Industry News

May 26, 2021 12:30 PM

IRS Rejects Developer-led Attempts to Expand 8,700 Opportunity Zone Boundaries

Despite developer efforts to have boundaries expanded for nearly 8,700 opportunity zones, the IRS said the zones are established and not subject to change, The Real Deal reported May 17. Both developers and investors sought to expand the areas where opportunity zone investments — and tax breaks — could be claimed after Census Bureau maps were updated.

Oct 20, 2020 12:30 PM

Banks Reduce FHA Loans as Delinquencies Skyrocket: Report

A record 15.7% of FHA borrowers were behind on their mortgages as of mid-2020, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association, and that has caused some lenders to tighten credit standards and restrict loan availability, Bankrate.com reported Oct. 14. During the same period, only 6.7% of borrowers with conventional loans were late with their payments.

Oct 20, 2020 12:30 PM

Mall Conversions Reduce Property Values: Barclays

Hundreds of the nation’s roughly 1,100 malls are expected to close in the next few years, but converting the properties for other uses, such as fulfillment centers, apartments, schools or medical offices, could reduce their property values anywhere from 60% to 90%, according to a report from financial firm Barclays, CNBC reported Oct. 15.

Oct 20, 2020 12:30 PM

Retail Sector Continues to Struggle Even as US Economy Improves: Wells Fargo

The vacancy rate in the retail sector jumped to 4.8% during the second quarter, marking its highest level since 2016, and asking rents fell for the first time since 2013, down 0.3% from the previous quarter, according to the Retail After the Pandemic report released Oct. 13 by Wells Fargo Securities, MBA NewsLink reported.

Oct 14, 2020 12:30 PM

US Economic Outlook Depends on Spread of COVID-19: Fed

The U.S. economic outlook is still uncertain and depends on controlling the spread of the coronavirus, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell told attendees at the National Association for Business Economics annual meeting Oct. 6, ABA Banking Journal reported. Powell warned that a long period of slow economic progress could worsen current disparities in the economy.

Oct 14, 2020 12:30 PM

Commercial Deals, Rent Relief Requests on the Rise: NAOIP

More deals were struck in the industrial, office and multifamily sectors in September than in August, but building owners and managers also saw an increase in rent relief requests, NAOIP revealed Oct. 2 in its monthly survey on the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on commercial real estate. Only 74.1% of respondents reported on-time rent collections in September, compared with 83.4% in August.

Oct 13, 2020 12:30 PM

Student Housing Deals Stymied by Campus Closings, But Sector Looks Strong: Colliers

Investment in student housing properties has slowed considerably since the coronavirus has affected in-person education, but many properties are fully-leased — if not occupied — and continue to generate income, according to real estate firm Colliers International, National Real Estate Investor reported Oct. 6. Top-tier assets are commanding prices commensurate with what they would receive before the lockdown.

Oct 06, 2020 12:30 PM

Hotel, Retail Appraisals Show "Atrocious" Loss in Value: Data

An analysis of appraisals for 116 hospitality and retail properties conducted by lender Wells Fargo showed an “atrocious” loss in values, dropping about 27% since the loans were originated, PhillyNow reported Oct. 1. The appraisals show how some sectors have suffered under COVID-19 restrictions, and even as they ease, the public is reluctant to travel and spend money.

Oct 06, 2020 12:30 PM

Life Insurers to Face Loan Losses 50% Higher Than During Financial Crisis: Fitch

Life insurers in the U.S. are expecting their losses on commercial real estate loans to be 50% higher than they were during the 2007-08 financial crisis, according to the U.S. Life Insurers’ Mortgage Update released Oct. 1 by ratings agency Fitch Ratings, Commercial Property Executive reported. The report said losses could extend into 2021 because of regulatory forbearance actions.

Oct 06, 2020 12:30 PM

Retail, Office and Industrial Cap Rates at New Lows: Report

Cap rates in the single-tenant, net lease retail, office and industrial sectors reached record lows during the third quarter, down 19, 10 and 11 basis points, respectively, from the second quarter, real estate firm The Boulder Group reported Oct. 2 in its Q3 Net Lease Market Report. The drop is mainly due to the Fed’s announcement that interest rates will remain near zero at least through 2023.