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Pros and Cons of Commercial Real Estate Inflation

Investing in commercial real estate can be lucrative, but it also comes with some risks. There are several variables to consider when it comes to real estate investing, including commercial real estate inflation. 

This blog post will discuss the pros and cons of high inflation in commercial real estate. We’ll also take a look at the different types of investments and how inflation affects them. So, if you’re thinking about investing in commercial real estate but are worried about inflation, read on!

how does inflation affect real estate

What is Inflation in Commercial Real Estate?

When prices of goods and services rise over time, it’s known as inflation. People can generally consider inflation to be a normal part of an economy. However, high inflation can pose a problem for investors. Similarly, it decreases purchasing power, as your money will not go as far as before.

In the same way, inflation measures how the economy is performing. While there are different viewpoints regarding its impact on society, most economists agree that it often indicates a thriving economy. As inflation increases, more demand for goods and services, and businesses can reap greater profits.

On the other hand, individuals concerned about rising prices may view inflation as a sign of discontent within the economy. Regardless of which side one falls on, it is clear that inflation has both positive and negative consequences and should be carefully monitored to yield optimal results.

After all, while high levels of inflation can make people better off financially, in the long run, they may not be happy in the short term as prices increase across all sectors of the economy. As such, striking a balance between growing profits and keeping costs low is vital when tackling problems related to inflation. In doing so, people can help ensure that society continues to benefit from economic prosperity without sacrificing individual well-being or quality of life.

In the second part of 2022, the inflation rates in the United States are projected to be about two percent. This is due to the expected rise in gas and oil prices and the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on the economy. 

The Relationship Between Inflation and Commercial Real Estate

Many factors influence the relationship between commercial real estate and inflation. Generally, when inflation causes prices and wages to rise, rents and values usually go up. Commercial real estate appraisals are often based on net incomes, so rents and expenses on commercial buildings should also rise or increase in tandem with inflation. However, this relationship may not always be straightforward due to varying economic conditions and other factors. For example, expenses may increase more quickly than income over time, diminishing property owners’ returns.

Additionally, changes in policy or market forces can disrupt the usual trends associated with inflation. Despite these challenges, it’s clear that the relationship between commercial real estate performance and inflation is a dynamic one that merits ongoing analysis and attention. After all, understanding how these properties are likely to fare over time can help businesses make sound investment decisions and improve their bottom line over time.

inflation and real estate

Pros of Inflation in Commercial Real Estate

As a commercial real estate investor, one of the things you always have to keep in mind is inflation. That’s because inflation can significantly impact your business regarding your operating costs and your property’s value. However, there is one silver lining to inflation: it also tends to increase the cost of housing, leading to more renters and higher rental rates.

There are some pros of inflation for owners in commercial real estate, including the following:

For Property Owners and Investors:

Most investors are aware that commercial real estate can be a valuable tool for offsetting the effects of inflation. However, not everyone understands how this works in practice. In general, inflation refers to the gradual increase in prices for goods and services over time. This can significantly impact investment portfolios as the purchasing power of cash decreases. For example, if you have $100 in savings and inflation is running at 2%; afterward, your $100 will only be worth $98 after a year.

Higher Rent Growth

Generally speaking, strong economic growth will lead to increased inflation and higher rent growth. The ability to adjust rents is often credited for these advantages. Commercial real estate typically increases in value as inflation rises since rents usually increase along with inflation. As a result, commercial real estate can effectively hedge against inflation. While it’s not completely possible to offset the effects of inflation, diversifying your portfolio with commercial real estate can help to minimize its impact.

This works if there is a limited supply of rental units relative to demand. But if there are more renters than available units, property owners are in a good position to increase rents and still have their units leased. Even though the cost of living is increasing, renters still view renting as cheaper than buying a home. So while inflation may be a pain in other respects, it can be beneficial for commercial real estate investors.

Increased Property Value

Another great reason to consider investing in commercial real estate is the ability to profit from periods of high inflation. When prices in your area are rising rapidly, your property value goes up. This means that you’ll be able to sell your property for more than you originally paid, leading to a good return on investment and potentially helping you build wealth over time. Additionally, increased asset value during inflation can provide stability and security, especially in economic uncertainty or market volatility. So when looking for a smart investment strategy during rising costs, commercial real estate may be just what you need.

Cons of Commercial real estate Inflation

There are some risks associated with investing in commercial real estate during periods of high inflation.

For Renters:

Higher Rent Costs

The main downside of inflation for renters is that it can lead to higher rent costs. If you’re renting commercial space, your landlord may raise the rent to keep up with rising costs. This can significantly impact your business, especially if you’re already operating on a tight budget. In some cases, businesses may be forced to move to a less expensive location or downsize their operations to stay afloat.

Decreased Consumer Demand

Inflation is a complex economic phenomenon that affects all aspects of the economy, from businesses to individual consumers. One impact of inflation is that it can lead to lower consumer demand, seriously affecting businesses. As prices rise, people often have less money to spend on non-essential items like clothing and entertainment, resulting in lower sales and profits for businesses. Additionally, higher prices can force some consumers out of the market altogether, reducing the number of potential customers for a business and further lowering sales. In short, inflation has far-reaching effects on both individual consumers and businesses alike, making it a major concern for anyone interested in keeping the economy healthy.

For Property Owners and Investors:

Hard to Get a Loan

When inflation rates are high, the Federal Reserve tends to raise interest rates; borrowing money becomes more expensive when interest rates are higher. Therefore, it can be hard for you to get a loan if inflation is too high. This is because lenders will be worried about lending money to an investor who may not repay the loan due to the rising cost of living. Lenders will want to compensate for the fact that the value of their money will decrease over time. In addition, if an investor does manage to get a loan, they will likely have to pay an even higher interest rate than they would during periods of low inflation. Consequently, investors must be aware of the potential risks involved before investing in commercial real estate during periods of high inflation.

Lower Net Operating Income

While inflation can lead to an increase in your property value, it can also have a negative impact on your net operating income. When inflation is high, your expenses will likely increase, eating into your net operating income: funds you have left after paying all your expenses, such as property taxes, utilities, and insurance.

Reduced Purchasing Power

Commercial real estate plays an essential role in the economy, providing space for businesses to operate and generate revenue. However, high inflation can decrease demand for commercial real estate since businesses will be unable to afford the high rents that come with inflation or purchase new property. 

Additionally, commercial real estate value may decline due to inflation, making it less attractive as an investment. Inflation can also make it difficult for businesses to obtain loans to purchase or improve a property, further limiting demand. As a result, high inflation can significantly impact the commercial real estate market.

Difficulty in Financing or Repairing Projects

Inflation is a major challenge for anyone involved in the commercial real estate industry. High inflation levels can significantly impact profits, making it difficult to finance new projects or cover the cost of maintaining existing properties. In particular, high inflation levels increase labor costs and make materials more expensive, which can significantly cut margins and reduce profitability.

Burdensome to Keep Up With Expenditures

Furthermore, high inflation makes it difficult for businesses to keep up with the rising cost of real estate taxes, maintenance fees, and other expenses. However, careful financial planning and strategic decision-making make it possible to optimize investment strategies and maintain profitability even in a challenging economic climate. Ultimately, whether you are an investor or a property manager, managing inflation is a key consideration in the commercial real estate landscape.

inflation in real estate

The Type of Real Estate Investment and Inflation

You can find different types of real estate investments, each with its own unique set of risks and rewards. Some types, such as rental property investments, may be more affected by inflation than others. These properties rely on a steady income from rent payments to generate a profit. Inflation can affect the amount of rent that tenants are willing or able to pay, dramatically impacting the returns on these types of investments. 

By contrast, other real estate investments, such as those purchased for resale or development, may not be impacted so extensively by inflation since they tend to rely less on income from tenants and more on increases in property values over time. Thus, while all real estate investments carry some risk of loss due to inflation, certain types are better positioned to weather the effects than others.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, inflation is a complex economic phenomenon with various potential impacts on commercial real estate. While there are both pros and cons related to inflation, it’s important to remember that the effects of inflation will vary depending on the overall economy. As such, it’s important to consult with a financial advisor or other experts before making any decisions regarding future investment in commercial real estate. Investing in commercial real estate can be a great way to make money and protect yourself from the effects of inflation. We hope this article helped you understand the ins and outs of commercial real estate investing more clearly.

About The Author

Jesse Shemesh

With a wealth of experience in nurturing diverse commercial real estate investment portfolios across multiple markets, I actively engage in the development and execution of deals spanning all asset classes. My expertise lies in collaborating with strategic partners, including corporate real estate professionals, fund managers, developers, and investors, to source, identify, and entitle opportunities. At Point Acquisitions, we take pride in our unique, proprietary platform that specializes in property acquisitions, generating a steady stream of organic deal flow that sets us apart from the competition. As a seasoned professional in the real estate industry, I am dedicated to creating lasting partnerships and delivering exceptional results for all stakeholders.

Disclaimer

Please note that Point Acquisitions is not a tax expert or tax advisor. The information on our blogs and pages is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, tax, or accounting advice. Any information provided does not constitute professional advice or create an attorney-client or any other professional relationship. We recommend that you consult with your tax advisor or seek professional advice before making any decisions based on the information provided on our blogs and pages. Point Acquisitions is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided on our blogs and pages.

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