Transactions Top $160B, but Trend is Slow Growth

CHICAGO-Volatility and tougher debt markets in the United States will slow transaction volume further this year, following a trend, as 2011’s 44% increase to $160 billion dropped compared to 2010’s rise of 114% from 2009. However, there are positive signs, as core markets continue to improve, and the US could become a safe haven for foreign capital due to global issues, according to a Jones Lang LaSalle year-end report.

The company predicts transactions will increase about 15% to 20% in 2012. Josh Gelormini, VP for Americas research for the company, tells GlobeSt.com that patterns of investment will likely follow 2011, with more multifamily  and core office spending than other markets and various jumps in and out of risk during the year. “There’s going to be a lot of headlines that will continue to grab investor attention,” he says, especially with this being an election year.