Real estate market analysis can provide invaluable insight into what’s happening in your local housing market and help guide better investment decisions.
This chart from Keeping Current Matters illustrates how rising mortgage rates have decreased buyers’ purchasing power and may keep some would-be buyers on the sidelines until 2023.
Economic Growth
Economic growth rates (or real GDP), are one of the primary contributors to real estate values. This statistic represents the total monetary value of all final goods and services produced within a nation within any given timeframe; calculated by adding up personal consumption expenditures, gross private domestic investment, net exports and gross government spending expenditures.
Real GDP typically increases more quickly in an economy with strong fundamentals due to rising wages and incomes as well as reduced mortgage rates resulting in an improved standard of living for citizens. Economic expansion also allows households more time at work thus increasing productivity and therefore economic output.
An economic slowdown typically causes real estate prices to decrease as demand for properties decreases and lenders tighten credit standards, leading to reduced housing affordability and sales, but can also cause home values to increase as buyers are willing to pay a premium for properties they want.
Real estate prices depend on a range of variables related to location and housing supply, which makes predicting how the real estate market will evolve difficult. KPMG LLP reports that existing single-family home sales should decrease 23% this year from those seen last year.
Real estate investing can be a challenging endeavor that requires professional assistance from Chelle Real Estate to ensure an optimal return. Investors must understand how market fluctuations impact different forms of real estate – for instance hotel REITs tend to be more sensitive than office buildings when recessionary cycles hit.
Demographic Changes
Demographic trends have an immense effect on real estate. They influence housing demand, shape neighborhoods and present investment opportunities that buyers, agents and investors must be aware of in order to navigate successfully the ever-evolving real estate market.
As baby boomers age, their families are transitioning into different structures. While households with children have decreased significantly and single-family homes become less common over time, more adults are living together and sharing housing arrangements than before. This trend is expected to continue as baby boomers transition into retirement and require different housing solutions.
Demographic factors of interest for real estate investments include education and income. Education impacts real estate demand by creating demand for properties near good schools, while income determines which properties an individual can afford – higher-income individuals often prefer larger houses while low-income people typically look for affordable rental options.
Immigration has significantly affected the real estate market. Many immigrants are looking for homes near family, work and educational institutions – this necessitates more multi-unit buildings which are energy efficient and specifically tailored to meet their needs as well as meet those of various ethnic communities.
Demographic trends may cause real estate downturns when they impact home supply and labor availability. But these effects can be offset by other factors that lead to economic expansion, like healthy stock markets and increased consumer spending; local real estate markets can even remain strong even during times of national or global economic weakness if these favorable factors exist.
Interest Rates
Interest rates represent the fees charged to individuals or businesses borrowing assets, whether to buy homes, consumer goods, vehicles, property, expand operations and fund projects or repay loans through either lump sum payments or fixed payments over an agreed time frame. Interest rates depend on market conditions and economic considerations – the higher they are, the more costly borrowing is likely to be.
High interest rates make it harder for homebuyers to qualify for mortgages and decrease housing demand. Furthermore, this lowers inventory levels making it more challenging for buyers to find what they’re searching for on the market.
Interest rate reductions increase affordability and drive demand for real estate, leading to multiple offers and rapid sales often at or above list price. This creates a seller’s market, leading to multiple offers being submitted simultaneously and swift closings being completed quickly at or above list price.
As you work with clients, it’s crucial that you understand how rising and falling interest rates impact the real estate market. By comprehending these trends, you can more accurately advise clients about when is best to buy or sell their properties based on current conditions, making more informed investment decisions for themselves and advising on appropriate purchasing or selling decisions.
As a commercial real estate broker, you may be concerned about how rising interest rates will impact the industry. Rising rates will make financing purchases or developments of commercial real estate more expensive for owners and developers – potentially slowing growth or even reverse it in recent years. Uncertainty surrounding rising interest rates may dissuade some investors from undertaking new projects; those who already possess a solid portfolio should likely remain resilient enough to weather any potential economic slowdowns.
Taxes
Real estate can be an attractive investment option for both individuals and corporations alike, whether by buying directly or investing in REITs (real estate investment trusts). Both residential and commercial real estate provide investors with income-generating assets at various price points; additionally, government programs and tax benefits make real estate an appealing investment choice.
Real estate taxes (commonly referred to as ad valorem taxes) are local fees determined by the value of property. They’re usually invoiced every year, and can either be included with mortgage payments or paid directly. Real estate market activity may be affected by how much is paid in taxes as well as its impact on the overall economy.
Concerns over housing affordability have led some advocates to advocate that municipal governments raise residential property tax rates. Unfortunately, increasing property taxes can have unintended repercussions, particularly among lower-income households. When home prices decline but assessments lag behind, low-value homes can often experience greater decreases than higher value properties in their assessed values.
Noticing property tax rates varies significantly by city. Some states may have higher property tax rates while other may offer much lower ones, which can have an enormous effect on housing demand in different regions, particularly if an economic downturn or interest rate increase occur, so it’s vital that investors understand all aspects of property taxation rates before making any real estate investing decisions.
Supply and Demand
As with any business, real estate relies on a balance between supply and demand to function properly. When demand exceeds available properties, prices rise while when demand drops below available ones prices can decrease – this dynamic may depend on several factors including labor and material supplies, government policies, local sentiment about development plans and mortgage rates among others.
Inflation can have an immense effect on the real estate market. Rising inflation can reduce consumers’ purchasing power, thus curbing their desire for property purchases. Furthermore, rising construction costs make new developments less feasible, further decreasing available properties and thus driving prices higher.
At its core, real estate is heavily impacted by economic health. A slower economy can cause people to lose jobs, decreasing the amount of money available for spending on real estate investments. Furthermore, difficulties paying mortgages may reduce demand further reducing demand.
All these factors should be considered when assessing potential real estate investments. A trusted real estate professional can explain what’s happening in your local market and how it might impact your personal investment goals.