While I try not to be a typical ‘real estate industry spokesperson,’ I must say it is frustrating to read, hear and see the perpetual stories about why the Toronto real estate market is about to collapse.

Are rising interest rates going to be the straw that breaks the camel’s back?

Frankly, having been through markets that managed to survive interest rates that were double, triple (or more) the current rates, I doubt it.

I would certainly discourage ‘flippers’ (now, and always have) but I believe real estate – and Toronto – will continue to be a very credible and appealing investment option.

Does that mean Toronto real estate is risk free or guaranteed to continuously increase? Of course not. But consider the alternatives.

Savings accounts, bonds and other ‘safe’ places are offering virtually no rate of return. In fact, most bonds are likely to drop in value as rates inevitably rise (lose, lose for the investor; win, win for the issuer and the broker).

The stock market? Please, quickly name a single stock that could be unquestionably considered a “blue chip” investment? How about art? Showbusiness? Antiques?

For most people, real estate is amongst the few places left that offers two very special and understandable features:

• It’s not likely to suddenly evaporate
• Eventually it will go up

Harry Stinson was one of the first Toronto developers to recognize the potential for urban condominiums, to develop residential lofts, and to convert old office and warehouse buildings into residential spaces. His current project is the Stinson School Lofts, an 1894 heritage building in Hamilton, Ont., that he is converting into stylish and affordable lofts.