The real estate landscape is shifting fast. Builders and developers who fail to adapt risk falling behind, while those who understand market changes and pivot strategically are setting new industry standards.
In this episode of the DIAL IN PODCAST, we sat down with Andrew J Smith, a 20-year veteran real estate broker, to break down what successful builders are doing differently in 2025. From expanding into multi-unit and commercial development to creating affordable housing solutions, we explore the key trends that separate good from great in real estate.
The Key Shift: Agility in Real Estate Development
Successful builders in 2025 are not just constructing homes—they are anticipating market demand and adapting their offerings.
Andrew highlights how top developers are moving beyond single-family homes and into multi-unit and commercial space development. These projects provide flexibility and long-term stability in an industry shaped by economic fluctuations. Many real estate professionals have focused on energy-efficient construction in the past, but the next big priority is value-driven development.
The best builders are now shifting toward innovative real estate development strategies that balance affordability with quality, creating projects that meet modern homebuyer expectations.
Navigating Market Changes: What Builders Must Know
The real estate market is not what it was a few years ago. High interest rates and shifting demand have forced developers to rethink their approach. In 2025, builders who succeed are the ones who:
Pivot quickly when a particular housing type stops selling
Invest in affordable housing development strategies to meet evolving buyer needs
Explore commercial and multi-use spaces to diversify income streams
Work closely with technology to streamline operations and enhance customer experience
This shift is not just about survival. It is about thriving in a market that rewards innovation.
Looking Ahead: The Next Five Years in Real Estate
According to Andrew, the next five years will see a major push toward multi-unit housing, accessory dwelling units, and flexible commercial spaces. Government incentives may play a role, particularly in making new developments more accessible through tax benefits or streamlined approvals.
Builders who recognize this shift and embrace top construction trends for 2025 will be in the strongest position. Whether it is adapting floor plans to meet changing buyer preferences or investing in technology to improve efficiency, staying ahead requires strategic planning and execution.
Watch the Full Conversation
This conversation is just the beginning. Watch the full episode of Dial In Podcast to hear Andrew J Smith break down the trends that are shaping the future of real estate development.
ore Scelta
Scelta is new industry standard for pre-construction sales, marketing, & client relationships.
Shop Dial In Merch
For those who set the standard. Hats, sweaters, and tees available now.
[Shop Now] www.DIAL-IN.ca
Explore Andrew J Smith Realty
Clip Transcript: WHAT SUCCESSFUL BUILDERS ARE DOING DIFFERENTLY IN 2025
David Mill
Well, we're talking about, you know, sales teams, real estate companies stepping up their game. Technology companies stepped up their game. Let's talk a little bit more about real estate development companies and builders that you work with. How do you see them stepping up their game and what separates some of these real estate developers from others?
Andrew J Smith
Well, it's interesting, right? So we have some builders that are kind of changing or morphing what they were originally into. And you know, give you an example would be obviously Evola Builders is being one of them.
David Mill
Right.
Andrew J Smith
They went from building just prototypical, you know, residential real estate, which they're excellent at, I mean, good quality, everybody knows the name. But then going into you know, obviously things like, you know, Edinborough and Synergy Park, I think is a new realm for them, but it's something that is a need and a want in the city.
David Mill
Yeah.
Andrew J Smith
And, you know, to do it with the level of quality, that they're used to and the craftsmanship that they're used to is excellent. You know. And I think someone's really going to get, some excellent, an excellent product. You know what I mean? From a very reputable builder in the city. That is something that I think everybody needs and wants. And I think that's what's happening, is that, you're finding that builders are kind of shifting or developers are shifting into these different genres. You know what I mean of construction, where it wasn't just residential. Now you're looking at multi-unit residential, which of course, we're very equipped for, and, you know, whether it be commercial spaces as well, these flex spaces, very, very obviously we're now getting into that, which of course, you're helping with. So those are the type of things that I think this is where we're getting into, you know, there was a big push for, like, energy conservation type stuff. That seemed to pull back a little bit because I feel like everybody's stepped up their game in that. Right?
David Mill
Yeah.
Andrew J Smith
So now we're getting into value. Now we're getting into value. So not just shifting on what they're building, but also what type of value can the provide. You know what I mean? Can we get more into and even right now I'm trying to work on something right now, trying to get into affordable housing. You know, and we can we create something and even for, you know, Windsor, Essex County as a whole, what type of things do, do they need, you know, to meet? So even we are actually thinking ahead like we I always say try to think 2 or 3 steps ahead where we're starting to think like, hey, what can we provide? You know what I mean? What builders can provide. How can they, change things for even us, locally. And this is what we're getting into right now.
David Mill
Yeah, there's a good shift and a move there. Well, when you're talking about shifting and moving, I think the ability to be agile, I think is so is so important. A lot of these real estate developers who are understanding that I need to move with the market. Right. If I was really good at doing this one building, this one type of product, but that product's not selling this year for the next five years. Yes, I need to pivot, I need to move.
Andrew J Smith
And we had to within the last two years right with interest rates going up. Yeah, the market demand starts to shift, right. All a sudden you go from million dollar properties. Plus, you know, like I was selling quite a few in mil eight, mil seven, two million, like whatever, that was—a lot of that was selling. It was a good market share for us. But then as the market drifted, you know, because of the interest rates, then you had to, I don’t want to say reinvent yourself, but you have to create different ways to build, make money, and for the same thing for the builders as well. Right? They got to find a way to fit into these areas.
So that to me is next. And I think you're going to see this over the next 3 or 4 years, even five years, you're going to see this a lot of multifamily multi unit talk about ADU’s whatever you're starting to see that, you know, and I think if there's a little bit maybe even help with the government and you know maybe HST, GST something they can do there building-wise or create incentives.
David Mill
I think those are the type of things too, that would help us move forward with affordability.
Andrew J Smith
Yeah. And that's the big word right now is affordability. So to me that's where it's going. I think we have to create product that meets that market. Yeah that that smaller market.
Comments