Multifamily Development - anyone getting deals done?

In the current market, multifamily development deals are indeed facing challenges, but there are still opportunities for those who navigate the landscape wisely. Based on the insights from the Wall Street Oasis discussions, here are a few key takeaways on how some are managing to get deals done:

1. Capitalizing on Development Deals: Despite the slowdown, some developers are successfully capitalizing on development deals by adjusting their strategies. For instance, securing longer closing periods to navigate through the crisis, as mentioned by a commercial real estate developer on WSO. This approach allows developers to let the seller assume most of the risk while pricing in the downside.

2. Strategic Market Selection: The importance of choosing the right market or submarket has been highlighted as crucial. With the current economic uncertainty, underwritten returns and yield on cost (YOC) expectations need to be adjusted. Developers are focusing on markets where they anticipate stronger resilience or quicker recovery post-crisis.

3. Adapting to Lower Returns: Expectations for returns are being recalibrated. Developers are proceeding with the understanding that yields might be lower than desired but are betting on long-term gains. This involves making prudent assumptions about rents, cap rates, and both static and trended expenses.

4. Keeping the Pipeline Moving: Despite the challenges, there's a consensus on the need to keep the development pipeline active. Developers are continuing to engage with land sellers and local economic development authorities to ensure they have projects lined up for when the market stabilizes.

5. Creative Financing Solutions: Finding JV equity partners has been tough in the past months, but some are still managing to get deals capitalized by exploring alternative financing solutions and leveraging strong relationships with lenders and investors.

6. Focus on Multifamily: Multifamily remains a segment with potential, especially as home ownership becomes increasingly out of reach for many. The expectation is that there will be tailwinds for multifamily developments once the current supply is absorbed and the economy stabilizes.

In summary, while the market is undoubtedly challenging, developers who are flexible in their approach, strategic in their market selection, and willing to adapt to the current economic realities are still finding ways to get deals done.

Sources: Multifamily Deals are Starting to Fall Out, Multifamily Deals are Starting to Fall Out, Is anyone capitalizing development deals??