SVNIC’s 2016 Market Outlook Reports assess the current state of the national commercial real estate market, and identify micro-trends within specific geographic regions and industries for 2016. Today we are delving into the 2016 Top Multifamily Markets to Watch. Not the largest or the most actively contested markets, the 2016 Multifamily Markets to Watch are each at an important juncture that presents unique opportunities for investment. Together, they reflect the diversity of trends that is driving the economy and commercial real estate performance in markets across the country.
Top Multifamily Market to Watch: Tampa, FL
Tampa has recovered significantly after experiencing deep impacts from the recession and is now growing jobs at an annualized pace of 3.6% with an unemployment rate of 4.8% as of January ‘16, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job growth also helped sustain population growth of 6.8% from 2010 to 2014, according to the Census Bureau. This growth has caused the multifamily sector in Tampa to expand with growing rents, falling occupancies, and lots of new supply. 2016 should bring approximately 5% rent growth with stable occupancy levels. The city is approximately 50% rental housing based and should demand more units as economic expansion continues. Top sectors for employment growth include Construction, Professional and Business Services, Leisure and Hospitality, and Financial Activities which have annualized growth rates of 7.1%, 7.1%, 6.6%, 3.4%, respectively.
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Over the next few weeks, the SVN Blog will be featuring posts that will focus on each of the top markets to watch for industrial, multifamily, office, and retail properties. SVN Advisors from selected top markets have provided their industry expertise regarding what to look out for in their specific market in the coming months. Don’t miss out on these important insights – subscribe to the SVN Blog on the right side of the blog homepage.
To read more on other top multifamily markets, download the full version of the 2016 Multifamily Market Outlook report here.
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Ft. Lauderdale has experienced significant recovery from the recession but still remains below pre-recession peaks in both total employment and lows in the unemployment rate. Still, the economy is quite healthy with a 4.7% unemployment measure as of January ‘16, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As part of a multi-metro region, Ft. Lauderdale offers relatively lower office rents and higher occupancies, as well as an overall lower regional cost of living (especially compared to Miami) and thus is a rational place to grow and expand a business. Key office sectors are displaying strength with Financial Activities, Professional and Business Services, and Information all markedly positive with annualized growth rates of 4.5%, 4.3%, and 2.1%, respectively. The office market of Ft. Lauderdale should perform well in 2016.
Orlando continues to be one of the fastest growing markets in the nation, fueled by record tourism and new business openings and relocations. Unemployment remains stable at 4.7% as new jobs are being created at a 4.9% annualized rate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Population has also boomed by 9.9% from 2010 to 2014, according to the Census Bureau, creating the demand for more retail real estate. Top employment sectors include Construction, Professional and Business Services, Manufacturing, Educational and Health Services, and Leisure and Hospitality, with annualized growth rates of 14.5%, 8.6%, 7.3%, 4.6%, and 4.4%, respectively. This broad-based growth will enhance the health of the retail real estate sector in 2016 and beyond for both tourist-focused and resident-focused establishments.
After facing a deep real estate and economic recession, Miami has fully recovered, has more employment than ever, and continues to grow at a 2.9% annualized pace, while unemployment remains stable at 5.2% as of January ‘16, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth has been led by a new construction boom fed by foreign investment that has construction jobs growing at a 10.5% annualized rate, making it the far and away fastest growing sector. Population has also grown by 7.8% from 2010 to 2015, according to the Census Bureau, and is expected to continue growing, fueling the need for more retail development. Miami’s joint tourism, retirement, and business growth should force rental rates up and vacancies down in the retail real estate sector for 2016 and beyond.
In addition to boasting some of the top tourist destinations in the United States, Central Florida has cultivated a thriving technology cluster in a 23-county region spanning the breadth of the state. Joint programs by regional universities and community colleges cover a wide range of technology fields, from microelectronics to biotechnology, modeling and robotics, aerospace, wireless technology and digital media. The growing workforce of highly skilled, young professionals is attracting tech employers and fostering startups, adding a significant and expanding source of well-paid residents to help drive retail sales. Tampa and Orlando share a similar overall retail vacancy rate of about 9.5 percent, but Tampa’s malls have outperformed with a vacancy rate below 4 percent and average mall rents of $25 or more per square foot. In Orlando, mall vacancy is 200 basis points higher and average rent is closer to $15. Tampa’s weak spot since the recession has been excess vacancy at strip and neighborhood centers, but falling rents in those subsets showed signs of flattening in late 2013. Orlando in particular has benefited from resurgent tourism that will increase as the economic recovery takes a firmer hold in U.S. markets this year. Investor confidence in Central Florida’s outlook has driven strong demand for net-leased retail since 2011, and would-be buyers are now showing greater interest in multi-tenant properties with below-market rents that offer good upside potential.
