Commercial real estate (CRE) is a significant and dynamic part of the global economy. It is the third largest asset class after fixed income and equities, with a market that is valued at approximately $15 trillion.
However, the CRE sector is going through a challenging period, with the US Federal Reserve (Fed) and other major central banks around the world hiking rates aggressively. This has raised concerns about the potential impact on the sector, given its reliance on debt and bank financing. This has been compounded by recent stress among US regional banks, which are a key source of lending to owners. So, how can investors navigate this volatile environment and make profitable decisions about CRE?
Understanding the impact of tightening cycles on the market: The first thing investors need to know is how interest rate hikes impact the market. Property values and rents tend to rise with inflation. So, when the Fed hikes rates, it causes borrowing costs to increase and, therefore, weigh on property values and rents. But, not all property types are equally impacted by rate hikes. For instance, research shows that the multifamily sector is the most vulnerable to interest rate hikes, while industrial and office properties tend to be the most resilient.
Location matters: Investors should also pay attention to where the property is located. While interest rates are rising, capital has started to flow away from weaker markets and toward stronger ones with better economic fundamentals. Investors who focus on markets that are performing well, have strong rent growth and appreciate in value are more likely to see sustained returns, despite rising rates.
Diversification through real estate investment trusts (REITs): Another way investors can navigate the volatile CRE market is to invest in real estate investment trusts (REITs), as they are structured to be more resilient to rate hikes. Their business model allows them to diversify assets across markets, property types, and capital sources, which helps to mitigate risk in the face of rising interest rates.
Aligning with a market expert: When it comes to investing in CRE, local expertise is key. Real estate is a complex, nuanced industry, so having a seasoned Commercial Real Estate Specialist who is knowledgeable about local markets is crucial.
A long-term perspective: Finally, taking a long-term view of CRE investment can help investors manage volatility. As the saying goes, time in the market is more important than timing the market. In other words, investors that maintain a long-term investment horizon can weather market fluctuations, benefiting from the steady cash flows and appreciation in property values in a rising interest rate environment.
Navigating a volatile CRE market is not without its challenges. Investors must carefully assess the impact of interest rate hikes on the specific property type and location they are considering and maintain exposure to asset classes resilient to rate hikes. Choosing the right Commercial Real Estate Specialist with expertise in multiple markets and investing in alternative vehicles such as REITs to achieve diversification is also essential. Finally, taking a long-term view of CRE investment can help investors weather market volatility and maintain exposure to the sector's sustained cash flows and appreciation in a rising-rate environment.
Let's have a call so you can take advantage of my expertise as we work together to identify good opportunities that can still achieve returns in the face of this challenging rate environment.