Toronto vs Calgary: New Construction, New Strategy with guest Matthew Baker

Toronto may dominate headlines — but Calgary is quietly leading a real estate revolution. 🏙️💥

In this episode of Helping You Build Wealth Through Real Estate… Brick by Brick, host Nico James-Bock, Broker with Keller Williams Co-Elevation Realty, sits down with Realtor® Matthew Baker of Manor Hill Realty — the exclusive brokerage representing Rohit Homes in Calgary.

Together, they unpack:
 ✅ Why more Ontario investors are turning westward
 ✅ The builder reputation and design philosophy behind Rohit Homes
✅ How Matthew’s personal investment journey offers real-world insight
✅ What makes Calgary’s market more attainable and profitable
✅ Tips for buyers seeking growth beyond the GTA

🎧 Whether you’re a first-time buyer, Realtor, or investor, this episode reveals how new construction in Calgary and Edmonton is redefining opportunity in 2025 and beyond.

Matthew Baker, Sales Representative

Manor Hill Realty Inc.

matthewejbaker@outlook.com | (647) 217-8807

Subscribe for more insights at Real Estate with Nico — helping you build wealth through real estate… Brick by Brick.

Transcript

Welcome to another episode of Building Wealth Through Real Estate, Brick by Brick. I’m Nico James-Bock, Broker with Keller Williams Co-Elevation Realty here in Toronto and Founder of The CondoWiz™.

Today I’m joined by a special guest, Matthew Baker, a Toronto-based Realtor with Manor Hill Realty. While Matthew works primarily in the Toronto market, he’s also partnered with his brokerage to represent Calgary and Edmonton projects, particularly those by Rohit Homes — one of the dominant developers in Western Canada.

Matthew, welcome to the show! Can you hear me okay?

Matthew:
I can, thanks! How are you?

Nico:
Doing great. I’ve just given our listeners a quick overview — today’s topic is Toronto versus Calgary, comparing two very different markets and what’s driving the surge of interest out west. So let’s start by getting to know you a bit. Tell us about your background — how did you get into real estate, and what led you to work with Rohit Homes?

Matthew:
Sure! I’ve always had a knack for business, even as a kid. I was that student who noticed trends early — selling stress balls, fidget spinners, and whatever else was popular in class. That early curiosity led me to take business courses in high school and later enroll in the Bachelor of Commerce program at Carleton University.

But after a while, I realized I wanted a more practical path. I left university, worked as a busboy and later as a waiter, and took on some construction jobs to pay for my real estate license. I got licensed a couple of years ago and have been building my business since.

Nico:
So what drew you from Toronto to focus on Calgary?

Matthew:
Honestly, it was my brokerage — Manor Hill Realty. The broker-owners, Boyd and Enos, were expanding our Calgary presence. I first attended one of Rohit’s pre-construction events at our old office on Bloor Street — which I think is actually where you and I met.

Boyd spoke passionately about Calgary’s potential — the opportunities, the affordability, and how the calculated risks he took really paid off. That was inspiring, and I knew I wanted to be part of that Calgary growth story.

Nico:
So, from your perspective, what’s driving the surge of investor interest out there?

Matthew:
It really comes down to affordability. Calgary’s entry prices are much lower. You can buy a brand-new condo in the $200,000s or a detached home starting in the $400,000s. Plus, there’s no HST and no land transfer tax — huge savings compared to Ontario.

Nico:
And what kind of clients are you seeing — mostly investors or end users?

Matthew:
It’s a healthy mix of both. A lot of people are moving to Calgary for job opportunities, and there’s been a massive influx from Ontario — I believe around 40% of Calgary’s population growth in recent years has been from interprovincial migration.

Then there’s the investor side: lower purchase prices, strong rental rates, and very landlord-friendly laws. There’s no rent control, and overall the province makes it easier for landlords to operate profitably.

Nico:
You and I met at one of Manor Hill’s first Rohit Homes presentations. That was an eye-opener — especially compared to what we see here in Toronto. It actually reminded me of a CBC Stress Test podcast episode titled “Condo Hate is Real: What’s the New Path to Homeownership?”

In that episode, a caller described buying a Calgary condo in 2022 and later struggling financially. I think her experience highlights why buyers need professional guidance, especially when purchasing directly from developers. Would you agree that real estate should be viewed as a long-term investment, not a quick-flip opportunity?

Matthew:
Absolutely. Real estate isn’t a get-rich-quick game. I felt for that caller — she bought at the peak during COVID and was hit hard when rates rose. Like any market, real estate is cyclical. Prices go up and down, and you have to be prepared for that volatility.

Nico:
Exactly. Buyers should talk to professionals — mortgage brokers, financial advisors, and Realtors who truly represent their interests. They should also research the builder’s track record, understand deposit structures, completion timelines, and the 10-day cooling-off period.

Now, I know you personally walked the talk by investing in Calgary yourself. Tell us about that experience.

Matthew:
I first learned about Rohit Homes when I joined the brokerage earlier this year. Around February, I started looking seriously, and by June I decided to purchase. At first, units were in the low $200s; by the time I bought, they were in the high $300s — that’s how fast the market was moving!

The process was smooth overall — I signed in late June, paid my deposit, and I’m now waiting for interim occupancy, which should be around the new year. Like most pre-construction deals, the builder provides a wide closing window, but everything’s been on track so far.

Nico:
That’s exciting! Can you tell us a bit about Rohit’s communities and what’s currently available in Calgary and Edmonton?

Matthew:
Rohit builds townhomes, condos, duplexes, and single-family homes — mostly in high-quality neighborhoods across Calgary: the northwest, southwest, southeast, and surrounding areas like Cochrane, Airdrie, and Okotoks.

Some standout projects include Heartland and SORA (duplexes and detached homes), and for investors, University District and Dean’s Landing are hot — the first condo phase sold out, and only a few townhomes remain. That area’s ideal, close to the Children’s Hospital, University of Calgary, and Market Mall.

Nico:
That’s a great snapshot. Let’s recap some key advantages for listeners comparing Toronto and Calgary:

• Average condo in Toronto: around $650,000–$700,000
• Average condo in Calgary: ~$322,000
• No land transfer tax in Alberta
• Only 5% GST on new builds (vs. 13% HST in Ontario)
• Landlord-friendly rules and faster dispute resolution

Of course, every market has its challenges, but the contrast is clear.

When are you expecting your occupancy date?

Matthew:
Sometime around the new year — not much later.

Nico:
And for those interested in Calgary or Rohit Homes, what would you recommend as the first step?

Matthew:
Honestly — go see it for yourself. Calgary feels like a completely different world compared to Ontario. It’s culturally and geographically unique — clean, friendly, and full of hidden gems. If you can’t visit, explore online resources from Rohit Homes and other builders.

Compare prices, look at finishes, and run the numbers. My own investment will be cash-flow positive — rental income exceeds my mortgage, which means I’ll be pocketing hundreds of dollars each month. That’s something you rarely find in Ontario right now.

Nico:
That’s such a valuable point — cash flow positivity from day one is powerful for investors. It’s great to see Realtors like you not just selling but also investing in what they believe in.

Matthew, thank you for joining me and sharing your firsthand insights. For those listening or watching on YouTube — if you’re curious about Calgary’s booming new-construction scene or Rohit Homes projects, reach out. We’re in a buyer’s market for multifamily residential properties — it’s an ideal time to explore.

If you found this episode helpful, please like, share, or comment — and don’t forget to subscribe.

Matthew, thanks again!

Matthew:
Thank you so much, Nico. It’s been a pleasure.

Nico:
Pleasure’s all mine. Ciao!