Wednesday’s announcement by the Federal Reserve of another ¾ point interest rate increase continues the central bank’s grim war with inflation. Higher rates are doing damage across the economy, which has never stabilized after the COVID-19 shock. But commercial real estate, vital to cities’ economic and fiscal well-being, hasn’t taken a big hit—yet.
Ever-higher interest rates are slowing the economy, and if the Fed keeps this up, it will induce a recession (which seems to be its goal.) Although some detected a softening in Chairman Jay Powell’s remarks on today’s rate hike, stock markets dropped sharply in reaction to Powell saying it was “premature” to consider suspending increases, saying “we have a ways to go.” That doesn’t bode well for the economy, or for jobs and demand, or for commercial real estate.
Cities and urban experts are especially worried about the impact on commercial real estate, which still has not recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. That induced a rise in working from home (WFH) and a parallel drop in office occupancy, and there are signs those impacts are becoming somewhat permanent. The much-watched Kastle Office Occupancy barometer, measuring keycard swipes in ten major real estate markets, has been trending slowly upward, but the ten-city average still hasn’t broken 50%.
Forbes’ Jonathan Ponciano points out the Fed has now pushed interest rates to their “highest level since the Great Recession.” The Fed is reacting to continuing high inflation, even though many economists argue inflation is being driven by factors outside the Fed’s control, including food and energy price hikes caused by Russia’s aggressive war in Ukraine.
The Fed-induced slowdown has put downward pressure on office building rents and also thrown a shadow over future office construction. Cities depend on office work to provide jobs, both directly and for lower-paid workers who provide services like restaurants, security, and cleaning. The office sector also pays taxes, rents to landlords, and interest payments to banks.
These pressures on commercial offices worries many observers. Some scholars predict a commercial real estate “apocalypse,” seeing downward pressure on real estate values, and cheaper and shorter-term leases reflecting reduced demand as landlords scramble for tenants. Their analysis for New York City predicts “long-run office valuations that are 39.18% below pre-pandemic levels,” which could lead to a “fiscal doom loop” for city budgets.
It isn’t just scholars who are worried. In August, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) noted a concern about banks with large commercial real estate (CRE) concentrations, and said examiners will “be increasing their focus on CRE transaction testing,” especially on new loans and risks to bank balance sheets.
Thus far, we aren’t seeing a CRE meltdown. On the one hand, there’s downward pressure on property prices because as Eliot Kijewski of Cushman and Wakefield points out, “buyers’ inability to access credit at the once-historically low interest rates is chilling the investment market.”
But loan repayments aren’t collapsing. The Mortgage Bankers’ Association reports third-quarter delinquencies on commercial and multifamily lending actually fell slightly, part of a downward trend in 2022. Retail and lodging loans continued to be the worst, but even there delinquencies are moving down.
Delinquencies aren’t worsening because tenants’ rent payments haven’t collapsed, allowing landlords to pay their loan charges. CommercialEdge reported that September average office rents were down “2.4% year-over-year,” with a lot of geographic and sectoral variation—not increasing, but not a collapse.
There’s anecdotal data that clients are are pursuing high-end Class A office space, although they may be moving from existing, less desirable offices. Those older, less modern offices they are leaving are the big worry hanging over the sector and over cities.
Commenting on some positive moves by large New York companies into expensive new Class A offices, the New York Post quoted Jeff Peck of Savills saying “the subtext is who is going to absorb the spaces they’re leaving?” He noted that economic troubles for less affluent tenants will lead to demand for reduced rents and that “will cause real pain to these Class B minus buildings.”
That’s the essential commercial real estate and city budget problem from the Fed’s recession drive. Smaller businesses and non-profits will stop growing or shrink (or go out of business) in a recession, lowering demand for their office space. Some of those older buildings can be repurposed into residences, but that process takes time and requires more nimble policies from cities to encourage the transition.
And as Powell noted, the Fed likely isn’t done raising rates and pushing for a recession. That will bring losses in jobs, businesses, and overall well-being, with the impacts falling hardest on low-income and vulnerable workers, and disproportionately on Blacks and other minorities.
So we don’t yet have a commercial real estate “apocalypse.” But the Fed ‘s push for a recession means cities and the commercial office sector likely have further to fall.
MONTREAL – Two Quebec real estate brokers are facing fines and years-long suspensions for submitting bogus offers on homes to drive up prices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Christine Girouard has been suspended for 14 years and her business partner, Jonathan Dauphinais-Fortin, has been suspended for nine years after Quebec’s authority of real estate brokerage found they used fake bids to get buyers to raise their offers.
Girouard is a well-known broker who previously starred on a Quebec reality show that follows top real estate agents in the province.
She is facing a fine of $50,000, while Dauphinais-Fortin has been fined $10,000.
The two brokers were suspended in May 2023 after La Presse published an article about their practices.
One buyer ended up paying $40,000 more than his initial offer in 2022 after Girouard and Dauphinais-Fortin concocted a second bid on the house he wanted to buy.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 11, 2024.
MONTREAL – The Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers says Montreal-area home sales rose 9.3 per cent in August compared with the same month last year, with levels slightly higher than the historical average for this time of year.
The association says home sales in the region totalled 2,991 for the month, up from 2,737 in August 2023.
The median price for all housing types was up year-over-year, led by a six per cent increase for the price of a plex at $763,000 last month.
The median price for a single-family home rose 5.2 per cent to $590,000 and the median price for a condominium rose 4.4 per cent to $407,100.
QPAREB market analysis director Charles Brant says the strength of the Montreal resale market contrasts with declines in many other Canadian cities struggling with higher levels of household debt, lower savings and diminishing purchasing power.
Active listings for August jumped 18 per cent compared with a year earlier to 17,200, while new listings rose 1.7 per cent to 4,840.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 6, 2024.
In the quest to find cities where renters can enjoy the best of all worlds, a recent study analyzed 24 metrics across three key categories—Housing & Economy, Quality of Life, and Community. The study ranked the 100 largest cities in Canada to determine which ones offer the most to their renters.
Here are the top 10 cities that emerged as the best for renters in 2024:
St. John’s, NL
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, stand out as the top city for renters in Canada for 2024. Known for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural beauty, and welcoming community, St. John’s offers an exceptional quality of life. The city boasts affordable housing, a robust economy, and low unemployment rates, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced and enriching living experience. Its rich history, picturesque harbour, and dynamic arts scene further enhance its appeal, ensuring that renters can enjoy both comfort and excitement in this charming coastal city.
Sherbrooke, QC
Sherbrooke, Quebec, emerges as a leading city for renters in Canada for 2024, offering a blend of affordability and quality of life. Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Townships, Sherbrooke is known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and strong community spirit. The city provides affordable rental options, low living costs, and a thriving local economy, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both comfort and economic stability. With its rich history, numerous parks, and dynamic arts and education sectors, Sherbrooke presents an inviting environment for renters looking for a well-rounded lifestyle.
Québec City, QC
Québec City, the capital of Quebec, stands out as a premier destination for renters in Canada for 2024. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural heritage, this city offers an exceptional quality of life. Renters benefit from affordable housing, excellent public services, and a robust economy. The city’s charming streets, historic sites, and diverse culinary scene provide a unique living experience. With top-notch education institutions, numerous parks, and a strong sense of community, Québec City is an ideal choice for those seeking a dynamic and fulfilling lifestyle.
Trois-Rivières, QC
Trois-Rivières, nestled between Montreal and Quebec City, emerges as a top choice for renters in Canada. This historic city, known for its picturesque riverside views and rich cultural scene, offers an appealing blend of affordability and quality of life. Renters in Trois-Rivières enjoy reasonable housing costs, a low unemployment rate, and a vibrant community atmosphere. The city’s well-preserved historic sites, bustling arts community, and excellent educational institutions make it an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.
Saguenay, QC
Saguenay, located in the stunning Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec, is a prime destination for renters seeking affordable living amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Known for its picturesque fjords and vibrant cultural scene, Saguenay offers residents a high quality of life with lower housing costs compared to major urban centers. The city boasts a strong sense of community, excellent recreational opportunities, and a growing economy. For those looking to combine affordability with a rich cultural and natural environment, Saguenay stands out as an ideal choice.
Granby, QC
Granby, nestled in the heart of Quebec’s Eastern Townships, offers renters a delightful blend of small-town charm and ample opportunities. Known for its beautiful parks, vibrant cultural scene, and family-friendly environment, Granby provides an exceptional quality of life. The city’s affordable housing market and strong sense of community make it an attractive option for those seeking a peaceful yet dynamic place to live. With its renowned zoo, bustling downtown, and numerous outdoor activities, Granby is a hidden gem that caters to a diverse range of lifestyles.
Fredericton, NB
Fredericton, the capital city of New Brunswick, offers renters a harmonious blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Known for its vibrant arts scene, beautiful riverfront, and welcoming community, Fredericton provides an excellent quality of life. The city boasts affordable housing options, scenic parks, and a strong educational presence with institutions like the University of New Brunswick. Its rich cultural heritage, coupled with a thriving local economy, makes Fredericton an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
Saint John, NB
Saint John, New Brunswick’s largest city, is a coastal gem known for its stunning waterfront and rich heritage. Nestled on the Bay of Fundy, it offers renters an affordable cost of living with a unique blend of historic architecture and modern conveniences. The city’s vibrant uptown area is bustling with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, while its scenic parks and outdoor spaces provide ample opportunities for recreation. Saint John’s strong sense of community and economic growth make it an inviting place for those looking to enjoy both urban and natural beauty.
Saint-Hyacinthe, QC
Saint-Hyacinthe, located in the Montérégie region of Quebec, is a vibrant city known for its strong agricultural roots and innovative spirit. Often referred to as the “Agricultural Technopolis,” it is home to numerous research centers and educational institutions. Renters in Saint-Hyacinthe benefit from a high quality of life with access to excellent local amenities, including parks, cultural events, and a thriving local food scene. The city’s affordable housing and close-knit community atmosphere make it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.
Lévis, QC
Lévis, located on the southern shore of the St. Lawrence River across from Quebec City, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern conveniences. Known for its picturesque views and well-preserved heritage sites, Lévis is a city where history meets contemporary living. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with excellent public services, green spaces, and cultural activities. The city’s affordable housing options and strong sense of community make it a desirable place for renters looking for both tranquility and easy access to urban amenities.
This category looked at factors such as average rent, housing costs, rental availability, and unemployment rates. Québec stood out with 10 cities ranking at the top, demonstrating strong economic stability and affordable housing options, which are critical for renters looking for cost-effective living conditions.
Québec again led the pack in this category, with five cities in the top 10. Ontario followed closely with three cities. British Columbia excelled in walkability, with four cities achieving the highest walk scores, while Caledon topped the list for its extensive green spaces. These factors contribute significantly to the overall quality of life, making these cities attractive for renters.
Victoria, BC, emerged as the leader in this category due to its rich array of restaurants, museums, and educational institutions, offering a vibrant community life. St. John’s, NL, and Vancouver, BC, also ranked highly. Québec City, QC, and Lévis, QC, scored the highest in life satisfaction, reflecting a strong sense of community and well-being. Additionally, Saskatoon, SK, and Oshawa, ON, were noted for having residents with lower stress levels.
For a comprehensive view of the rankings and detailed interactive visuals, you can visit the full study by Point2Homes.
While no city can provide a perfect living experience for every renter, the cities highlighted in this study come remarkably close by excelling in key areas such as housing affordability, quality of life, and community engagement. These findings offer valuable insights for renters seeking the best places to live in Canada in 2024.
