Halifax continues to face growing demand for housing that serves its student population. With Dalhousie University and Saint Mary’s University attracting students from across Canada and abroad, pressure on the city’s rental market has increased as enrollment has grown. Matthew Oldford is a Halifax-based developer, design-build contractor, and founder of Matty’s Renos and East Oldford who is contributing to that need through two purpose-built student housing projects in Halifax’s South End. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in construction and financial planning, Matthew Oldford approaches these developments with a focus on planning, coordination, and long-term value.
The projects reflect a deliberate progression from residential renovations to larger multi-unit developments. Experience gained across roofing, construction management, financial planning, and project supervision now supports work intended to expand housing options in one of Halifax’s most active neighbourhoods.
Why Halifax’s Student Housing Gap Continues to Grow
Purpose-built student housing differs from conventional rental housing in several important ways. Students often seek accommodation close to campus, predictable lease arrangements that align with the academic year, and layouts that support shared living. Much of Halifax’s existing rental inventory was not originally designed to meet those needs.
Older converted homes remain common throughout the South End. While many continue to provide housing, they often present challenges related to layout, building systems, and modernization. As enrollment at Dalhousie University and Saint Mary’s University has increased, demand for housing designed specifically for students has continued to place pressure on available supply.
Purpose-built developments help address that gap by providing housing intended for student occupancy near major educational institutions. Location plays an important role because convenient access to campuses, libraries, and public transit can improve day-to-day living for students while supporting stable occupancy over time.
Matthew Oldford’s Approach to Purpose-Built Development
Developing multi-unit residential buildings requires construction expertise alongside careful financial planning. Coordinating multiple trades, managing schedules, and maintaining project budgets become increasingly important as developments grow in size and complexity.
Matthew Oldford brings experience from several areas of the construction industry. Work as a LIUNA-affiliated foreman included supervising crews of approximately 10 to 15 workers on multi-unit job sites, providing practical experience in scheduling, communication, and day-to-day project coordination.
Financial planning also plays an important role in this work. After completing the Canadian Securities Course (CSC) and the Life Licence Qualification Program (LLQP), Matthew Oldford spent five years as a financial planner with Scotiabank before working as a mobile mortgage specialist. That background supports informed budgeting, financing evaluation, and long-term planning throughout the development process.
Rather than viewing construction and finance as separate disciplines, Matthew Oldford’s development approach combines both perspectives throughout planning and execution. This integrated perspective supports decision making from early project evaluation through construction.
Building Performance Through Insulated Concrete Form Construction
Through East Oldford, Matthew Oldford operates an Insulated Concrete Form division that supports multi-unit construction projects. ICF construction uses reinforced concrete placed within insulated forms to create durable building walls with improved energy performance compared with conventional wood-frame construction.
For residential developments in Nova Scotia, energy performance and long-term durability can influence operating costs over the life of a building. Maintaining this capability within the company also provides greater oversight during one of the most technically demanding phases of construction.
Strong planning during foundation work helps establish an organized sequence for the remaining stages of development, supporting scheduling and coordination as additional trades move onto the project.
Matthew Oldford’s Active Student Housing Projects in Halifax
Matthew Oldford is currently developing two purpose-built student housing projects in Halifax’s South End. Their location places them close to Dalhousie University and Saint Mary’s University, where demand for student accommodation continues to be concentrated. These projects represent an extension of Matthew Oldford’s work from residential renovation into larger multi-unit development while maintaining an emphasis on careful planning and project coordination.
The student housing developments complement a 17-unit residential building on Prince Albert Road in Halifax. Together, these projects reflect continued involvement in expanding housing options across different segments of the local market. Managing multiple developments at the same time requires consistent scheduling, communication among trades, and attention to project timelines from beginning to end.
Matthew Oldford on Meeting a Defined Housing Need
Purpose-built student housing responds to a specific demand rather than a general market trend. Students often require accommodation that is located near campus, designed for shared living, and available on predictable leasing schedules. Delivering those projects requires experience in construction management, financial planning, and multi-trade coordination.
Matthew Oldford’s work in student housing development reflects an approach built on experience gained across roofing, renovation, financial planning, and multi-unit construction. Each stage of that career contributes practical knowledge that supports larger residential developments serving Halifax’s growing population.
As Halifax continues to evolve, additional housing options remain an important part of the city’s long-term development. Purpose-built student housing can help address demand near major educational institutions while adding modern residential inventory designed for the needs of its occupants.
A Long-Term Commitment to Residential Development
Student housing has become an increasingly important part of Halifax’s residential landscape as university enrollment continues to place pressure on available rental supply. Responding to that demand requires more than identifying development opportunities. It also requires the ability to coordinate construction, manage project financing, and guide projects from planning through completion.
Matthew Oldford continues to apply experience gained throughout more than two decades in construction and finance to residential development projects across Halifax and Nova Scotia. The current student housing developments in the South End reflect that progression while contributing to housing intended for one of the city’s most active neighbourhoods.
About Matthew Oldford
Matthew Oldford is a Halifax-based developer, design-build contractor, and founder of Matty’s Renos and East Oldford. With more than two decades of experience across residential construction, financial planning, trade supervision, and multi-unit development, Matthew Oldford works throughout Halifax and Nova Scotia. His background includes the Canadian Securities Course (CSC), the Life Licence Qualification Program (LLQP), five years as a financial planner with Scotiabank, and experience as a LIUNA-affiliated foreman managing multi-unit construction projects. Learn more through Matthew Oldford’s official website.
