Yuval Shram, founder and CEO of TAY Investments, shared his approach to multifamily real estate development on the Mr. Deed Podcast, emphasizing a long-term vision and wellness-driven amenities as key to building sustainable value. With over 15 years of experience and a portfolio exceeding 1,550 residential units and $475 million in market value across North America and Europe, Shram’s insights offer a counterpoint to short-term investment strategies.
Shram entered real estate during the 2008 financial crisis, starting with small residential properties like duplexes and fourplexes. He described his incremental growth as “step by step,” a discipline that allowed TAY Investments to expand steadily. Rather than trying to time the market, Shram advocates staying consistently active. “Sometimes the waves are high, sometimes the waves are low,” he said. “You just got to be in the water. If you’re in the water long enough, you’ll catch the right wave.” His philosophy focuses on desirable locations, affordable units relative to the market, and long-term profitability.
Central to TAY’s strategy is a “forever hold” mentality, where Shram evaluates each acquisition through a multigenerational lens—asking whether he would be comfortable leaving the building to his children and grandchildren. This approach drives investment in quality materials and proactive maintenance, avoiding short-term cost-cutting that erodes value. “When you’re building for yourself,” Shram noted, “every corner you cut is going to bite you eventually.”
A standout element of TAY’s recent projects is the “Sanctuary” amenity concept, featured at Hue Soul, a 116-unit development in East Orange, New Jersey. Inspired by a hotel experience in Thailand, Shram created a ground-floor wellness hub with a gym, dry and wet sauna, cold plunge, and outdoor pool. The goal is to support tenants’ physical and mental health within the building, fostering community and reducing turnover. “You wake up, you take care of yourself, you go to work as a better version of yourself,” he said. “Everybody wins.”
Shram advises aspiring entrepreneurs to “walk your own path,” resisting the urge to copy competitors or chase trends. For more insights, the full conversation is available on the Mr. Deed Podcast. Additional information about TAY Investments can be found at TAY Investments.
The implications of Shram’s approach are significant for the multifamily housing industry: by prioritizing long-term ownership and wellness amenities, developers can potentially enhance tenant satisfaction and retention, while building assets that appreciate over generations. This contrasts with the prevalent five-to-seven-year flip cycles, suggesting a shift toward more sustainable development practices.
