Joint Venture

Understand joint ventures in Canadian real estate — what they are, how they work, and why they’re used in development.

Joint Venture

July 29, 2025


What is a Joint Venture?

A joint venture in real estate is a partnership between two or more parties to develop, own, or operate a property or project, sharing risks, costs, and returns.

Why Joint Ventures Matter in Real Estate

In Canadian real estate, joint ventures allow entities to pool resources, access larger projects, and leverage complementary expertise.



Key features:
  • Defined by contract
  • Shared decision-making and profits
  • Flexible structure (corporate, partnership, trust)



Joint ventures are common in large-scale development, commercial investment, and redevelopment projects.

Example of a Joint Venture in Action

The developer and pension fund formed a joint venture to build a mixed-use community on 50 acres of urban land.

Key Takeaways

  • Partnership for real estate projects
  • Shares risks, costs, and profits
  • Used for large or complex deals
  • Defined by detailed agreement
  • Leverages strengths of partners

Related Terms

Additional Terms

Public Realm Improvements

Public realm improvements are enhancements to public spaces such as sidewalks, parks, plazas, and streetscapes, often funded or contributed by. more

Mortgagee in Possession

A mortgagee in possession is a lender who takes control of a property after borrower default, but before foreclosure or power of sale. The lender. more

Lease Surrender Agreement

A lease surrender agreement is a negotiated contract between a landlord and tenant that ends a lease before its scheduled expiration. Terms may. more

Green Infrastructure

Green infrastructure refers to natural or engineered systems that manage stormwater, reduce heat, and improve sustainability in developments.. more

Escrow Holdback

An escrow holdback is a portion of funds withheld at closing and held in escrow until specific conditions are met, such as completion of repairs,. more

Underused Housing Tax

The Underused Housing Tax (UHT) is a federal annual 1% tax on the value of vacant or underused residential property owned by non-resident,. more

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