The Street predicts that equity REITs may have a better year in 2023. Multifamily assets and development sites are reportedly the most popular types of property in New York City, according to The Real Deal. These topics are among the most important in the commercial real estate industry today.

1.      The Next Rate Hike: What’s Ahead for

The consensus is that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates on Wednesday. After four meetings that resulted in a 0.75% increase, it is anticipated that this time the rate hike will be smaller. The final decision on the rate hike will be based on the latest data on the Consumer Price Index, including wage growth, consumer demand, housing prices, and shipping costs. This information comes from Commercial Property Executive.

2.      REITs Could Be Looking Up After Desultory 2022

Interest rates and a weakening economy have had a negative impact on real estate investment trusts (REITs) in 2022. The FTSE Nareit All Equity REIT index has fallen 23% this year. Higher interest rates hurt REITs because they rely on borrowing to buy properties, and higher yields make bonds more appealing compared to REITs. Additionally, a struggling economy reduces demand for real estate. This information comes from The Street.

3.      WeWork’s Once Robust Cash Reserves Have Dwindled, Raising Chances of Default

WeWork is trying to become profitable before its cash reserves run out. However, the Federal Reserve's efforts to combat inflation have made this more difficult. Concerns about a recession and tech industry job cuts are reducing demand for co-working desks. Additionally, higher interest rates have made it harder for money-losing companies like WeWork to obtain debt and have lessened the appeal of future profit to investors. WeWork, which has a large amount of debt and expensive long-term leases, had a negative cash flow of around $4.3 billion from July 2020 to September 2022.

4.      I-Sales Recap: Multifamily, Development Sites Dominate Deals

Last week, almost all of the deals for commercial properties worth between $10 million and $40 million in New York City involved multifamily assets. This information comes from The Real Deal.

5.      Shrinking Office Building Values Are Becoming a Dilemma for City Budgets

The significant decrease in office building values is likely to create issues for cities, schools, and other organizations that rely heavily on property taxes from these building owners. Most municipal budgets have not been affected much yet. However, municipalities may start to feel the impact soon. This information comes from The Wall Street Journal.

6.      Caesars Palace in Times Square? Don’t Bet on It

New York real estate developers believe that it is unlikely that there will be a casino in Manhattan. Instead, they think that Queens and the Bronx are the most likely locations, with Coney Island being a potential option. This information comes from Forbes.

7.      Dollar General’s New Popshelf Stores Chase Inflation-Weary Shoppers in the Suburbs

Dollar General's next major growth strategy involves a new store called Popshelf, which is located in a strip mall in suburban Nashville. The store caters to suburban shoppers with higher incomes but sells most items for $5 or less. The store offers a wide range of merchandise, including holiday-themed platters, party and crafting supplies, novelty foods, and gifts. It is designed to be a treasure hunt that encourages customers to return. This information comes from CNBC.