The significant property valuation declines which have occurred in commercial real estate (CRE), the accompanying market stress, and the pullback in direct lending by the banks are creating attractive opportunities in real estate debt. As investors consider allocating capital to the space, it is important to understand the drawbacks of legacy strategies/portfolios in today’s marketplace and the benefits of new strategies which are not burdened by the risks related to legacy loans.

Key takeways

  • The underlying collateral for CRE loans underwritten before (and during) the Fed’s series of interest rate hikes have experienced material valuation declines.
  • Marking legacy loans is a challenge.
  • Underlying collateral valuation lag has not fully played out.
  • The risk embedded in legacy portfolios climbs along with higher LTVs.
  • Other risks to legacy portfolios (not present in new portfolios underwritten to current values).
  • New strategies/portfolios should benefit from restart of credit cycle and growth of private lending (bank dislocation).

Allocations to real estate credit strategies should be made in vehicles targeting new investments. Download the paper for the full perspective.

Real estate
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Risk Considerations
Investing involves risk, including possible loss of Principal. Past Performance does not guarantee future return. All financial investments involve an element of risk. Therefore, the value of the investment and the income from it will vary and the initial investment amount cannot be guaranteed. Potential investors should be aware of the risks inherent to owning and investing in real estate, including value fluctuations, capital market pricing volatility, liquidity risks, leverage, credit risk, occupancy risk and legal risk. All these risks can lead to a decline in the value of the real estate, a decline in the income produced by the real estate and declines in the value or total loss in value of securities derived from investments in real estate. Investments in private debt, including leveraged loans, middle market loans, and mezzanine debt, second liens, are subject to various risk factors, including credit risk, liquidity risk and interest rate risk.

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MM13926 | 3/2024 | 3432304-3/2025

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