Toronto, ON – As thousands of pre-construction condos across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) move into interim occupancy, a growing number of non-residents of Canada are discovering how complex it is to manage the process from abroad. From booking and attending the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) to arranging landlord insurance, utilities, and leasing, many non-resident owners simply cannot be in Toronto to handle the details themselves.

Buttonwood Property Management, a Toronto-based firm focused on the GTA, has developed an end-to-end solution specifically for non-resident investors whose pre-construction condo is approaching interim occupancy while they are living overseas.

The Non-Resident Challenge: Interim Occupancy From a Distance

For non-residents of Canada, interim occupancy is often the most stressful part of the pre-construction journey. The builder is ready to hand over keys and begin charging occupancy fees, but:

• The owner may be several time zones away and unable to attend the PDI in person.

• Local landlord insurance needs to be in place even before a tenant moves in.

• Utilities set up, fobs and keys must be set up and tested.

• Window coverings, and basic safety checks have to be coordinated onsite.

On top of that, many non-resident owners are still deciding whether to rent long term, or hold vacant for personal use a few months per year, or simply sell as the rent in many instances if not enough to cover expenses. Trying to make these decisions and manage every appointment remotely can quickly become overwhelming.

From PDI to Key Handover: A Turnkey Process for Non-Residents

Buttonwood Property Management has created a start-to-finish framework designed for pre-construction condo investors who live abroad. Acting as the owner’s local real estate experts in the GTA, the firm helps non-residents of Canada by:

• Managing the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI): Attending the PDI on the owner’s behalf, documenting deficiencies with photos and detailed notes, and submitting reports to the builder for follow-up and remediation.

• Coordinating Interim Occupancy Handover: Handling key pick-up, suite access, and liaising with the builder to confirm that the unit is ready and safe for occupancy.

• Setting Up Essentials: Coordinating window covering installation, professional cleaning, lock changes if required… Going through a thorough checklist to ensure the property is in “tenant-ready” condition.

• Preparing for Leasing: Conducting fair rental value assessment, coordinating professional photography, analysing and recommending improvements that make the condo more competitive in the GTA rental market.

For non-resident owners, this means the entire transition from construction site to rental ready condo can be managed without a single flight to Toronto.

Landlord Insurance, Compliance, and Non-Resident Realities

A recurring pain point for non-residents is understanding what needs to be in place before a tenant moves in. Buttonwood helps owners navigate:

• Landlord Insurance: Ensuring the correct policy type is in place for a rental property, not just standard owner-occupied coverage but landlord insurance with the adequate liability coverage.

• Building Rules and Compliance: Reviewing condo bylaws, move-in procedures, elevator bookings, and any restrictions that affect how and when tenants can occupy the unit.

• Non-Resident Considerations: Assistance with tax withholding on rental income for non-residents of Canada (NR4/NR6) so that international investors stay compliant with Canada Revenue Agency requirements while living abroad.

Buttonwood property management‘s local expertise in the real estate rules and regulations as well as non-resident government requirements, help position investors well and ensure their investment success.

As an international investor you don’t have to keep up with the various entities to ensure compliance such as OREA/CREA, Landlord Tenant Board, Ontario Building Code, Ontario Fire Code, Human Rights Tribunal and much more because we do that on your behalf.

Turning a Pre-Construction Condo Into a GTA Rental Asset

Once interim occupancy begins and the unit is ready, Buttonwood’s core property management platform takes over. For non-resident owners who want a truly hands-off experience, the firm handles:

• Market-Driven Rental Pricing: Setting realistic rents based on current GTA conditions rather than on an owner’s carrying costs alone.

• Professional Leasing: Marketing the condo, screening tenants, verifying employment and references, and handling leasing documentation and contracts.

• Ongoing Management: Rent collection, maintenance coordination, periodic inspections, communication with the condo corporation, and 24/7 emergency response.

By closing the loop from PDI to occupied rental units, non-residents of Canada can convert their pre-construction condo into an income-producing asset without needing to be physically present in Toronto.

A GTA-Focused Partner for Non-Resident Investors

Not all property management firms are set up to support non-resident owners during interim occupancy. Buttonwood’s focus on the Greater Toronto Area means its team understands local builders, condo corporations, and neighbourhood dynamics across Toronto, North York, Oakville, Mississauga, Markham, Etobicoke, Scarborough, and surrounding communities.

The firm encourages non-resident buyers to think beyond construction completion dates and plan for:

• The timing and implications of interim occupancy. (Is the builder allowing you to list on MLS and sign a 1 year lease?)

• How and when landlord insurance should be activated.

• What level of finishes, layouts, and locations perform best with long-term tenants in the GTA.

With a clear process and a local partner in place, non-resident investors can treat their GTA condos as professionally managed businesses rather than distant, stressful projects.

Long-Term Stewardship for Owners Living Abroad

For many non-residents of Canada, a Toronto pre-construction condo is part of a long-term wealth strategy. Buttonwood’s role is to provide ongoing stewardship: keeping units well-maintained, tenanted with quality renters, and aligned with each owner’s financial goals.

From securing landlord insurance for closing, Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI), preparing the unit for rental, finding and vetting the right tenants, to maintenance/repairs and emergencies, as well as bookkeeping, tax withholding on rental income NR4/NR6. Buttonwood Property Management offers a comprehensive, on-the-ground solution for non-resident owners who want the GTA condo experience without the day-to-day hassle. We do everything on your behalf so that you can focus on what’s important to you and your family.

About Buttonwood Property Management

Buttonwood Property Management is a Toronto-based property management company specializing in residential properties across the Greater Toronto Area, including pre-construction condos, condo townhouses, freehold townhouses, single-family homes. With a focus on transparency, careful cost control, and stable tenancy, Buttonwood helps local and non-resident investors protect cash flow and long-term asset value while providing well-managed homes for tenants.

Media Contact
Company Name: Buttonwood Property Management Inc.
Contact Person: Sabine Ghali
Email: Send Email
Phone: (416) 835-7191
Address:2 St Claire Street West Suite 1800
City: Toronto
State: Ontario
Country: Canada
Website: www.buttonwood.ca