Carrying Costs
Learn about carrying costs in Canadian real estate — what they are, why they matter, and how they impact investment returns.

August 07, 2025
What are Carrying Costs?
Carrying costs, also known as holding costs, are the ongoing expenses incurred by property owners while holding real estate before it is sold, leased, or redeveloped.
Why Carrying Costs Matter in Real Estate
In Canadian real estate, carrying costs impact profitability and cash flow, especially for investors and developers.
Common carrying costs include:
Understanding carrying costs helps owners evaluate investment feasibility and plan exit strategies.
Example of Carrying Costs in Action
The developer factored carrying costs like property taxes and insurance into the project's overall budget.
Key Takeaways
- Recurring expenses while holding a property
- Includes taxes, mortgage, and maintenance costs
- Affects cash flow and project profitability
- Important for investors and developers
- Helps determine holding period feasibility
Related Terms
- Operating Costs
- Capital Reserve
- Vacancy Rate
- Budgeting
- Carrying Capacity

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Jon Sailer














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