Montreal is in the middle of a housing crunch. With a growing population and a steady increase in demand, the need for quality rental housing has reached new levels of urgency. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) says the city’s rental vacancy rate was 2.22% in 2024. The average rent for a two-bedroom unit now exceeds $1,447, placing pressure on families and individuals across the city. Builders are stepping in to consider the long-term impact of the homes they create.
“Every decision matters,” says Sean Erez, a Montreal real estate developer. “From how a hallway feels to how much light comes into a unit, small details shape people’s routines. I want to build spaces that support daily life clearly and respectfully.”
Erez brings a perspective shaped by more than a decade of experience in consumer-focused industries. He was the founder and CEO of Shop Under, a successful e-commerce platform and fashion brand, before turning his attention to multi-residential housing development. His approach is rooted in practical design, long-term durability, and the day-to-day needs of urban residents.
“Every decision matters,” says Erez. “From how a hallway feels to how much light comes into a unit, small details shape people’s routines. I want to build spaces that support daily life clearly and respectfully.”
Erez’s current projects focus on accessible, high-quality rental housing in some of Montreal’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods. He and his team start each development by looking at infrastructure, transportation, walkability, and existing buildings within the neighborhood to get a sense of its rhythm. From there, they develop buildings shaped by the environment rather than imposed on it.
Erez’s philosophy incorporates sustainability, efficient planning, and durable materials. His developments feature energy-efficient heating, green spaces, and layouts designed around the lifestyles of owners. He works closely with architects and contractors to ensure every detail meets the same standard of care.
“There’s a responsibility that comes with building housing. We’re shaping people’s everyday environment, and that deserves focus and intention,” says Erez.
With high construction costs and ongoing labour shortages affecting the entire industry, many developers have been forced to make tough decisions. Erez sees the current environment as an opportunity to invest wisely and to make each square foot count. His projects avoid unnecessary complexity and concentrate on what makes a living space functional, welcoming, and durable.
Montreal is going through a period of high population growth. Quebec is projected to require more than 860,000 new homes by 2030 to keep up with housing demand and affordability targets. This estimate shows the growing need for developers to deliver supply while avoiding shortcuts that may cause long-term maintenance problems or tenant dissatisfaction.
“I walk through our buildings as if I’m living there. That helps guide a lot of decisions. If something doesn’t feel right during that process, we rework it. We’re always adjusting," says Erez.
This approach also extends beyond individual units. Building exteriors, entrances, landscaping, and bike storage all play a role in how residents feel about where they live. This focus on the complete experience has guided Erez’s method to development and garnered interest from both partners and city stakeholders.
Tenant experience plays a bigger role in shaping construction decisions than in the past. With more Canadians renting, questions of longevity and livability are top of mind for developers who want to maintain their properties rather than sell them off.
“Our design decisions are made with our tenants’ well-being in mind. We understand the larger responsibility of designing multi-residential housing to optimize ease of living and maximize happiness, and that comes through in our developments,” says Erez.
While this approach may not transform the entire market, it’s part of a shift in thinking of housing less as a commodity and more as a means to support the daily lives of Canadians.
