Credit: GRI Club Real Estate Credit & Debt Outlook 2024
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM DISCUSSIONS AMONG THE TOP 100 LEADERS IN THE DEBT SPACE
Featuring the top 100 leaders in the debt space, GRI Credit Opportunities & Real Estate Debt 2023 provided a forum for valuable discussions on the growth of private real estate debt. Here are the key takeaways from our full report on the event.
Credit & Debt in Europe
In a broad discussion on capital raising and real estate credit strategies, members explored market challenges and opportunities. The conversation covered the geographic makeup of strategies, investor bases, and the difficulty of raising funds for dedicated European strategies.
Challenges in the European market were also considered due to the region’s relative lack of knowledge and comfort with private credit strategies. The discussion delved into the current market landscape, including the impact of liquidity, benefits of having both direct lending and back-leverage capabilities, and the role of different capital sources.
The increase in refinancing opportunities, potential challenges in the refinancing world, and evolving structures and pricing levels were also discussed, along with perspectives on distress in the market, with members anticipating increased transaction activity due to various catalysts, including the cost of carrying assets and potential equity write-offs.
Addressing current market conditions, members focused on potential recapitalization opportunities and their impact on sales activity. The consensus was that recaps might occur, but sales activity is expected to increase due to the prevailing market situation.
Emphasis was placed on the importance of having both capital and mental preparedness for asset management, suggesting that sales may be a more attractive option than recaps.
The conversation touched on adjustments in valuations, particularly in Europe, where there's a realisation that certain markets won't sustain historically low cap rates. Motivated sellers, particularly in German and French open-ended funds, are emerging, willing to accept asset haircuts to facilitate transactions.
On interest rates, members anticipate a lower environment in the next 12 to 18 months, potentially boosting buyer confidence and narrowing bid-offer gaps. Considerations on construction finance were also addressed, noting challenges in finding suitable sites and expressing caution despite stabilised cost inflation.
Debt - The New Asset Class?
While discussing debt as a new asset class, members examined the dynamics of real estate transaction volumes and expected interest rates in 2024, the shift from banks to private credit providers - especially in the UK and the US - emphasising origination opportunities and market forces.
Participants discussed the impact of inflation on asset prices, noting variations across different sectors. Panellists expressed optimism about a potential increase in capital for real estate debt in 2024, citing a more stable interest rate environment and opportunities arising from partnerships with banks.
The discussion also touched on the role of stability in the interest rate curve as a catalyst for stimulating transaction volumes. Overall, members anticipated a balancing act in determining the accretiveness of debt, managing return expectations, and navigating potential changes in interest rates.
Questions were asked about the value proposition of debt funds, especially in a market where interest rates were lower and liquid bond funds offered similar returns without the illiquidity and high fees.
The response from the group highlighted the unique benefits of debt funds, including downside protection, control, and the ability to fill the gap left by retreating banks in real estate credit. They emphasised the importance of net returns and risk-adjusted performance, acknowledging the challenges posed by evolving market dynamics and fee structures.
Doubts were also brought up in regards to the catch-up clause in debt funds with a suggestion that many investors might not fully understand it. The clause is a mechanism to incentivise fund managers to perform well and achieve returns above the hurdle rate by allowing them to participate more significantly in the profits once that threshold has been surpassed.
The discussion expanded to include considerations about the challenges faced by smaller banks, potential changes in market dynamics, and the impact of regulatory developments such as Basel IV.
The sustainability of credit pricing was also considered, with some members expressing agreement that extremely high pricing might not be sustainable in the long run, especially for transitional transactions.
Refinancing
On the subject of refinancing, the discussion revolved around the changing landscape of real estate financing, particularly in Europe, with a focus on the role of alternative lenders and the shift away from traditional bank liquidity. Members highlighted the influx of new players into the market, transforming the capital composition in the industry.
There is speculation on whether bank liquidity will diminish, creating an opportunity for alternative liquidity sources. One participant from a well-known company explained their strategy of filling the gap left by traditional banks, focusing on opportunities with lower LTV hurdles.
The conversation touched on refinancing dynamics, the challenges of different asset classes, and the importance of assessing underlying fundamentals. The speakers also discussed the various approaches lenders are taking, such as amending and extending deals, considering equity release, and the role of back leverage in the current market conditions.
A relationship-oriented approach was emphasised, highlighting the need for rationality and flexibility in negotiations between lenders and borrowers. Members then shared insights into the evolving back leverage market, emphasising its importance and potential expansion with new entrants.
The overall takeaway from the session suggests a cautious approach among lenders, considering the uncertainty in the market and the need for strategic decision-making based on property values and sponsorship quality.
ESG Lending
The slow adoption of green lending despite the global emphasis on sustainability was observed as a key issue. The industry has struggled to see widespread demand for green loans, with borrowers expressing reservations about the tangible benefits and potential risks associated with adopting ESG initiatives. The timeline for ESG lending, set against the backdrop of long-term financial commitments, has raised concerns among both lenders and borrowers.
The conversation then shifted to the definition of green lending and the lack of a standardised framework. The need for a consolidated understanding of what constitutes green finance was noted, emphasising the importance of measurable criteria like carbon emissions reduction rather than relying solely on certifications or green building labels.
Lenders acknowledged the need to move beyond greenwashing and focus on tangible actions, including incentivising transitionary plans and providing support for projects with long-term environmental benefits.
The industry experts concluded that the next five years would be crucial in determining the trajectory of green finance, with the potential for a tipping point where sustainable practices become integral to all financial transactions.
Distress Buying Opportunities
Participants engaged in a discussion exploring the contemporary dynamics of the real estate market. Addressing topics ranging from credit and interest rates to the evolving risk-adjusted return profile, the discourse underscored the crucial role of distress in resolving stagnant assets.The conversation delved into diverse perspectives on distressed opportunities, encompassing secondary market transactions, community involvement by GPs, and broader issues like government interventions impacting residential and office markets.
At the heart of the discussion were the challenges and opportunities within the real estate market, with a specific focus on recapitalisation strategies. Members acknowledged declining property values and dissected the intricacies of recap opportunities, discerning between assets worth retaining and those to relinquish.
While consensus prevailed on the abundance of recap opportunities, the spotlight was on seeking sponsors with unwavering conviction and well-defined business plans.
Amidst predictions of heightened distressed assets due to rising debt costs, participants explored the shifting market sentiment. Despite the anticipation of a potential increase in distressed assets, optimism lingered for a soft landing, positioning credit as a viable alternative to equity.
Funds of the Next Cycle
COVID-19 emerged as a pivotal factor shaping investment decisions, with speakers expressing regret over initially avoiding offices. The spotlight then shifted to senior housing, acknowledged as a niche asset class with robust demographic support and stable operating models. Discussions also delved into the intricacies of leverage, financing costs, and the significance of forming partnerships with local banks.
The conversation expanded to encompass insights into the real estate market in Poland, revealing surprising trends where German banks are increasingly financing projects compared to their home turf. Factors like the Euro-denominated basis, cost considerations, and adherence to ESG criteria were highlighted as crucial influencers in investment decisions.
Geographical preferences within Italy, especially in major cities, were explored, emphasising the development of high-quality properties for accelerated returns. The dialogue also delved into the origin of capital, with a keen examination of the merits of separately managed accounts (SMAs) over pooled investment vehicles.
Sourcing Strategies
Zooming in on investment strategies, participants shared views on capital sources, focusing on the challenges associated with managing individual and high net worth capital. Convincing investors about more efficient and less risky real estate investment methods took centre stage. Residential and hospitality sectors garnered particular interest, with a focus on value-added and opportunistic strategies.
The discussion took an intriguing turn towards riskier, higher-return components such as junior debt and mezzanine financing, with a notable emphasis on the burgeoning life sciences sector. Insights into borrowing behaviour related to operational assets were discussed, revealing counterintuitive trends where high-interest rates didn't deter borrowers.
The increasing focus on integrating ESG criteria into financial structures was underscored, navigating regulatory pressures, investor expectations, and the evolving landscape of green finance.
To read more and see additional photos from the event you can get the full report HERE.
You can learn more about GRI Club Europe and our upcoming calendar of events for 2024 HERE.
