Effects of reduced office space on multi-family properties

[Maxime Laroche]

Hi guys, I'm thinking of buying a 5-plex in Montreal. This would be my first deal. It currently cash flows. However, I am worried that office buildings will convert to residential units afters the pandemic ends and companies realise they need way less space that before than before to operate. If These office building convert to residential units in order to survive, wouldn't they flood the residential real estate market by over-supply? This could lower rents significantly and turn positive cash-flowing rentals into negative cash flow. 

I would love to hear your opinion about the topic

[Peter Tverdov]

You are oversimplifying something very complicated. There are zoning laws in place. You cannot just convert an office building to multi-family unless there is zoning that permits it or if developers have been getting variances that lean that way.

People will always need a place to live. Follow landlord friendly areas (red states here in the US) tax friendly areas (also red states) and job growth...that is your key in multi-family.