ADAM MILLS REALTY TEAM

Case Study: From Leasing to Listing – How We Turned A Profit in Ottawa’s Rental Market

Property Type: Mulit-Unit New-build with a total of 6 rental units

Address: 201 + 203 Teskey St, Almonte, Ottawa (6-Units total)

Project Type: Multi-Unit Property Investment – New Build

Timeline: Spring 2025

Real Estate Services Provided by Adam Mills Realty Team

Market Rent Analysis, Leasing, 10-year Pro Forma, Tenant Screening + Listing

Project Overview 🎯:

When a trusted builder & Ottawa real estate investor approached us with a newly completed multi-unit rental property in Almonte (Ottawa), they needed more than just a listing agent— they needed a team who could help maximize revenue, stabilize tenancy, and ultimately sell the building with confidence (and for a profit).

Our mission was clear: rent it out quickly, price it right, and prep for a profitable sale.

The Adam Mills Team Approach To A Build-to-Rent Strategy👏

Adam Mills Realty Team, Manotick Ottawa

Step 1: Strategic Enhancements Before Leasing

When we joined this project it was in the final building stages, just about ready for leasing. However, even though our client is an experienced builder and Ottawa real estate investor, we were able to do a walk-through of the property, suggesting these value-add opportunities:

Smart Lock Systems

Using programmable padlocks on all doors (common & unit doors) is a great way to ensure easy access for you and your tenants, as well as increase security. We always suggest locks that allow a Master Code (for the landlord/owner & anyone else who may need it) and a Tenant Code (that tenants can change as they please & can be reset for new tenants).

Strategic Storage Solutions

Providing secure, weather-proof storage options for tenants can be a huge plus for potential renters. When building a multi-unit rental, we always suggest maximizing unit square-footage and functionality. So, having smart storage alternatives for tenants is always a good investment.

Thoughtful Waste Management

Waste management is often overlooked — but it’s critical in multi-unit developments. We helped identify the best location for trash and recycling sheds that would be accessible yet discreet. The setup keeps the property tidy while making it easy for tenants to follow pickup schedules.

Step 3: Almonte Market Rent Analysis

Having an experienced Realtor work with you to properly price your units is key to unlocking positive cash flow in a multi-unit building like this. Using neighbourhood comparables, market demand and doing a proper walk-through to account for all upgrades and finishes, we were able to recommend optimized monthly rental rates for each unit.

In this case, 201 & 203 Teskey have 3 identical units in each dwelling for a total of 6 units. The units are on the second floor, main level, and basement level and vary in size.

Step 3: Rental Marketing & Leasing Strategy

Our team was responsible for the marketing of these rental units which required a strong leasing strategy. Our goal was 100% occupancy in a short period of time. We also were responsible for all application screenings, showings, credit checks & implementing a standardized leasing schedule to take the pressure off of the owner.

Our Strategy:

With this unique situation, where all 6-units are coming to market at once, it was important to think strategically about our listings to generate demand without over-saturating the market

Instead of listing all 6 units at once we listed 3 at a time, one of each unit type (A, B & C). This way we were able to generate interest for each unit type without making the market look oversaturated (and therefore decrease overall demand). 

We also screened all applicants before showings and hosted group showings for all units. Why? To create a sense of urgency and competition for these units amongst potential applicants.

Once the landlord selected tenants from the candidates we provided and each of the listed units was leased, we would list the corresponding unit that was still available and we already had interest from applicants not selected for the previous listing, completely streamlining the process.

Results: ✅ 100% occupancy at or above market value.

Interior Kitchen, Unit A 201 Teskey, Almonte, Ottawa

Step 4: Prepping for MLS

Next up was prepping this building for MLS. Our client is an experienced builder/developer that wanted to create a fully stabilized rental building to sell at a profit. The goal was always to get to this point then turn over to a savvy investor.

Here’s what we did to get this fully-tenanted building ready to list:

A Final Walk-Through

Getting in some last minute finishing touches before listing a property is always a good idea. In some cases this would include minor repairs or cosmetic fixes. In this case, all we suggested was completing landscaping to show off the full potential of this property.

A Pro-Forma Report

Our 10-year pro-forma analysis is able to show the builder/investor an idea of the value they were able to generate with this property so we could properly list, including:

  • Rental income
  • Expenses
  • Cash flow
  • ROI
  • Equity Growth

Professional Listing Photography & Videography

The key to any good listing is high-quality photography and videography. As an experienced real estate team in the Ottawa-area we work with an amazing real estate videographer/photographer to capture the true magic of any property.

An Investor Focused Marketing Campaign

We optimized this listing to speak directly to potential investors looking for a property in the Ottawa-area. We were able to use our industry connections, client list, and investors exclusive mailing list to generate buzz around this property.

Summary ✍️

Exterior - 201/203 Teskey, Investment Property Case Study

With stabilized rents and conservative assumptions, this 6-unit new build in Almonte will generate positive cash flow from day one, a 78% ROI by year 5, and nearly $1M in equity by year 10— all while keeping operating costs lean and rent growth realistic.

For builders or investors looking to maximize returns without over-leveraging, this is a textbook example of a well-positioned mid-density build.

This project showcases how our real estate team supports builders and developers with more than just a listing. We help:

  • Maximize rental income
  • Stabilize new buildings
  • Create an attractive, data-backed resale package
  • Bridge the gap between building and selling

Whether it’s a multi-unit property or single-family, we treat each build as a long-term investment, not just a transaction. Helping you with the details along the way is what we’re best at.

Are You A Builder or Developer?

Let’s talk about how our real estate team can help rent and sell your next project — with smart pricing, full occupancy, and investor-ready positioning.

👉 book a call with us

👉 send us an email at [email protected]

P.S. We have an Investors ONLY email list where we share more case studies, exclusive listings, and other investment focused content!