Adam Gant has worked as a real estate investor, author, and entrepreneur in Victoria, B.C., for over 20 years. He has worked in all real estate asset classes, including residential, retail, office, industrial, hospitality, land development, and senior care, with experience in privately held real estate funds and public real estate investment vehicles. He became a CFA Holder in 2022.

Adam is passionate about finding new ways to make housing more affordable and accessible for average Canadians. One topic he is particularly passionate about regarding housing affordability is the shared equity model.

Q: What do you believe is the biggest problem in the Canadian housing market?

Adam Gant: Without a doubt, it’s affordability. Rent prices and effective mortgage payment amounts have skyrocketed over the last several decades, and incomes have increased only slightly. In the current market, it’s nearly impossible for average Canadian citizens to afford a new home either for purchase or rent. This is especially true for younger individuals and families. Even those who earn a full-time salary are choosing to rent instead of buy because banks are making it harder for people to get approved for a mortgage. On top of that, the cost of living has generally gone up, making it even more difficult for people to achieve homeownership when most of their money goes toward paying for essentials.

Q: You’ve advocated for a shared equity model to address this issue. Can you explain how that would work?

Adam Gant: Sure. Shared equity is an arrangement where a homeowner partners with the investor, either an individual or a larger organization, who invests in a property. The investor contributes the majority of the down payment, helping to reduce the upfront cost of the home. This also means that the investor shares in future increases and decreases of the property’s value. Shared equity helps people enter the housing market who might not otherwise qualify for a mortgage, and it allows them to save more money over time. In cities such as Victoria, where I live, where the average house costs over $1 million, shared equity can make a big difference in terms of affordability.

Q: Some people are concerned that shared equity limits how much a homeowner can earn. How do you address that?

Adam Gant: While it’s true that homeowners share a portion of their future home with the investor, the trade-off is that they get access to homeownership much earlier than they otherwise could. We’d structure shared equity agreements carefully to be fair to both sides. Buyers will still benefit from equity growth, and investors will get a decent return. Everyone should know exactly how the arrangement works before they commit, so transparency and planning are crucial.

Q: How would shared equity programs help communities and neighbourhoods?

Adam Gant: Shared equity programs make homes more affordable for local residents, which helps prevent displacement and keeps neighbourhoods diverse and vibrant. When people are able to stay in their communities and not be forced to move because of rising rent or housing prices, communities become stronger and more stable. In Victoria, where housing costs have increased faster than incomes, these programs ensure that families, young professionals, and essential workers can continue to live in the city.

Q: In your book, “A House Shared” you explored the positive impact that a shared equity model had on a family. Can you tell us more about the story?

Adam Gant: Certainly. A House Shared tells the story of a family on the verge of losing its home. They find a way to maintain an ownership stake through shared equity, which gives them hope and a clear path to stability. You see the emotional strain that rising home prices, interest rates, and financial problems can have on a family, but ultimately it’s a story of resilience. Programs like shared equity have the potential to strengthen communities and, on a larger scale, contribute to a stronger housing market. By combining real-life experiences with practical financial solutions, the book gives people a deeper understanding of how a shared equity model would increase opportunities for homeownership.