Finding Hidden Value in Multifamily Real Estate with Braiden Goodchild, VP of Capital Formation and Strategic Transactions at Equiton

Equiton has emerged as a leading Canadian multifamily player, overseeing roughly $1.7 billion in assets under management and more than 4,300 rental units across the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, Edmonton and beyond. The firm’s vertically integrated model—combining investment, asset, property, construction and development management—allows it to capture operational efficiencies and drive higher cash‑flow returns, a critical advantage in today’s competitive rental market. By controlling the full value chain, Equiton can swiftly execute renovations, reposition under‑performing assets, and maintain tight cost discipline, positioning the platform for sustained growth.

The firm’s flagship offering, the Equiton Growth Fund Trust, seeks 8%‑12% annual returns through a blend of core‑plus and value‑add strategies. Capital is primarily raised from defined‑contribution pension plans, banks, insurance carriers and other institutional investors who favor long‑term, stable exposure to real estate. A typical acquisition targets a 25‑30% rent‑gap, buying apartments at $1,500 average rent and repositioning them toward $2,000 market rates, thereby generating organic cash‑flow upside. Positive leverage remains a key driver, as cap rates still sit above prevailing debt costs, enabling the fund to amplify returns without excessive risk.

Market dynamics reinforce Equiton’s approach. Multifamily assets continue to exhibit defensive characteristics, delivering reliable demand even amid geopolitical uncertainty and shifting interest‑rate environments. Cap rates for apartments remain tight, yet still exceed financing rates, preserving positive spread opportunities. Foreign capital from the Gulf, Asia‑Pacific and Europe is increasingly attracted to Canada’s stable rental sector, adding depth to the investor base. As price discovery stabilizes, disciplined value‑add investors like Equiton are well‑positioned to capture upside while delivering the predictable income streams that institutional partners demand.