Yahoo! Finance: The hotel sector benefits from 'muted' supply
Peachtree CEO Greg Friedman recently shared insights on the market with Madison Mills of the Yahoo Finance show Catalysts.
Adapting to Change: How Higher Interest Rates are Shaping Commercial Real Estate Investment Strategies
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Peachtree Group recently had the privilege of hosting David Bitner, a renowned expert in the commercial real estate industry, on our quarterly market update call. As the global head of research for Newmark, a leading commercial real estate advisor, David's insights on the ongoing transition in commercial real estate (CRE) were invaluable. His discussion outlined a significant shift in the commercial real estate market, highlighting the transition from a low-interest rate environment post-Global Financial Crisis (GFC) to a period of higher rates that are reshaping investment strategies.
Highlights from the conversation included:
- Interest Rates and Market Transition: The shift from historically low interest rates to a "more normal rate paradigm," emphasizing the end of a prolonged period of declining rates. This shift will likely affect all risk assets, including commercial real estate, by reducing the tailwinds that previously inflated asset prices and supported various investment strategies.
- Impact on CRE and Investments: As interest rates rise, the cost of borrowing increases, impacting the valuation and affordability of real estate investments. This shift could lead to higher capitalization rates (cap rates) and change the dynamics of investment returns, making it crucial for investors to adapt their strategies accordingly. Floating rate debt, once considered a cheaper option, may no longer be the most economical option due to rising rates.
- Market Volatility and Opportunities: While increased volatility in the market is expected as it adjusts to the new rate environment, it also brings a silver lining of opportunities. This can lead to both risks and opportunities. While some investors may face challenges, those with "dry powder" or readily available capital might find attractive entry points into the market, fostering a sense of optimism amidst the changes.
- Long-term Outlook and Strategy Adjustments: Investors need to prepare for a sustained period of higher interest rates and adjust their strategies to remain viable. This includes expecting higher costs of debt and being cautious of investment valuations that do not adequately account for the new economic conditions.
- Banking Sector and CRE Debt: There's a concern about the impact of rising rates on the banking sector, particularly smaller regional banks heavily invested in CRE loans. The potential for increased defaults and financial strain on these banks could lead to broader economic implications if not managed carefully.
- Long-term Implications for Asset Values and Investment Returns: The long-term outlook is cautious, with expectations of continued market adjustment to the higher rate environment. This adjustment is anticipated to be gradual, with investors continuing to reassess risk and return parameters.
Overall, the discussion highlights a transformative period in the commercial real estate market, prompted by the shift to a higher interest rate environment. This change presents an opportunity to refine investment strategies, enabling investors to navigate and capitalize on the evolving market dynamics effectively.
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Yahoo – Catalysts - The commercial real estate market (CRE) has struggled amid a prolonged high-interest-rate environment, but hotels have continued to outperform as demand surpasses supply. Peachtree Group CEO Greg Friedman joined Catalysts to discuss the market outlook.
Friedman explained that the pandemic "muted" new supply growth, and as demand has picked up with limited new construction, he believes the hotel industry is benefiting from supply being constrained. He points out supply in the hotel sector is growing at a 40% reduction, while demand remains resilient.
Friedman notes that "from an investment perspective," hotel assets trade at higher cap rates. With rates expected to remain elevated, Friedman states, "there's less negative leverage," making the sector increasingly attractive.
Regarding office spaces, Friedman sees potential for recovery. "I think we're heading towards a bottoming across the office sector," he said, pointing to rising vacant spaces being repurposed and transformed for new uses. "I think we're heading towards it being more investable," he added.
To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Catalysts here.
Peachtree Group's Market Update w/ Greg Friedman & Mark Zandi
Mark Zandi, Chief Econmist at Moody's Analytics joined Greg Friedman, Managing Principal and CEO of Peachtree Group for a 4th Quarter Market Update.
As we move into 2025, Peachtree Group remains optimistic about the U.S. economy. While risks persist—from policy shifts to stretched markets—the underlying fundamentals are strong. This sentiment was echoed by our recent guest speaker, Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody’s Analytics, who shared his insights on the economy’s resilience and the challenges ahead, particularly for commercial real estate.
Economic Highlights and Key Insights
Mark emphasized the exceptional performance of the U.S. economy, with GDP growth expected to range between 2.5% and 3%, driven by increased labor participation and productivity gains. The labor market remains strong, with unemployment hovering around 4%, and households—especially those in the top income tiers—benefit from strong asset values and low debt-service ratios. However, he noted the pressures on lower-income households, who are feeling the strain of inflation and high-interest debt. This contrast contributes to a gap between strong economic data and public sentiment.
Risks and Projections for 2025
He outlined several key risks that may shape the economic landscape in 2025:
- Tariffs and Immigration Policies: Anticipated increases in tariffs and stricter immigration rules could amplify inflation and disrupt labor markets, especially in industries like construction and agriculture.
- Asset Market Volatility: Stretched valuations and policy-driven fiscal deficits could heighten market instability.
- Interest Rate Outlook: The federal funds rate is projected to decline to 4% by early 2025, with a further reduction to 3% by 2026. Meanwhile, the 10-year Treasury yield, a key benchmark for CRE valuations, is expected to remain flat, between 4% and 4.5%.
Commercial Real Estate and Private Credit
Mark highlighted the explosive growth over the past decade on private credit, now standing at eight times its 2010 size. While recognizing the risks of this rapid expansion, he noted that stabilizing economic fundamentals is a significant mitigating factor.
He also addressed the current state of CRE valuations, acknowledging a significant correction since 2022. Asset prices are down 10–20% from their peaks, depending on asset type, but he expressed cautious optimism for future returns as valuations in many segments approach fair value. Challenges remain, however, as muted transaction volumes and uncertainty around intrinsic values make price discovery difficult in a higher interest rate environment. However, he concluded by emphasizing that CRE, having undergone a meaningful correction, is uniquely positioned for potentially stronger returns.
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Schwab Network: 'New Game' with High-Interest Rates
Greg Friedman discussed on the Schwab network how the high rate environment is reshaping valuations and refinancing, with 90% of office vacancies concentrated in just 30% of buildings.
Schwab Network – Greg Friedman joins Nicole Petallides at the NYSE site with a deep-dive into the high rate environment facing investors right now. When looking at the 10-year Treasury rate which is "more than double pre-2022 average," Greg believes its reshaping valuations and refinancing dynamics. In the real estate realm, he sees uneven performance saying "90% of office vacancies are in just 30% of office buildings."