Featured on today’s episode is John Duda. He is the President of Collier International’s Real Estate Management Services across Canada, which has a net asset value of $17 billion. He has held a variety of progressive roles throughout his career, developing a strong reputation for business growth.

 

The discussion in this episode revolves around the impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on real estate in Canada. John will also look to the future and share what he believes we will see in the real estate market, along with how the reopening of certain buildings has been going.

 

Topics covered include:
• John’s background in industrial engineering and marketing.
• The breakdown of Colliers’ portfolio.
• Preparation for COVID-19 thanks to the Chinese operations of Colliers.
• Methods being used to increase absorption.
• Types of tenants that have been needing rent deferrals.
• The performance of a mall in Richmond, BC that John has seen since its reopening.
• Positive trends that John has seen in China.
• The exponential impact on the economy if lockdowns continue.
• Attitudes towards regulations imposed by governments to reduce COVID-19 spread.
• The aid programs that John thinks have been the most useful.
• Looking for alternative revenue streams.
• The time frame for getting back to normal.
• Concerns about going back to work and the possibility of permanently working from home.
• Precautions in place at shopping malls and collaboration between tenants and landlords.
• Believing the landlord will be reasonable in getting rent paid back.
• What makes Canada an attractive place to be right now.