20SW

More than just a lease: Finding a home with Concert Properties

At Concert Properties, we believe that renting an apartment should be more than just finding a place to live—it’s about creating a community where residents feel supported, connected and at home.

When Faven Gafoo discovered she was expecting her first child with her husband, finding a clean, spacious apartment within their budget initially felt impossible. “We almost gave up looking and were planning to move in with my parents,” she says. However, discovering 20 Samuel Wood, Concert Properties’ 21-storey purpose-built rental building in Etobicoke, Ontario, felt like a stroke of luck. Faven recalls the relief of being selected for one of the 70 below-market rental apartments available when the building opened in 2023, made possible through a partnership between Concert Properties, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the City of Toronto’s Open Door Affordable Housing Program. “When I got the email, I was jumping for joy. To get an affordable two-bedroom apartment where everything is brand new felt heaven-sent.”

Finding the apartment was just the beginning of Faven's positive experience. “The property management team made the moving in process so effortless and seamless; and continue to respond so quickly, often within minutes!” This level of responsive communication is made easier through Concert Properties’ convenient Resident Portal, which allows residents to make service or maintenance requests, pay rent and communicate with the team effortlessly.

Referring to Concert Properties’ 24/7 Concert On-Call property management service for residents, she adds, “It's so lovely that the team is even here on the weekend. You don't feel like you have to wait two or three days to hear back from them because they're on site. I’ve never experienced that as a renter before.”

And as a new mom, Faven has appreciated personal connections she has made, sharing that she and her family have become friends with the team, and they have enjoyed watching her daughter grow. “Since we’ve moved in, the employees don’t even feel like a property management team; they feel like family.”

This positive sentiment is echoed by Frey and Michelle Gyamfi, who have been residents of Concert Properties’ purpose-built rental building, The Westridge, in Vancouver’s Renfrew Heights, since 2014. “The property management staff have always been very supportive and generous with their time and concern. They respond quickly to any issues,” says Frey. Michelle adds, “All the staff are so remarkable and deeply appreciated. The way the property management team works together to keep us informed and updated makes us feel well cared for.”

Image

This sense of community, one that Concert Properties has tried to create at every property, has made a big difference for Faven and the Gyamfis. The company takes pride in hosting annual resident appreciation events where games, food and drinks are shared among staff and residents to make people feel supported and connected. “Everyone’s so polite and it’s so diverse. You see young couples, people with kids, and it feels like a beautiful, family-knit community,” Faven says. The Gyamfis feel the same way, explaining, “People from different parts of the world bring their unique experiences, and the many different ages of the residents here add to the richness of the community.” They have enjoyed watching their community evolve, from welcoming new neighbours to the addition of pets and even bee hives.

Kerri Jackson, Senior Vice President, Property Management, emphasizes, “At Concert Properties, we are committed to creating diverse communities, where everyone feels at home and valued. Our team strives for excellence—from the level of the service we provide to the quality of our amenities—all in an effort to make a positive difference in the lives of our residents."  

Image

For Faven, the amenities and convenient location have significantly improved her day-to-day life. “The gym is my favourite, and the ensuite laundry is amazing, especially with a young child. On top of that, everything you need is right there—grocery stores, restaurants, the Kipling subway station.” Similarly, the Gyamfis also enjoy the amenities available at Westridge, including a garden plot, a gym and a barbeque area.

As Faven and the Gyamfis attest, these are more than just rental suites; they are communities where they can truly thrive. If you’re looking for a place to call home, click here to explore the available rental opportunities with Concert Properties.