Explore the current landscape of commercial real estate and the alarming rise in delinquency rates, particularly in the office sector. Predict future trends for CMBS issuance and how economic factors will shape 2025. Discover emerging opportunities in cities like San Francisco and Houston, influenced by migration and growth. Delve into urgent infrastructure challenges regarding power and water for developers. The hosts also tease their upcoming 300th milestone with fresh guest insights and engagement opportunities.
The CMBS delinquency rate rose to 6.57%, with the office sector facing significant challenges due to remote work trends.
Predictions for 2025 suggest an increase in CMBS issuance, potentially reaching $120 billion to $140 billion amid economic stabilization.
Emerging markets like San Francisco and Houston are highlighted for their recovery potential, influenced by changing policies and demographic trends.
Deep dives
Reflection on 2024's Economic Trends
The discussion begins with a reflection on the unpredictable economic landscape of 2024, emphasizing that the financial market did not behave as anticipated. In particular, the 10-year Treasury had an unexpected round trip that complicated predictions for the coming year. The team reflects on how interest rate expectations dramatically changed, with initial optimism about rate cuts not materializing until late in the year. This highlights the inherent uncertainty of financial forecasting, especially in interconnected global markets.
Delinquency Rates and Challenges
Recent delinquency data revealed a slight increase in the overall U.S. CMBS delinquency rate, which rose to 6.57%. While this increase is relatively modest compared to past highs, significant challenges remain, particularly within the office sector. The office delinquency rate surged to a record 11.01%, attributed to a concentration of delinquencies among poorly performing properties, notably malls and older office spaces. This trend indicates the enduring struggle for the office sector, amidst evolving work-from-home dynamics and high interest rates.
Sector Performance Variations
The podcast explores differences in delinquency rates across property types, noting significant variations. While industrial delinquency improved, lodging saw a decrease, indicating some resilience in these sectors. Conversely, multifamily and retail properties experienced increases in delinquency, with specific emphasis on the performance of certain malls as primary contributors to negative trends. The team uses these statistics to underscore the complexities faced by each sector as they navigate a challenging economic environment.
Predictions for 2025
Moving forward, the team discusses predictions for CMBS issuance and interest rate volatility in 2025. Expectations are set for an increase in CMBS issuance, potentially reaching between $120 billion and $140 billion due to a more stabilized market outlook. Interest rates are also anticipated to fluctuate within a narrow band, reflecting the unpredictable nature of economic drivers. These forecasts underscore optimism for gradual recovery in the broader commercial real estate market despite ongoing pressures in specific sectors.
Looking Ahead: Emerging Markets and Events
The podcast concludes with discussions on potential emerging real estate markets for 2025, highlighting cities like San Francisco and Houston for their unique recovery narratives. The hosts emphasize how changing policies are affecting these markets and the importance of monitoring demographic shifts. Additionally, they announce upcoming events, including significant conferences and their own CRE event planned for mid-2025, which aims to foster connections and discussions within the industry. This forward-looking segment illustrates a commitment to navigating the evolving landscape of commercial real estate.
In this week's episode of The TreppWire Podcast, we delve into the current landscape of the commercial real estate (CRE) market, providing some much needed context for 2025. We begin by analyzing the latest CMBS delinquency data, offering our interpretations and breaking down the numbers dating back to January 2000, when Trepp first began tracking these rates. We spend some time reflecting on 2024 and provide additional predictions for the new year in terms of issuance, distress metrics, interest rates, and other factors that may impact the CRE market. We wrap up the episode with themes we saw in the credit stories we reported throughout the year and discuss where there is room for opportunities. Tune in now.