Vancouver Commercial Real Estate Podcast

Providing real-time insight into today's commercial real estate industry.

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July 16, 2025
VCREP #170: Retail’s New Frontier: Why Investors are Shifting Gears in Commercial Real Estate with David Basche

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What's driving the surge of investor interest in retail? Is industrial still the safe bet it once was? In this week's episode, David Basche, President of Astria Properties, returns to share how his firm is expanding from industrial into retail projects and why certain markets like Vancouver Island and Alberta are catching their eye.

From pre-leasing challenges to future development potential, David unpacks how evolving market dynamics, construction costs, and shifting tenant demands are reshaping opportunities in commercial real estate. Is retail the new darling of CRE? What's behind the slowdown in industrial deals? And which regions might offer the best upside for investors in 2025 and beyond?

Tune in for an insider's perspective on where smart money is headed next.

Guest Information

David Basche is the President of Astria Properties and has extensive experience in industrial and complex real estate projects. For a decade, he specialized in development and acquisitions for one of Canada’s leading real estate developers before taking the role as president of Astria Properties.

His deep expertise in the space allows him to evaluate projects holistically, with a keen understanding of the opportunities and risks that each presents. David’s main focus at Astria is on strategic growth of the organization and oversight of the company’s day-to-day operations.

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Vancouver Commercial Real Estate Podcast

For all the curious minds interested in commercial real estate investing, grab a coffee and pull up a chair because we have exclusive stories and tips from commercial real estate brokers, investors, developers, economists, urban planners, and everyone in-between. From the successes and failures to the motivations and lessons learned, the Vancouver Commercial Real Estate Podcast is your insight into commercial real estate in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, and beyond.

What's the best real estate market to invest in? What are the commercial real estate asset classes and property types? Hosted by Cory Wright, founder of William Wright Commercial, and co-hosts Adam and Matt Scalena of the Vancouver Real Estate Podcast, our podcast opens the door to real estate investing for everyone from beginner investors to experienced real estate professionals. New episodes are released every Tuesday. Follow the Vancouver Commercial Real Estate Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, or your favourite streaming platforms.

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This communication is not intended to cause or induce breach of an existing agency agreement. E&OE: All information contained herein is from sources deemed reliable, and have no reason to doubt its accuracy; however, no guarantee or responsibility is assumed thereof, and it shall not form any part of future contracts. Properties are submitted subject to errors and omissions and all information should be carefully verified. All measurements quoted herein are approximate.