Funds
Nov 22, 2024
CRE is more than just office spaces: Economist
CBRE Global chief economist and global head of research Richard Barkham shares insights on trends in the commercial real estate sector as companies increasingly push for employees to return to offices and reduce remote work arrangements. Barkham emphasizes that commercial real estate encompasses much more than just office spaces, including industrial facilities, retail locations, and residential apartments. "We've had a big value drop in commercial real estate and a rise in vacancies, particularly in the office sector, but I think as we move into 2025 with economic growth being fairly robust, I think we're at the start of a new real estate cycle," Barkham states. Discussing the current environment, he highlights that the rise of artificial intelligence will benefit the sector in the coming year, particularly through increased demand for data center facilities, noting that this segment is "on fire at the moment." Barkham also points to strong apartment rental demand despite the current market oversupply and mentions that retail is experiencing growth driven by "good consumer growth." However, when addressing the office sector, he acknowledges that "that's where the big problems in real estate have been," as vacancy rates continue to climb. Nevertheless, Barkham maintains a bullish outlook on this segment, stating that "even then the emerging trend is good" regarding office leasing activity. To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Asking for a Trend here. This post was written by Angel Smith
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Nov 21, 2024
US homebuyers are coming off sidelines after 2024 election, Fed cuts
Existing home sales rose by 3.4% in October, marking the first year-over-year gain since 2021 according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). To talk more about homebuying trends as mortgage rates remain elevated, Redfin head of economic research Chen Zhao and Kinloch Partners CEO Bruce McNeilage join Catalysts. Zhao explains how US homebuyers are now coming off the sidelines coming off the 2024 election and the Federal Reserve providing direction on its interest rate policy: "The number of people who are contacting Redfin agents for tours is up about 20% year over year right now, and it's at the highest level that it's been at since August of 2023." McNeilage goes on to comment on the interplay between rates on the housing market and the bond market (^TYX, ^TNX, ^FVX). He explains where homebuyers are running into key affordability issues: "The average house in America in the top 50 cities is about $414,000. So it's very tough to afford that when interest rates are going up. Now, if interest rates come down, you think you might be able to afford that $414,000. But the builders raised the price. And last year, the builders have raised the price on average 3%. You also have to look at taxes and insurance... [which] are not going down." To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Catalysts here. This post was written by Luke Carberry Mogan.
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