Cap rates in the U.S. multifamily real estate sector have increased significantly since 2021, reflecting a rise in borrowing costs. In 2023, the average multifamily cap rate was **** percent, up **** percent in 2021, when it was at its low. By 2026, the average multifamily cap rate is forecast to decline slightly, to **** percent.

Retail properties had the highest capitalization rates in the United States in 2023, followed by offices. The cap rate for office real estate was **** percent in the fourth quarter of the year and was forecast to rise further to **** percent in 2024. Cap rates measure the expected rate of return on investment, and show the net operating income of a property as a percentage share of the current asset value. While a higher cap rate indicates a higher rate of return, it also suggests a higher risk. Why have cap rates increased? The increase in cap rates is a consequence of a repricing in the commercial real estate sector. According to the National NCREIF Property Return Index, prices for commercial real estate declined across all property types in 2023. Rental growth was slow during the same period, resulting in a negative annual return. The increase in cap rates reflects the increased risk in the investment environment. Pricing uncertainty in the commercial real estate sector Between 2014 and 2021, commercial property prices in the U.S. enjoyed steady growth. Access to credit with low interest rates facilitated economic growth and real estate investment. As inflation surged in the following two years, lending policy tightened. That had a significant effect on the sector. First, it worsened sentiment among occupiers. Second, it led to a decline in demand for commercial spaces and commercial real estate investment volumes. Uncertainty about the future development of interest rates and occupier demand further contributed to the repricing of real estate assets.

Multifamily buildings had some of the lowest cap rates in Canada in the first quarter of 2023. For class A multifamily high rise buildings, investors could expect a capitalization rate of **** percent, while for class AA downtown offices, the cap rate was **** percent. The capitalization rate measures the rate of return on commercial properties and is calculated by dividing the net operating income of a property by its asset value. While a higher rate might promise higher return, it is also an indication of a riskier asset.

Greater Los Angeles, New York, and Dallas/Ft. Worth were the metros that attracted the most multifamily investment in the four quarters ending in second quarter 2024. The three metros recorded over seven billion U.S. dollars in investment. Other popular markets included Greater Washington D.C., Atlanta, and Miami-South Florida.

Discover the booming Canadian commercial real estate market! This in-depth analysis reveals a $77.09 billion market in 2025, projected to grow at a 7.59% CAGR through 2033. Explore key drivers, trends, and major players shaping this dynamic sector across Toronto, Vancouver, and other major Canadian cities. Recent developments include: June 2023: Prologis, Inc. and Blackstone announced a definitive agreement for Prologis to acquire nearly 14 million square feet of industrial properties from opportunistic real estate funds affiliated with Blackstone for USD 3.1 billion, funded by cash. The acquisition price represents an approximately 4% cap rate in the first year and a 5.75% cap rate when adjusting to today's market rents., May 2023: An experiential real estate investment trust, VICI Properties Inc., announced that it had signed agreements to buy the real estate assets of Century Casinos, Inc.'s Century Downs Racetrack and Casino in Calgary, Alberta, Century Casino St. Albert in Edmonton, Alberta, and Century Casino St. Albert in St. Albert, Alberta, for a total purchase price of USD 164.7 million. This move demonstrates both their continued drive to grow abroad and their faith in the Canadian gaming industry. They are also excited to assist Century's asset monetization strategy, which will open up new opportunities for their cooperation.. Key drivers for this market are: Evolution of retail sector driving the market, Office spaces in Toronto and Vancouver are increasing. Potential restraints include: High interest rates tend to slowdown business growth, Increasing cost of real estate affecting the growth of the market. Notable trends are: Evolution of retail sector driving the market.

In 2023, the return of the national NCREIF Property Index in the United States declined for the first time since 2009. The annualized total return of the index plummeted in 2023, followed by a slight increase in 2024. Just three years ago, in 2021, the rate of return of the index hit **** percent. The NCREIF Property Index reflects the change in prices of commercial real estate for investment purposes in the United States. Property types with the highest cap rates Cap rates, which measure the expected return rate of a real estate asset, were the highest for retail properties in 2023. While a higher cap rate indicates a higher rate of return, it is also associated with higher risk: The multifamily sector, which has enjoyed steady and robust growth in recent years, had the lowest cap rate of all commercial property types. Commercial property area with the best development prospects In 2025, the real estate development opportunities for single-family housing were deemed to be the best when compared with other types of commercial property. Industrial real estate includes warehouses, factories, and big box distribution centers.