Build More Housing Initiative
The goal of this approach is to create a pipeline of housing that can be delivered over time for several end-user groups, allowing for better resource planning, operational efficiency, and ability to scale in response to demand. This approach also ensures diversity across multiple partnerships, providing flexibility and resiliency.
As the housing shortage worsens, universities are increasingly being called upon to be part of the solution. Given the size of the UofT community, with nearly 100,000 students and 3,650 faculty members, and only 10,600 beds available across three campuses, the gap between available housing and demand is substantial.
The University’s housing shortage is most pronounced at the St. George campus. Currently, the St. George campus serves a student population of over 68,000, and projections indicate this number is expected to grow by approximately 7.4% by the 2025/2026 academic year. Current housing supply at the St. George campus can only serve 5.7% and 13.7% of the of the graduate and undergraduate student populations, respectively.
Opportunity Details
As housing demand continues to rise and supply remains limited, the University of Toronto is actively addressing the need for more housing for its students, faculty, and staff. With nearly 100,000 students, 3,650 faculty members, and 10,000 staff across three campuses, the current availability of 10,600 beds falls short of meeting demand. The greatest gap in housing supply is at the St. George campus, which serves over 68,000 students and is projected to see a 7.4% increase in student enrollment by the 2025/2026 academic year. Current housing supply at the St. George campus can only serve 5.7% and 13.7% of the graduate and undergraduate student populations, respectively.
To meet our growing demand, the University of Toronto is committed to expanding its housing capacity through the Build More Housing Initiative. This initiative will significantly increase both on-campus and off-campus housing options, providing a broader range of housing for the University community. These efforts aim to enhance the academic experience and well-being of all students, faculty, and staff by ensuring they have stable and convenient housing options to support their success.
Learn more here: JLL_U_of_T_Solicitation_Overview.pdf
The RFEOI Solicitation process is now closed as of Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 5:00 pm (ET).
U of T competes with top-tier global institutions not only in academics but also in the quality of the overall university experience. Students, faculty, and staff are more likely to come, stay, engage, and connect at U of T if they experience an engaging environment that provides a high quality of life. The campus edge – where the university community transitions between the academic core and the broader city – offers key opportunities to provide that vibrant environment, with the desirable amenities, community and environmental infrastructure, and sense of place and identity expected of world-class university districts.
Housing owned or managed by a university can reduce housing expenses; ensure adequate supply near campus; provide appropriate amenities, common spaces, and programming; offer increased flexibility in lease terms compared to the private market; and reduce search and transition costs.
As a public-serving institution, U of T has a responsibility to serve not only its students and faculty, but also to support the broader public, including the city and region in which it resides.
Real estate as an asset class offers U of T an opportunity for revenue diversification and long-term asset appreciation. The attraction of highly-qualified applicants is crucial to the University’s academic mission. The availability of housing is an important consideration to many prospective students, as well as members of our workforce including faculty, staff, librarians, and postdoctoral fellows. As such, offering high-quality housing is a key factor in the recruitment and retention of both students and workforce.
Key requirements guiding the development of University residential developments are as follows:
- Financial Performance: Generate risk-adjusted returns and ensure economic viability.
- Cost Optimization and Efficiency: Ensure attainability to U of T user groups throughout operations by optimizing the buildings’ long-term operations, maintenance, and lifecycle costs.
- Resident Experience: Support a positive living experience by achieving a high degree of resident satisfaction and fostering community engagement through U of T programming.
- Sustainability Commitment: Support the University’s commitment to sustainability through high-quality construction.
- Inclusivity: Create an inclusive community where all residents have full and equal access to residential areas and amenities, in adherence with U of T’s Accessibility Design Standards.
- Consistency Across Residences: Complement and align with the University’s existing programs, amenities, and accommodation options.
- Security and Safety: Achieve comprehensive security, in partnership with Campus Safety and Student Housing.
- Neighborhood Enhancement: Improve the surrounding neighborhood via building form and landscape and improve upon the public realm.
Interested in Partnering with Us?
U of T’s Real Estate Partnerships team handles important real estate developments, acquisitions, and partnerships on behalf of the University. We take on ambitious projects that integrate innovation, AI, research, academics, retail and hospitality into our campus.
