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Investors Pause Amid Challenges: Strata Commercial Projects

185,000-square-foot IntraUrban Crossroads

The 185,000-square-foot IntraUrban Crossroads, Surrey’s second-largest industrial strata space, was primarily bought by owner-users,| PC Urban Properties

Investors in Metro Vancouver’s strata industrial projects, akin to residential condos for businesses, encounter a slowdown. Rising interest rates pose challenges, reshaping perspectives on these projects.

From Appreciation to Investment Challenges

Originally, businesses saw strata spaces as a way to benefit from real estate appreciation with a fixed mortgage cost. However, buying and renting out these spaces are now finding it tough. High prices, reaching $640 per square foot, and rising rates make it hard for them to make a profit.

Financing Gets Tougher with Rising Rates

As the Bank of Canada raised rates to 3.75%, the sixth increase this year, investors face more hurdles. They might need to put down 30% to 50%, dealing with higher lending rates compared to those who own the space.

Impact on Planned Projects; Medical Spaces Stand Out

These challenges are not only affecting how investors feel but also changing plans for future projects. Some might slow down or get delayed because investors are less interested. However, medical office spaces, unlike others, are still popular among both owners and investors, especially in Vancouver.

The changing landscape of strata industrial projects prompts a reconsideration of investment strategies. As interest rates rise, investors face a complex decision-making environment. The once-thriving concept of renting out portions of strata space to owner-occupiers is fading, introducing a new era of caution. Despite record-high leases and escalating sale prices, the difficulty in generating positive cash flow adds a layer of complexity. As a result, the anticipated ease of investing in strata industrial projects undergoes scrutiny, urging investors to navigate the evolving market dynamics with prudence and adaptability.

Please contact Jared Gibbons, your local realtor, should you have any questions!

 

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