The famous real estate investor that once planned to tear down Carnegie Hall and replace it with a rather boring, but most likely profitable 40-story building once said, “The best investment on earth is earth.” While this may have been true for much of the past, the Covid-19 pandemic has challenged this notion, as the shift to “work from home” and “shelter in place” orders disrupted traditional commercial real estate (CRE) markets. However, as Covid-19 restrictions ease and a gradual return to the office takes place, we are starting to see a resurgence in urban markets and an increase in investments. According to CBRE, Commercial Real Estate investments were up 10% year over year, with acceptable risk.
As we come to the end of a tumultuous economic year, it is important for lenders to be aware of key trends and risks in the CRE market and how they may impact loan portfolios. In this article, we will explore these trends and the role of loan origination and portfolio monitoring tools in mitigating risk in CRE lending.
Interest rates and inflation
One of the major trends that is impacting the CRE market is the current environment of high inflation and rising interest rates. In an effort to address rising inflation, the Federal Reserve and other global banks have implemented consecutive interest rate hikes, some of which have been the largest in decades. These higher rates have significantly increased the cost of capital, which has had a cooling effect on the CRE market. According to MSCI, the overall number of commercial real estate deals declined by 29% in the first half of 2021 compared to the same period the previous year. Many lenders expect this trend to continue into the first part of 2023 as buyers are priced out of the market due to higher borrowing costs.
In addition to the impact on deal making, rising interest rates also pose a risk to CRE borrowers’ ability to service their debts. As rates increase, the cost of borrowing also increases, which can make it more difficult for borrowers to make their loan payments. This is especially concerning in an environment of high inflation, as it can lead to a decrease in purchasing power and make it harder for borrowers to afford their debt payments.
CRE valuations
Another trend that is impacting the CRE market is the varying impact of the “office first” trend on different sectors. As companies renegotiate rents and consider the redesign of their office spaces, the demand for office space may shift. This could have a ripple effect on other sectors, such as the retail and multifamily sectors. It is important for lenders to reevaluate the valuations of their CRE assets in light of these market changes.
In addition to the impact of the “office first” trend, it is also important for lenders to consider the potential impact of e-commerce on the retail sector of the CRE market. The shift to online shopping has already had a significant impact on traditional retail spaces, and this trend is likely to continue as consumers become more accustomed to shopping online. This could lead to a decrease in demand for retail space and a corresponding decrease in value.
Rent collection
The Covid-19 pandemic has also presented challenges in terms of rent collection for CRE landlords. With many businesses struggling financially as a result of the pandemic, landlords may have difficulty collecting rent payments. This can lead to increased risk for lenders who are providing financing for these properties.
To mitigate this risk, lenders may want to consider implementing strategies such as requiring additional security deposits or implementing rent forbearance programs. It is also important for lenders to be aware of the specific challenges and risks associated with collecting rent in different sectors of the CRE market, such as the retail and multifamily sectors.
The role of technology in the CRE market
The shift to remote work and the use of virtual tours and other technology-based solutions during the pandemic has had a significant impact on the CRE market. While it remains to be seen what the long-term impact of these technologies will be, it is likely that they will continue to play a role in the CRE market even after the pandemic subsides. For example, the use of virtual tours may make it easier for potential tenants to view properties remotely, which could increase the efficiency of the leasing process. Similarly, the shift to remote work may lead to a decrease in demand for traditional office space, as companies may opt for more flexible workspace solutions.
Demographic shifts and their impact on demand for different types of CRE properties
Demographic shifts, such as an aging population or an increase in the number of millennials entering the housing market, can also impact the demand for different types of CRE properties. For example, an aging population may lead to an increase in demand for senior living facilities, while an increase in the number of millennials entering the housing market may lead to an increase in demand for multifamily housing. It is important for lenders to be aware of these demographic trends and how they may impact the demand for different types of CRE properties.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several key trends and risks in the CRE market that lenders should be aware of when considering CRE assets for their loan portfolios. These include rising interest rates and inflation, changes in CRE valuations, challenges in rent collection, and the impact of technology and demographic shifts. By staying informed about these trends and using loan origination and portfolio monitoring tools, lenders can better assess and mitigate risk in CRE lending.
