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Top Trends in Sustainable Construction for Multifamily Housing
Developers are increasingly turning to sustainable construction practices as government regulations around carbon emissions become stricter, demand for eco-friendly features increases among consumers, and technological innovation reduces the cost of materials. Initiatives such as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, as well as LEED certification and Energy Star ratings, are also incentivizing sustainable building practices.…
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How the Rise in Office Loan Defaults Will Impact CRE Development
Defaults on loan payments for unused office buildings are on the rise, as owners of Class B and Class C properties face dual headwinds from the ongoing prevalence of remote work and the high-interest rate environment. The commercial real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield estimates about 20% of office space is vacant at present,…
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6 Cities Affordable Housing Developers Should Target for New Construction
Commercial real estate investors and developers have expressed a commitment to addressing the nation’s affordable housing crisis. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the US needs 7.3 million affordable housing units to meet current demand, but of course, some cities are suffering from a greater shortage than others. The coastal markets and major…
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The Rise of Live-Work-Play Communities: Redefining Urban Living
Live-Work-Play communities are on the rise in major markets across the United States, drawing in young professionals and families with affordable and community-driven living options. The asset class – a form of mixed-use development combining residential, office, retail, and leisure space – is considered the future of urban living. Developers will find unique opportunities in…
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4 Reasons Developers Should Watch Eminent Domain Law This Year
Eminent domain activity is heating up, and developers should pay attention. From the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which passed in 2021, to evolving legal definitions and policy, eminent domain cases are becoming more common and more complex. Developers are increasingly coming into contact with eminent domain activity—both to their benefit and frustration—and it’s important…
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The Evolution of Commercial Real Estate Development
Real estate developers have played a key role in shaping the landscape and character of urban environments over the last 100 years. From the earliest iterations of the contemporary real estate market to the revolutionary changes that have come to the industry over the last several decades, developers are constantly adapting to meet a shifting…
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3 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)Trends Developers Need to Know
Low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC) are the backbone of affordable housing development. The longstanding government program has helped to create opportunities to develop new affordable housing by providing tax credits that offset affordable rental rates. In light of the national housing crisis—the National Low-Income Housing Coalition estimates that there is a shortage of 7.3 million…
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The Multifamily Market Finally Shows Signs of Recovery
The multifamily market is undeniably the darling of the commercial real estate sector. Through the turbulence of the post-pandemic era, multifamily has outperformed other asset classes, with 95% occupancy and 4% rent growth in 2023. Still, the sector has also experienced its fair share of dislocation. Investment volumes fell 60% last year, new construction starts…
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Inside the Guessing Game: Interest Rate Predictions for 2024
In commercial real estate, interest rates are always a hot topic. In the many years leading up to the pandemic, investors and developers were absorbed with trying to guess when interest rates—which at that time had been at historical lows for an extended period —would increase. Today, everyone is trying to guess when they will…