MSCI's chief economist for real estate research says second-quarter deal activity did not follow its usual seasonal pattern, raising questions about the durability of the market's recovery.

Apartment demand is helping absorb excess inventory, but rent growth remains a lagging indicator.

Class A rents are rising, Class B results vary sharply and Class C properties are under increasing pressure.

Sources told the Financial Times that Trian Fund Management is assembling a prospective investor group that could include BlueFive Capital and Flynn Group.