Sean Erez is an entrepreneur and business executive in Montreal. He is the President and CEO of ShopUnder, an online store for authentic luxury brands. In recent years, Sean has focused on multi-residential real estate in Montreal, managing several luxury rental properties. Sean believes in designing buildings where beauty and profit are not the only factors. He wants to create communities where people feel supported and connected while living high-quality lives.
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Q: What does “luxury with a purpose” mean for you in real estate?
SEAN EREZ: Luxury with purpose goes beyond surface finishes and expensive details. It is a creation of spaces that offer a better living experience to residents and make them feel a part of something bigger. My opinion is that luxury must also encompass well-being, sustainability, and belonging. The building itself should provide more for its tenants than simple residences, allowing them to live better, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.
Q: How do you contain the costs of high-level features and still make the rentals viable?
SEAN EREZ: It’s always a dilemma concerning cost and value. We opt for features that improve long-term living, such as energy-efficient systems that reduce operating costs. Some amenities are high-end, but there are also shared facilities that provide great value yet do not impose excessive cost. We give people options for flexible leases and terms so that they can pick what suits their needs best. What matters is that we ensure every dollar spent returns real value to the tenants and supports long-term occupancy.
Q: How does community come into play in your buildings?
SEAN EREZ: Community lies at the heart of our building philosophy. Social areas such as lounges, gardens, or working areas aim to bring people together. We also organize programs and activities so residents have the chance to meet and connect. Small things such as apps for resident services or a notice board can help foster a sense of belonging among residents. When tenants consider their apartment as home and feel connected to their building, they tend to stay long and respect it as their own.
Q: What challenges come with this approach, and how do you deal with them?
SEAN EREZ: One thing is making sure all parties involved in development understand the vision. Contractors and managers may have cost and speed in mind, so we have to keep reminding the team of why we are doing something a certain way. Another challenge is that some luxury features require added attention, so staff training and a maintenance schedule become paramount. It gets harder when regulations impede innovation by not fitting within the mould of existing laws. In such instances, we find a solution working with city officials. Keeping the balance between profit and community investment is the biggest challenge, but it’s worth the effort.
Q: What piece of advice would you present to fellow developers and leaders?
SEAN EREZ: Put the people first. Buildings are more than units; they are places where people live their lives. Add as much flexibility into the design of spaces and leasing terms as possible. Success must be measured by other things apart from occupancy or rent prices, including resident satisfaction, retention, and engagement. Most importantly, start implementing new ideas on a small scale, test them, and build upon from there. This works in any city and helps developments last longer.
