# The rules of the game are being rewritten

> Finding the silver linings in Toronto’s housing market reset

**Published by:** [Brandon Donnelly](https://brandondonnelly.com/)
**Published on:** 2026-04-29
**Categories:** toronto, housing, real-estate, development, market, business
**URL:** https://brandondonnelly.com/the-rules-of-the-game-are-being-rewritten

## Content

As a developer, or other market participant, it's easy to be pessimistic about the current housing market in Toronto. It's a challenge to make new projects work. That's suboptimal from a business and city-building standpoint, and for Type A personalities who thrive on accomplishment. But today, let's look at some of the positives and opportunities that are already here or are likely to happen going forward.If you're a developer who has been doing the same thing for decades, now is the opportunity to rethink your model and innovate. Why? Because the old model isn't working, and who knows if it ever will again when the fun times return.Already, we are seeing a renewed focus on end-user buyers and renters. This is healthy for the market. It signals a return to fundamentals and a deeper focus on our customers. What kind of homes do people actually want to live in?At the same time, if you're in need of a home, now is an excellent time to buy or rent. Similarly, for developers, now is an excellent time to buy sites, provided you've found a project that works or you have the balance sheet to be patient.Modular construction and mass timber are getting a lot more airtime. They aren't a silver bullet in this market, but these things take time and it's positive that more developers and builders are exploring and testing out their options.Crisis forces the hand of government. Already, we have seen a new HST rebate, cuts to development charges, and other helpful measures. I also think cities are more receptive to negotiation. If you have a wild and crazy idea that just might work, go talk to them!As incumbents struggle with their legacy assets and deals, the market is creating more space for new entrants and fresh ideas. I have no doubt that we will see a new generation of developers and entrepreneurs emerge during the next cycle.Never let a good crisis go to waste, as they say. Would you add anything to this list?Cover photo by Lennon Kong on Unsplash

## Publication Information

- [Brandon Donnelly](https://brandondonnelly.com/): Publication homepage
- [All Posts](https://brandondonnelly.com/): More posts from this publication
- [RSS Feed](https://api.paragraph.com/blogs/rss/@brandondonnelly): Subscribe to updates
- [Twitter](https://twitter.com/donnelly_b): Follow on Twitter