As the clock winds down on 2024, we find ourselves reflecting on a year that was as transformative as it was inspiring.
This past year wasn’t just about ticking off milestones—it was about redefining what’s possible when a community comes together. Whether it was innovative new investment opportunities, impactful housing projects, or moments of growth and learning, 2024 solidified the power of community capital in shaping Canadian real estate.
Let’s dive into some of the key moments that made this year unforgettable.
🤑 The First Hard Money Loan Exit
In November, the addy community celebrated a groundbreaking achievement: the successful exit of our first Hard Money Loan. A total of 170 investors received their principal back plus interest, equating to a 13.46% annualized return in just 51 days, paying out a total of $101,668.75 to investors through addy.
This loan, secured against a $2.4 million single-family home in Vancouver, provided a risk-adjusted opportunity for our members while demonstrating the potential of asset-backed investments. With its success, the Hard Money Loan exit became a tangible example of how everyday investors can access innovative financial products traditionally reserved for the few.
🚀 New Frontiers: Launching the Scott McGillivray Real Estate Fund II and Our First Land Loan
This year also saw addy expanding its investment options with the debut of the Scott McGillivray Real Estate Fund II and our first-ever Land Loan. These opportunities reflect our commitment to providing diverse, accessible real estate investments:
- The Scott McGillivray Real Estate Fund II offered exposure to three major development projects in Southern Ontario, including a condominium tower in Hamilton and a two-tower development in Toronto. Previously reserved for institutional investors, the fund’s accessibility through addy democratized entry to large-scale, high-growth urban real estate projects.
- The Land Loan introduced members to a different type of real estate investment, further diversifying the opportunities available on our platform.
Both initiatives underscore our mission to break down barriers in the real estate market, enabling participation at any financial level.
📉 Evolving Market Conditions: Interest Rate Changes in 2024
This year brought significant shifts in the financial landscape. After maintaining a steady 5% interest rate through mid-2024, the Bank of Canada began reducing rates, culminating in a year-end rate of 3.25%. These changes created new dynamics for investors and issuers, encouraging strategic adaptations to the evolving market.
📱 Expanding Accessibility: Android App Launch
In September, we reached a significant milestone in addy’s mobile development, launching the addy app for Android. Available on Google Play, the app represents our commitment to making real estate investing as accessible as possible.
This expansion ensures that more people across Canada can participate in real estate opportunities through their mobile devices, making investing even more accessible.
🏆 Conversations That Matter: The Year’s Most Popular Podcast Episode
The addy podcast continued to ignite important conversations in 2024, with Episode #31 – The Currency Conundrum with Jeff Booth becoming the year’s most popular episode.
This discussion delved into the dynamics of inflation, deflation, and governmental control over currency, offering valuable insights for listeners navigating today’s complex economic environment.
💪 Strengthening Due Diligence: Lessons That Shape the Future
In 2024, we committed to refining our due diligence processes to ensure transparency and trust. Through enhanced issuer evaluations, comprehensive mortgage details, and regular communication updates, we’ve fortified our platform to empower members with the tools they need to make informed decisions. This evolution reflects our dedication to continuous improvement based on community feedback and industry insights.
🏃♂️ Building Momentum for 2025
As we step into 2025, one thing is clear: the power of community capital has only begun to reveal its potential. This collective force, driven by everyday people pooling resources, has not only created tangible housing solutions but also redefined what is possible in real estate investment. It shows that we don’t need to wait for institutions to drive change—we can be the catalysts for progress in our own neighbourhoods.
At addy, we’re more committed than ever to empowering individuals to participate in shaping the future of their communities. By coming together, we’ve proven that we can address some of the biggest challenges in housing and investment. The opportunities ahead are immense, and we’re excited to continue this journey with you. Together, let’s make 2025 a year of innovation, impact, and collective success.
