Equiton's flagship real estate fund hits $1.06bn in AUM, rewarding investors with steady growth
Equiton’s flagship real estate fund, the Equiton Residential Income Fund Trust (Apartment Fund), has surpassed $1bn in assets under management (AUM), achieving a significant milestone with $1.06bn following its latest acquisition in Welland, Ontario.
Since its launch in 2016, the Fund has grown steadily, navigating challenging economic conditions such as the COVID-19 pandemic and periods of high inflation and interest rates.
Equiton was founded with a vision of making Canadian real estate investing accessible. The company has grown from three employees to over 200, with offices in Burlington and Toronto.
Over 12,000 investors have benefited from the Fund’s growth, which now includes 38 residential properties with 3,117 income-producing units across Canada. The Fund offers a mix of reliable monthly cash flow and capital appreciation, positioning it well for continued success as interest rates fall.
CEO and founder Jason Roque attributes the Fund’s success to conservative management, stating, “We have grown the Apartment Fund rapidly over the years, but our progress has always been underpinned by a deep commitment to conservative management. This has enabled us to consistently reward investors and enhance resident satisfaction.”
The Fund remains an active buyer and steward of rental properties, attracting a rapid inflow of new investors.
Equiton Living, the Fund’s in-house property management arm, plays a crucial role in executing the Fund’s strategy. The Fund has invested nearly $50m in capital improvements, including in-suite renovations and energy-saving upgrades.
One successful project involved converting underutilized storage rooms into nine rental units at a property in Mississauga, increasing the property’s fair value and addressing local housing needs. This approach exemplifies Equiton’s tagline, “We see what others don’t.”
Helen Hurlbut, president, and chief financial officer at Equiton, emphasizes the importance of resident satisfaction, noting that sentiment has steadily increased within the portfolio. In 2023, three buildings within the Apartment Fund received the SatisFacts Resident Satisfaction Award.
“Our strategy is designed to be a win-win for all our stakeholders,” says Hurlbut. “We make real estate accessible to Canadian investors, helping them grow their wealth while enhancing the experience of our residents.”
Since its inception, the Fund has delivered an annualized return of 11.0 percent (Class F DRIP), aligning with its targeted net return of 8 percent to 12 percent.
The Fund has consistently reported positive returns and made all distributions, supported by sustainable financial practices, transparency, and ethical governance.
Reflecting on the Fund’s achievements, Roque acknowledges the contributions of Equiton’s employees, especially the on-site Resident Managers, stating, “I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built together.”
