The year 2023 proved to be a rollercoaster for commercial real estate, and U.S.-listed REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) felt the impact, facing a challenging descent of around 17% from their peaks at the end of 2021. Prices took a hit, plummeting approximately 22%, with October witnessing a staggering 35% decline.
The Resilience of REITs Amidst Tough Times
However, the narrative took an unexpected turn in the year’s final months, as Rich Hill, Head of Real Estate Strategy and Research at Cohen & Steers, reveals a notable rebound, with listed REITs surging more than 25%.
Amidst the turbulence, listed REITs demonstrated resilience, experiencing a remarkable recovery in November—marking it as the fifth-best month ever—and carrying that strength into December with returns hovering around 9%.
Rich Hill attributes this rebound to a decline in interest rates, both nominal and real, indicating a market that’s pricing in a 1% real rate environment.
Beyond Interest Rates: Factors Driving REITs Recovery
While interest rates play a pivotal role, Hill emphasizes that the recovery is not solely a result of rate dynamics. Credit markets are contributing significantly, with a notable tightening in credit spreads for both investment-grade corporate and real estate debt.
Growth remains robust, standing at approximately 5%, outperforming historical averages and recessionary environments. Hill suggests that the worst may be behind on the credit side, providing an optimistic outlook.
Office properties, representing around 3% of listed REIT exposure, have garnered outsized attention. Headlines about shocking declines in office property values—some as much as 50% from their peak—raise concerns.
Rich Hill acknowledges the validity of these concerns, estimating that office market valuations may only be halfway through their declines. While warranted, attention to offices highlights broader trends in the commercial real estate market.
People in the comments are worried, with one saying: “Considering the current state of the housing market and the looming crisis, I’ve been contemplating the best approach to navigate these uncertainties and potentially capitalize on opportunities. Real estate has always been a significant part of my investment portfolio.”
Another commenter added: “I’m in a similar boat. With the housing market crisis in mind, I’m thinking about downsizing and reallocating my real estate investments. However, I’m not sure if selling now is the best move or if there’s a better strategy to weather the storm.”
More people share their concerns and ask for advice: “I’m in a similar position, considering the impact of the housing market crisis on my property values. Have you consulted with a real estate expert or financial advisor specializing in real estate to get personalized advice tailored to your situation?”
Looking Ahead to 2024: A Year of Distress and Recovery
Rich Hill forecasts 2024 as an inflection point in real estate investing. While acknowledging the resilience witnessed in the latter part of 2023, he anticipates a more challenging landscape in the coming year.
The distress that has reset valuations in the private market is expected to continue, with the next leg lower, particularly in the office market, likely to unfold in 2024. Investors brace for an intricate dance between distress and recovery as the real estate market navigates uncertainties on multiple fronts.
A lot of questions about this topic still come to mind. Will the rebound in REITs lead to a sustainable recovery, or are we in for continued market volatility in the real estate sector?”
With Rich Hill predicting an inflection point in 2024, how might investors strategically position themselves to navigate the evolving commercial real estate landscape?
As office spaces face a 50% valuation drop, what implications does this hold for the broader commercial real estate market, and how can investors adapt to this paradigm shift?”
