As the real estate market in many parts of the country continues to be fuelled by low interest rates and increased investor interest, real estate executives, developers, market analysts and other industry professionals are gathering in Vancouver this week for the 10th annual Vancouver Real Estate Forum.
“Our industry is fragmented, and whenever we get opportunities for people to exchange ideas and information, it does the entire industry some good,” said forum chairman William Briscoe, senior vice-president of commercial investments at GWL Realty Advisors.
A diverse group of about 45 experts met Wednesday at the Hyatt Regency Hotel to discuss various aspects of the real-estate markets and related issues, government fiscal policies as they relate to the industry as well as future trends in the industry. More than 400 people registered for the one-day conference.
Briscoe, who recently moved to Toronto after spending three years with GWL in Vancouver, noted the individuality of the city, adding it has some very specific nuances including a limited supply of property. “It’s probably one of the toughest markets to invest in,” he said.
Jason Clemens, director of fiscal studies for the Fraser Institute and a conference speaker, says real estate is very much a derivative of the general marketplace, so prosperous conditions naturally lead to a healthy real estate market.
Briscoe says the premise of the annual conference is to bring together institutional investors and private entrepreneurial investors. “Both sides really go after the business with different models and for different reasons.”
Web watch:
www.realestateforums.com
