Category: News Release

Roundtable Statement on 2024 Elections

Posted on by Abigail Grenadier

Real Estate Roundtable Congratulates President-Elect Trump and Incoming Congress

Looks Forward to Jointly Addressing Key Policy Initiatives

Statement by Real Estate Roundtable President and CEO Jeffrey D. DeBoer

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) — Real Estate Roundtable President and CEO Jeffrey D. DeBoer today congratulated President-Elect Trump and pledged to work with the new Administration and Congress on compelling issues affecting the nation’s economy, job creation, housing, and the health of real estate markets. 

“We look forward to working with the President-elect and his team to advance policies that will expand the nation’s economy, boost job creation, increase the supply and affordability of housing, and address the many important national policy issues related to constructing, financing and maintaining modern real estate, work, living, and recreational buildings.

Strong real estate markets provide millions of American jobs, support strong local budgets, and help millions of people plan for retirement through their pension and retirement savings investments in real estate.

The strength of real estate and the benefits the industry provides to all Americans, depends on fair, consistent, and forward-looking policies at all levels of government.

Real estate public policies are nonpartisan. The Real Estate Roundtable supports policies based on objective economic principles that are responsive to changing economic cycles and sensitive to societal demands.

Tax and financial regulatory reform, housing investment, immigration issues, energy policy, and physical and cyber security each present opportunities to advance the economy and stability of U.S. real estate markets.

We are excited to offer our support, expertise and assistance to President-Elect Trump and the new Congress. We are honored to contribute meaningfully to the strength and prosperity of our nation,” said DeBoer.


About The Real Estate Roundtable

The Real Estate Roundtable brings together leaders of the nation’s top publicly-held and privately-owned real estate ownership, development, lending, and management firms with leaders of major national real estate trade organizations to jointly address key national policy issues relating to real estate and its important role in the global economy.

The collective value of assets held by Roundtable members exceeds $4 trillion. The Roundtable’s membership represents more than 3 million people working in real estate; 12 billion square feet of office, retail, and industrial space; over 4 million apartments; and more than 5 million hotel rooms. It also includes the owners, managers, developers, and financiers of senior, student, and manufactured housing—as well as medical offices, life science campuses, data centers, cell towers, and self-storage properties.

The Roundtable’s policy news and more are available on The Roundtable website.

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CRE Executives Express Tempered Optimism Despite High Interest Rates and Tight Liquidity

Posted on by Abigail Grenadier

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) — Commercial real estate executives expressed tempered optimism about property markets in The Real Estate Roundtable’s Q2 2024 Sentiment Index as high interest rates and liquidity challenges linger. The Q2 Sentiment Index registered the same overall score of 61 from the previous quarter as uncertainty persists about future asset values and availability of capital.

The Roundtable’s Current Sentiment Index registered 55, a 2-point increase over Q1 2024. The Future Index posted a score of 66 points, a decrease of 4 points from the previous quarter. Any score over 50 is viewed as positive. ­­­­The Overall Index this quarter of 61—a measure of senior executives’ confidence and expectations about the commercial real estate market environment—is scored on a scale of 1 to 100 by averaging the scores of the Current and Future Indices.­­­­

The Q2 Sentiment Index topline findings also include:

  • Evolving market trends continue to shape the real estate landscape. A majority (66%) of Q2 survey participants expect general market conditions to show improvement one year from now. Additionally, 45% of respondents said conditions are better now compared to this time last year. Only 11% of Q2 participants expect general market conditions to be somewhat worse in a year, a slight increase from 6% in Q1.

  • Class B office properties are facing ongoing challenges, attributed to an ongoing “flight to quality.” Industrial and multifamily sectors show tempered growth, yet their underlying fundamentals remain robust. Retail sectors are healthy, propelled by consumer spending, while interest in data centers continues to ascend.

  • A significant 75% of Q2 survey participants expressed optimism that asset values will be higher (44%) or the same (31%) one year from now, indicating some semblance of expected stability.

  • The real estate capital markets landscape remains challenging. For the current quarter, 65% believe the availability of equity capital will improve in one year, while 64% said the availability of debt capital will improve in one year. The 36% of participants who said the availability of debt capital would be worse in one year is an increase from 24% in Q1 who voiced the same expectation.

  • Regarding sentiment on the availability of equity capital, 65% of survey respondents expect conditions to improve, compared to 26% who stated that availability of equity capital was better a year ago.

Some sample responses from participants in the Sentiment Index’s Q2 survey include:

“Real estate fundamentals are shaping up to be very strong in one to two years. Companies that have a long-term perspective and can be patient will benefit from strong employment growth, demographic shifts, and stable occupancies.”

“The mom-and-pop investors who own class B office are hurting the most. The institutional investors are diversified, so they are faring better.”

“Stability in asset values isn’t just about reaching pre-2022 levels; it’s about establishing a new norm based on sustainable growth.”

Data for the Q2 survey was gathered by Chicago-based Ferguson Partners on The Roundtable’s behalf in April. See the full Q2 report.

The Real Estate Roundtable brings together leaders of the nation’s top publicly-held and privately-owned real estate ownership, development, lending and management firms with the leaders of major national real estate trade associations to jointly address key national policy issues relating to real estate and the overall economy.

2023 Annual Report – Sustained Strength, Sustained Solutions

Posted on by Trey Jackson

View Full Report – 2023 Annual Report – Sustained Strength, Sustained Solutions

    2022 Policy Agenda

    Posted on by Trey Jackson

    2022 Policy Agenda (entire agenda)

    Intro

    Tax Policy 

    Capital & Credit

    Energy & Climate

    Homeland Security

    Infrastructure & Housing

     

    Q1 Survey: Commercial Real Estate Executives Express Optimism About Current and Future Market Conditions

    Posted on by Trey Jackson

    Current Conditions Index Increases Seventeen Points from Previous Quarter

    (WASHINGTON, D.C.) — Commercial real estate industry leaders continue to acknowledge the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on various asset classes, while expressing increased optimism for both current and future market conditions for the remainder of 2021, according to The Real Estate Roundtable’s Q1 2021 Economic Sentiment Survey released today. The report outlined the potential for growth for the industrial and multifamily sectors, while hospitality and retail continue to face challenges due to government restrictions and health guidelines.

    “Throughout the pandemic real estate owners, managers, investors and lenders each have focused on mitigating the impact of the crisis on their residential and business tenants,” said Real Estate Roundtable President and CEO Jeffrey D. DeBoer. “The industry has restructured leases with tenants under stress, advocated for federal rental and other assistance, helped educate tenants on how to access relief, provided significant reforms to health related building operational protocols, and issued detailed guidance to ensure safe and effective ways to re-enter buildings.” DeBoer added, “Our Q1 index indicates that despite the extremely challenging past 12 months, industry leaders are optimistic that conditions are trending in positive way. General supply and demand market balance, functioning capital markets, and low leverage, combined with increased vaccination efforts have sparked the strong uptick in optimism. Of course all of this is threatened to be reversed if vaccinations stall overall, or if national policymakers impose new tax or regulatory burdens on the industry.” 

    The Roundtable’s Q1 2021 Sentiment Index registered at 59 – a fifteen-point increase from the previous quarter.  [The Overall Index is scored on a scale of 1 to 100 by averaging Current and Future Indices; any score over 50 is viewed as positive.]. This quarter’s Current Conditions Index of 44 increased 17 points from the previous quarter, while this quarter’s Future Conditions Index of 74, is an increase of 13 points compared to last quarter. The last time the Future Conditions Index registered at 74 was more than a decade ago in Q3 2010.

    The report’s Topline Findings include:

    • The Q1 2021 Real Estate Roundtable Sentiment Index registered a score of 59, an increase of 15 points from the fourth quarter of 2020. Respondents continued to express optimism about future conditions; however, the outlook is highly dependent upon asset class and portfolio mix.
    • The industrial and multifamily sectors were cited as having been the most resilient to the global pandemic, and best positioned to emerge successful in a post-pandemic environment. Retail and hospitality sectors continue to face challenges stemming from public health measures and government restrictions.
    • Low transaction volume has resulted in limited visibility into asset valuations over the past year. Among the trades that have occurred, industrial assets have seen their values increase, mirroring the market overall, while multifamily properties are trading at a slight discount to their pre-COVID values.
    • Capital flows within the real estate market are following the sector-specific impacts of the pandemic. Most respondents cited accessible capital markets for high quality assets, particularly in the industrial and multifamily spaces. However, out-of-favor property types and strategies with leasing and/or development exposure are finding it more difficult to secure institutional equity and financing.

    DeBoer noted, “The Roundtable remains committed to working with the Administration and Congress to advance bipartisan federal measures that will accelerate the economic recovery and strengthen our resiliency in the event of future pandemics or similar threats: provide direct relief to workers and families, rental assistance for both residential and business tenants, temporary tax incentives to offset the cost of critical health and safety measures implemented by employers, and legal liability safeguards for businesses that clearly define expectations and create much-needed certainty for employers to facilitate a return to work.” 

    Data for the Q1 survey was gathered by Chicago-based FPL Associates on The Roundtable’s behalf.  For the full Q1 report, visit here.


    The Real Estate Roundtable Joins Biden-Harris Inaugural Event Honoring Americans Who Have Fallen to COVID-19

    Posted on by Trey Jackson

    The Real Estate Roundtable issued the following statement regarding this evening’s nationwide event to illuminate buildings and landmarks, as part of the inauguration of President-elect Joseph R. Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala D. Harris:

    The Real Estate Roundtable encourages all Americans to support the peaceful transfer of power to the new Biden-Harris Administration, and urges that the 117th Congress unify across party lines to address the critical health, economic and social challenges now facing the American people.  

    This evening, in association with the inauguration of the Biden-Harris administration, our nation will recognize the nearly 400,000 fellow citizens who have died over the past year due to COVID-19.

    Building owners are proud to join national policy makers, religious leaders, business figures and others commemorating tonight’s event by lighting many of our buildings nationwide as part of the #COVIDMemorial. 

    The Roundtable is committed to work positively with our elected officials to help our nation stabilize and rebuild from the severe hardships caused by the pandemic — and to do so in a manner that affirms and more fully realizes the ideals of equality and opportunity upon which our great nation is founded.

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    The Real Estate Roundtable Suspends Political Support to Those Who Objected to Electoral College Certification

    Posted on by Trey Jackson

    All Members of Congress are Urged to Put Country Before Party in Coming Votes

    The Real Estate Roundtable last week strongly denounced the planning, acquiescence, and participation in the baseless January 6th attacks on the Capitol and our Republic itself. The images of rioters defiling the Capitol, putting members of Congress and their staff at grave risk of harm, and resulting in the deaths of five people, shock the conscience.

    In the time since this armed insurrection, we have become even more appalled and our anger is amplified by the dismissive reaction of many of our national leaders, beginning with the votes cast by a band of Senators and Representatives who continue to fuel baseless claims of election fraud by refusing to certify the clear results of last November’s election.

    In response, The Real Estate Roundtable will suspend all political contributions to Members of Congress whose votes attempted to subvert the validly expressed will of the American people in selecting Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as the nation’s next president and vice president.

    The Roundtable firmly backs the Senators and Representatives who put country before party and fulfilled their oaths to uphold the Constitution by certifying the Biden-Harris victory.  Furthermore, we implore congressional leadership to allow the members in their caucuses to freely vote their conscience in how to deal with the current president during his waning days in office.

    PDF Statement

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    The Real Estate Roundtable Denounces Mob Attack On Capitol, Calls for Unity

    Posted on by Trey Jackson

    “The Real Estate Roundtable strongly denounces the armed violent protestors, and their baseless election claims, who stormed the U.S. Capitol this week. The mob chaos was contrived to inflict great damage on our democracy. A member of the Capitol Hill police died bravely defending others against the attack. Thankfully, democracy again defeated anarchy.  

    “Those involved in plotting, acquiescing or participating in this despicable act are not patriots. They are violent lawbreakers and must be treated as such. This chaotic, seditious mob also could have inflicted serious damage to America’s fight against the deadly pandemic – a crisis that has already taken over 400,000 lives and caused enormous economic hardships.

    “As we all continue to work to overcome the challenges of the pandemic we must also unify to make sure that this week’s violence is not repeated. The Real Estate Roundtable pledges to do its part. We commit to supporting efforts to bring about more measured tone and civility in policy debates at all levels of government, and policy actions that are balanced and sustainable. We intend to continue to analyze policy based on its benefit to jobs, community and opportunity. We will continue to work with policymakers representing the full spectrum of political views. However, we do not intend to help advance initiatives proposed by policy makers uninterested in seeking bipartisan consensus,” DeBoer said.

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    Commercial Real Estate Executives Optimistic Despite Serious Current Market Challenges

    Posted on by Trey Jackson

    A quarterly survey of commercial real estate industry leaders reflects optimism about market conditions, despite ongoing serious COVID-related challenges. Sentiment is somewhat bouyed by positive supply, demand and capital access, as well as hopeful expectations for a vaccine.  

    (WASHINGTON, D.C.) — Commercial real estate executives expressed a modest increase in optimism about market conditions, according to The Real Estate Roundtable’s Q4 Economic Sentiment Index, released today. A majority of respondents to the survey also noted that general conditions one year from now will be either “somewhat better” or “much better” than today. 

    Those surveyed noted particularly challenging economic conditions in the hospitality and retail sectors; market uncertainty associated with future office space use; somewhat stable multifamily markets, and relatively stronger industrial and life science markets. They cited industry fundamentals, functioning capital markets, industry-wide low leverage and modest lender debt service forbearance as factors in the industry’s ability to thus far withstand the very serious COVID-related market challenges.

    “Nearly every sector of the commercial real estate industry is facing serious economic challenges due to the overall impact of the pandemic. High unemployment, closed businesses, travel reductions and more have ripped into otherwise healthy real estate portfolios, creating challenges for all building owners in meeting their payroll, utility, tax and debt service obligations. Overall industry low leverage, general market balance, and functioning capital markets are positive influences that – when coupled with growing good news regarding vaccines – results in an increased optimism on part of industry leaders,” said Real Estate Roundtable President and CEO Jeffrey DeBoer. 

    DeBoer added, “That optimism is dependent however on urgently-needed additional COVID relief from Washington and on the rapid testing and availability of effective vaccines. Federal lawmakers and regulators must support further assistance to bridge people and businesses into a post-COVID economy. Help is needed quickly for local governmental budgets, as well as for people and businesses negatively economically impacted by the pandemic.  And some protection from unnecessary lawsuits must be provided to businesses to spur a more robust transition back to workplaces. ” 

    The Roundtable’s Q4 Economic Sentiment Index’s Topline Findings include:

    • Increased Optimism
      Respondents’ views reflected an increase in optimism for overall and near-term conditions (from a recent and sharp drop).
    • Better General Market Conditions
      A majority of respondents anticipated better market conditions in one year’s time, having noted worse market conditions today as compared with a year ago.
    • Stable Capital Markets
      Most respondents cited accessible capital markets for high-quality assets, and an increase in debt as well as equity availability. 
       

      Data for the Q4 survey was gathered by Chicago-based FPL Associates on The Roundtable’s behalf. 

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    New Coalition Advocates to Keep Jobs and Businesses Protected From Future Economic Shutdowns

    Posted on by Trey Jackson

    Aims to Develop Business Continuity Insurance in Public/Private Program

    WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 28, 2020—The newly formed Business Continuity Coalition (BCC) brings together more than two dozen industries and companies, which represent more than 50 million workers, to develop a plan with policymakers and other stakeholders to protect American jobs and to limit future economic damage from pandemics and other national emergencies that cause business interruptions.

    Closures and shutdowns caused by COVID-19 have significantly impacted the employees and operations of businesses across the country, and the BCC, representing the restaurant, entertainment, hospitality, gaming, retail, communications, broadcasting and real estate industries, encourages policymakers to take urgent steps to prepare for future risks.

    The BCC is advocating for a public/private business continuity insurance program that, in the event of a government-ordered shutdown, will enable employers to keep payrolls and supply chains intact, helping to limit job losses and furloughs, reducing stress on the financial system, and speeding economic recovery when government-imposed limitations on operations are lifted.

    “Restaurants across the country were the first shutdown by the pandemic and will be the last to recover,” said Sean Kennedy, executive vice president of public affairs, National Restaurant Association. “Restaurants that have managed to survive are faced with an uncertain future and long-term challenges as pandemic threats continue to loom. A public/private backstop for business interruption insurance will help remove one of the unknowns in rebuilding and help small and large business owners plan for the future.”

    Patrick Kilcur, executive vice president, Motion Picture Association, and Jean Prewitt, president & CEO, Independent Film & Television Alliance, agree with the BCC’s critical objective and its importance to their industry. Kilcur said, “The American film, television, and streaming industry is a strong contributor to the U.S. economy, supporting more than 2.5 million jobs in all 50 states. COVID-19 has caused enormous uncertainties and challenges for our industry. We look forward to working with the BCC on a public/private insurance solution which will be essential as we navigate returning to production.”

    “Insurance policies are vital to ensuring our industry can return to production in a meaningful way, and the entertainment industry looks forward to working with the BCC and the other stakeholders on this important initiative,” Prewitt stated.

    The effort to create a plan for a public/private business continuity insurance program is in its early stages. The plan must meet the needs of a broad range of groups: the businesses and employers directly impacted, insurers, lenders and other creditors, policymakers, and importantly, taxpayers.

    Steven A. Wechsler, president and CEO of Nareit, said, “We believe it is better to plan and prepare now for the future economic risks associated with pandemic-related and other potential government shutdowns of the economy rather than just wait for the next time.”

    The need for such a program is not in doubt, said Jeffrey D. DeBoer, president and CEO of The Real Estate Roundtable. “The devastating economic impact of this pandemic and the unprecedented government-mandated shutdown has dramatically demonstrated the need for readily available and affordable business continuity insurance,” he said.

    According to the coalition, there are a number of successful models that can provide guidance in structuring a business continuity insurance program. Among them are the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program originally enacted following the 9/11 attacks and the War Damage Corporation developed during World War II.

    Steering committee members of the BCC include American Resort Development Association, Building Owners and Managers Association, Fox Corporation, Independent Film & Television Alliance, International Council of Shopping Centers, Motion Picture Association, NAIOP – Commercial Real Estate Development Association, Nareit, National Association of Realtors, National Restaurant Association, Sony Pictures Entertainment, The Real Estate Roundtable, and ViacomCBS.

    The full list of BCC members is available at www.businesscontinuitycoalition.com.

    About the Business Continuity Coalition

    The Business Continuity Coalition (BCC), made up of business insurance policyholders from numerous industries, was created to advocate for the development of a public/private business continuity insurance program. A business continuity insurance program would help businesses protect their employees’ jobs and limit future economic damage from pandemics and other national emergencies that cause business interruptions and closures. The BCC is made up of organizations from the restaurant, entertainment, hospitality, gaming, communications, and broadcasting industries, as well as the apartment, healthcare, industrial, office, and retail real estate sectors. www.businesscontinuitycoalition.com

     

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