Growth in Lower End of Property Markets Continues Despite Declines in Absorption, Deal Volume
Sam Zell (pictured above) recently stated: “The real estate cycle is nearing its end” (Pensions & Investments, May 1, 2017). We must admit that Sam had great timing when he sold his Equity Office REIT to Blackstone in 2007 which was the peak of the last cycle.Of course, Sam is also not afraid of real estate recessions. He earned the title “The Grave Dancer” back in the early 90s when he bought properties at steep discounts from their replacement cost during the bottom of that cycle. So, what are the facts?
The burst of investment activity suggests that the suburban Chicago apartment market is still going strong after a record year for multifamily sales in 2016. Suburban rents are rising at a slow, steady pace, and developers haven’t gotten carried away with new projects, giving investors the confidence that they will continue to generate attractive returns by buying apartments here.