Montreal entrepreneur Lin Sok launches OWNI platform to match co-home buyers

Lin Sok, a Montreal financial advisor, has launched OWNI, a platform designed to match people interested in buying real estate together — addressing what Sok describes as a real barrier many face when trying to purchase property alone.

"People have a real block when it comes to buying real estate, so they want to buy it," Sok said. "They do all the right things, but then when it comes to taking action, the process is so overwhelming."

Sok noted that co-buying has become a growing trend, primarily because real estate prices have risen for the last 10 to 15 years, making it the most affordable way to enter the market. The platform currently targets people interested in purchasing smaller plexes — duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes — where there is significant demand but many potential buyers cannot qualify alone.

SOK has partnered with realtors to launch Open House by Owni Connect, collaborative events designed to attract people who wouldn't normally visit multiplex properties. "The goal of these open houses is to attract people who wouldn't normally visit a triplex," she said. "And even if you're not ready today, well what do you need to do in order to get ready tomorrow?"

Sok emphasized the systemic importance of broad home ownership. "Not everybody has a mother, brother, uncle, friend who's willing to partner with them in order to buy real estate. But if we don't do it as the average people, then who's going to be left to buy the residential and the commercial real estate out there?" She also offered a critical tip: "Get a legal agreement in place. Everybody's happy when things work out, but then what happens when there's a disagreement, or somebody wants out?"