Toronto-based real estate broker Michelle Kam urges buyers to prioritise clarity, preparation, and long-term thinking as the city continues building upward.
TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / March 20, 2026 / As Toronto's skyline continues to rise, real estate broker Michelle Kam is speaking out about the urgent need for stronger buyer education in the city's fast-moving condo market. With condos now accounting for more than 70% of new housing starts in Toronto and average condo prices sitting near $700,000 in recent years, Kam believes informed decision-making has never been more important.
"Toronto is not building outward anymore. It's building upward," Kam says. "That changes how people live, and it changes how they need to think about buying."
Kam, whose career spans luxury resale homes, pre-construction developments, and brokerage leadership, says many buyers enter the condo market without fully understanding the process, timelines, and long-term responsibilities.
"I once had a buyer who was focused entirely on finishes in a model suite," she recalls. "They loved the countertops and the staging. I had to slow the conversation down and ask, ‘Have you looked at the reserve fund? Have you tested the commute at rush hour?' Those details matter more than paint colour."
Why This Matters Now
Toronto's population is projected to grow by hundreds of thousands over the next decade. Demand for housing remains strong. At the same time:
Condo prices have nearly doubled over the past ten years.
Many pre-construction projects take three to five years to complete.
Maintenance fees in older buildings continue to rise as infrastructure ages.
"These numbers tell a story," Kam explains. "Condos are no longer just starter homes. They're long-term homes for many people. Buyers need to approach them that way."
Kam says misinformation and rushed decisions can create unnecessary stress. She often sees buyers relying on headlines or assumptions instead of asking direct questions.
"Markets move up and down," she says. "What shouldn't move is your level of preparation."
Advocating for Smarter Questions
Kam is encouraging buyers to shift their mindset from excitement to education. She believes simple, practical steps can reduce risk and increase confidence.
"When I worked in luxury homes, clients cared about how light hit the room at 4 p.m.," she says. "In condos, buyers should care just as much about building management and financial health."
She suggests buyers focus on:
Reviewing reserve funds and maintenance history.
Visiting neighbourhoods at different times of day.
Understanding interim occupancy in pre-construction purchases.
Prioritising layout efficiency over total square footage.
"One client told me they didn't care about a large kitchen-they cared about being able to walk to work," Kam says. "That's clarity. That's what people need to define before signing anything."
The Bigger Picture
Kam's advocacy is not about slowing the market down. It is about strengthening it.
"An informed buyer is a confident buyer," she says. "Confidence creates stability. Stability benefits everyone."
She believes better education also improves long-term satisfaction. Research consistently shows that homeowners who plan to stay in their property for five years or more report higher satisfaction than those who try to time short-term cycles.
"You can't control the entire market," Kam says. "You can control how prepared you are."
Call to Action
Michelle Kam encourages anyone considering a condo purchase in Toronto to take one immediate step: write down your top three lifestyle priorities before visiting a showroom or listing.
"Do that first," she says. "Know what actually matters in your daily life. Then ask better questions."
She also encourages readers to share this message with friends or family members who are considering buying in Toronto's urban core.
"Preparation is contagious," she adds. "The more people who understand the process, the stronger the community becomes."
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Michelle Kam
Michelle Kam is a Toronto-based real estate broker with experience in luxury resale, urban condos, pre-construction developments, and brokerage leadership. A graduate of York University, she founded and led City Accord Realty Inc. for over a decade before joining Re/Max Condos Plus. Her work focuses on clarity, adaptability, and helping clients make informed decisions in Toronto's evolving housing market.
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SOURCE: Michelle Kam
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