business.
The build-to-hold philosophy also shapes the resident experience. When a company knows it will operate a property for decades, tenant satisfaction becomes a genuine long-term priority. Tay surveys residents regularly, invests in amenities that improve daily life, and designs buildings to earn loyalty over time. At Hue Soul, the company’s 116-unit development in East Orange, New Jersey, Tay introduced the Sanctuary: a wellness-focused amenity package featuring a fully equipped gym, a dry and wet sauna, and a cold plunge. It was a deliberate investment in what residents want today and what will keep them tomorrow.
Shram’s philosophy is straightforward: concentrate on what you know, execute it with integrity, and hold what you build with pride. In a market that often rewards speed over substance, Tay Investments is making a different bet, one built on the conviction that the best developments are the ones nobody ever rushed.
