Area Investment Market Continues to Attract Capital

GREATER BOSTON-Despite mixed economic signals, the area’s real estate market continues to attract investment capital, according to Meredith & Grew’s mid-year report.

The report indicates that on the heels of the sale of the three million Hancock Tower complex during the first quarter, sales activity has subsided. While there is a steady flow of capital and extremely attractive finance rates, sales volume is down considerably for the second quarter of the year.

The good news is that both investor and user demand are still strong for transactions possessing stable cash flow and a credit tenant roster. But suburban office sales are limited, thanks to record-high vacancy rates, heavily scrutinized tenant rosters and well-capitalized landlords. Property owners are surviving due to the low cost of debt but the limited supply has led to a competitive pricing environment. Not surprisingly, the report notes that demand has been strong for industrial products because of their long-term cash flow and low risk.

The multifamily sector had the top sales in terms of transaction size during the second quarter. Over the last year, apartments have garnered interest among investors, including institutional capital and specialized real estate investment trusts. There are currently no class A office towers on the market, however there are several class B buildings on the market that the report predicts will draw significant interest.

Among the report’s forecasts for the second half of the year are that the abundant capital and aggressive buyers, combined with an up tick in leasing velocity, will result in steady investment activity which will include continued corporate dispositions as well as users looking to take advantage of historically low interest rates.