Brian Crombie Radio Hour - Epi 1609 - Toronto Housing at a Turning Point with Darryl Frankfort

Toronto real estate isn’t just cooling — it’s resetting. On this episode of The Brian Crombie Hour, Brian is joined by Darryl Frankfort — developer and host of The Canadian Real Estate Show — for a candid, insider look at what’s really happening in the Greater Toronto Area housing market. Darryl breaks down what’s driving the current downturn — and why this isn’t a typical cycle. From a deep freeze in the condo market to the challenges facing mid-market developments, the conversation explores how years of investor-driven demand, assignment flipping, and financialization have distorted the system. While luxury and boutique projects continue to find footing, the traditional condo model is under pressure — and many smaller investors may now face real losses as the market recalibrates. The discussion also touches on recent policy responses, including tax adjustments and development fee changes. Helpful steps, but not enough to address a deeper issue: The system was built for investors — not end users. Brian then steps back in his closing commentary, The GTA Real Estate Business Needs a Reset, Not a Rescue, arguing this is not just a downturn, but a structural shift — one that demands a fundamentally different approach to housing. Instead of trying to revive the old speculative model, he outlines a path forward: more purpose-built rental, more family-sized housing, better urban design, reduced barriers to construction, and a renewed focus on affordability and livability. Because housing isn’t just an asset class — it’s infrastructure. And the goal shouldn’t be to restart speculation, but to build stronger communities. At its core, this episode asks: If the old model is breaking down… what should replace it?