From NAI Global: Commercial Real Estate Markets Continue Long, Slow Recovery

Vacancy, Rental Rates Show Signs of Improvement in 2012 as Demand Increases

NAI Global Issues 2012 Global Market Report; 26^th Annual Volume Provides Review/Forecast for 217 Commercial Property Markets Worldwide

The commercial real estate industry demonstrated positive signs of growth of in the first half of 2011, but by year’s end many markets worldwide were coping with the impact of financial uncertainty in Europe and the United States, according to the 26^th annual Global Market Report released today by NAI Global.

Activity was strong in the first half of 2011, as corporate space users took advantage of a global tenant’s market to reduce overall occupancy costs through consolidation and locking in low effective rental rates. However, commercial real estate markets across the globe were weighed down by the global financial crisis in the second half of the year. Most markets are continuing to show signs of improvement, but at a slower pace. However, with limited new construction, markets could tighten quickly should the pace of the economic recovery pick up.

“While the level of optimism varies from market to market, commercial real estate market fundamentals are generally improving,” said Jeffrey M. Finn, President and CEO of NAI Global. “Corporations once again are moving forward on plans, taking advantage of a tenants’ market worldwide to reduce their overall occupancy costs. Investors are beginning to chase yield as they move beyond core trophy assets to the quality opportunistic plays in strong secondary markets. With a tremendous amount of capital amassed on the sidelines, we expect more assets to transact as pricing continues to hold steady.”

Capital markets showed clear signs of improvement as historically low interest rates and high investor demand resulted in significant increases in global investment sales volumes. Cap rates compressed in most primary and secondary markets, as well-capitalized REITs, private equity and institutional investors aggressively pursue yield. With a relative shortage of quality assets on the market, this trend is likely to continue into 2012. Investors are also acquiring large portfolios of loans and REO as financial institutions are placing more product on the market.

While the level of real estate recovery varies from market to market, many markets across the U.S. are showing signs of recovery, as are parts of Asia, Europe and Latin America. However, the continuing uncertainty in the euro zone and the United States is creating a highly volatile global market that is impacting economic recovery in markets worldwide.

“The US economy is well over two years into the most anemic recovery in post-WWII history,” added Dr. Peter Linneman, NAI Global Chief Economist and Principal at Linneman Associates. “With the exception of home prices, all of the key economic indicators are on the ascent from their respective low points, but are at multiple standard deviations from historical norms. Job growth will be crucial for recovery in real estate markets, as jobs are needed to fill vacant space.”

Now in its 26^th year, NAI’s Global Market Report offers insider insight and perspective on market conditions reported by NAI experts on the ground in over 200 property markets worldwide. To obtain a copy of the full report, click here.