The Canadian Real Estate Investor Podcast
The Return-to-Office Ripple Effect on Canadian Real Estate
Published September 23, 2025 · 2621
Show Notes
We discuss the return-to-office (RTO) trend in Canada and its impact on real estate markets. Employers are increasingly mandating office attendance and the resulting effects on urban centers, housing markets, and workplace dynamics are fascinating.
- Canadian employers (government, banks, telecoms) are mandating 4-5 days in-office by 2026, with downtown foot traffic still 43% below pre-pandemic levels in Toronto.
- The RTO trend is affecting real estate markets, with downtown rental prices increasing while some remote workers who relocated during COVID face difficult decisions about moving back.
- Some employers may be using RTO mandates as a "layoff filter" to encourage voluntary departures without formal layoffs - a tactic that 25% of executives admit hoping will prompt staff to quit.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management
Buy & sell real estate with Ai at Valery.ca
Get a mortgage pre-approval with Owl Mortgage
free 1 week trial for Realist Premium
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Put this episode to work
Run the numbers on your own deal — free.