The commercial real estate market has recently been under increased scrutiny, especially after Silicon Valley Bank failed. This has caused some concerns about the possibility of a recession and the potential for defaults on commercial real estate loans. A significant issue is the refinancing cliff that has arrived this year, and this poses a threat to the real estate industry and banks that rely on it.
Vacancy rates for office buildings reached a record high in 2022, with higher rates in key markets such as Manhattan, Silicon Valley, and Atlanta. Many Class B buildings are losing out to newer buildings as tenants renew leases, which means that refinancing at higher interest rates will be necessary, causing higher payments even as vacancy rates remain high.
The commercial real estate industry is one part of commercial real estate, albeit a large one, and the others are in unusually good shape. For instance, vacancy rates in warehouse and industrial space nationally are low, while retail vacancy rates are only 5.7%. And hotels are doing well, garnering record revenue per available room as both occupancy and prices surged post-Covid.
Most debt coming due in the next two years looks like it can be refinanced, and about three-fourths of commercial real estate debt generates enough income to pass banks’ recent refinancing standards without significant changes. To date, banks have had virtually no losses on commercial real estate, and companies are showing little need to default either on loans to banks or rent payments to office building owners.
The primary way the commercial real estate could market cause problems for the economy is if an extended decline in the value of commercial mortgages made deposits flow out of banks, forcing them to crimp lending not just to developers but to all customers. In extreme cases, that could threaten the banks themselves.
The commercial real estate market has its challenges, and the next year may bring some pain. Still, the solution will lie in a combination of factors, including a decline in the number of loans that come up for refinancing and slowing new construction. It is essential to understand, at this point, that the overall banking system is strong, sound, and resilient, and there is little indication of significant problems arising from commercial real estate issues.
