The Los Angeles luxury real estate market is grappling with numerous challenges, from a new mansion tax to disruptions in the entertainment industry. Bloomberg reports that faced with these obstacles, some mansion owners are adopting a strategic shift, choosing to lease their opulent properties instead of entering the sluggish sales arena.
New Market Dynamics: A Shift to Rentals
In response to the prevailing market conditions, a seasoned entrepreneur, Rob DeSantis, has listed his seven-bedroom, 12-bath Manhattan Beach waterfront mansion for rent at a staggering $150,000 a month for short-term leases.
DeSantis, co-founder of Ariba and an early investor in LinkedIn Corp, views this move as a strategic hedge against the current market challenges, believing that leasing could accentuate the property’s value.
However, Los Angeles isn’t immune to the broader slowdown in the U.S. housing market, with home sales in the area experiencing a significant 26.6% decline year-over-year through September. Luxury home listings, in particular, face prolonged periods on the market, lasting an average of 73 days, double that of the average single-family house.
Entertainment Industry Turmoil and Mansion Tax as Possible Factors
Adding to the complexity, labor strikes in the entertainment industry have disrupted production, contributing to the woes of mansion owners.
Furthermore, the introduction of a new transfer tax, commonly known as the “mansion tax,” on properties selling for at least $5 million has diminished the profitability of selling, prompting property owners to explore alternative monetization strategies.
Patrick Michael, CEO of LA Estate Rentals, notes a growing trend of mansion owners seeking ways to offset expenses such as taxes, insurance, and maintenance. The economic uncertainty, coupled with the difficulty in selling high-end properties, has led to a surge in available luxury homes on the rental market.
Michael estimates approximately $3 billion worth of luxury homes are currently available for rent in the LA area, reminiscent of the situation during the 2008 housing bubble burst.
DailyMail also reported on this, and in the comments, people are quick to blame the current people in charge: “Hunter Biden and the US Secret Service, using your tax dollars, are a part of the rental club too.”
“Wish things were more like they before Joe Biden. You know, lower taxes, cheaper gas and food and more bang for your buck,” said another commenter.
Some are nostalgic for the not-so-old days: “Oh, for the days of cheaper gas, cheaper groceries, cheaper rent. The days of Trump.”
While the demand for luxury rentals is on the rise, finding qualified renters willing to pay premium prices poses a challenge. Hollywood strikes have disrupted productions that traditionally rented high-end homes for filming, and a surplus of inventory in the market makes securing tenants more challenging.
According to LA Estate Rentals ‘ projections, asking rents are witnessing a decline, with the potential for a further 35% drop in the next six to 12 months. Property owners and real estate agents are adopting creative strategies to attract tenants, including reduced rental prices for longer leases.
Taking another look at the comments, we can see people have their own opinions on taxing the rich: “Not that I care, and I truly don’t, but a mansion tax proves my point. Taxes are literally whatever the government wants to make up to take your money.”
Another commenter added: “Keep raising taxes, dumb-dumbs, the rich will react, probably by moving to another state. You know the difference between the rich and the middle class? The middle class get taxed at a higher rate and do nothing about it. The rich get taxed at a higher rate and change their behavior.”
Market Predictions and Owner Strategies
Amidst these challenges, Ken H. Johnson, Associate Dean at Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business, suggests that the cost of buying is currently 8% higher than renting in the LA area. This dynamic may lead to a supply shock in the short-term rental market, especially as some residents opt to cash out of LA and relocate.
For mansion owners, leasing presents a lucrative option to maintain a foothold in the area, particularly in an environment of soaring borrowing costs. Rayni Williams, CEO of Beverly Hills Estates, notes that people often return to the area after moving, emphasizing the enduring appeal of the Los Angeles lifestyle.
Ultimately, for property owners like DeSantis, leasing represents not just a financial strategy but a potential avenue to showcase the true value of their properties.
As the market continues to evolve, the adaptability of property owners and the creative navigation of challenging conditions will likely shape the future of Los Angeles’ luxury real estate landscape.
What is your take on all of this? As the cost of buying remains higher than renting in the LA area, how might this influence the decision-making process for potential buyers, and what role could short-term rentals play in shaping market dynamics?
