In a rapidly shifting economic environment, hotel developers and lenders are adapting their strategies to secure successful outcomes for hotel projects. We sat down with Jared Schlosser, EVP of Hotel Lending and Head of CPACE at Peachtree Group to discuss how rising interest rates and inflationary pressures are influencing lending criteria and financial planning. Hear more insights from Jared during his panel Active Lending at Lodging Conference.
Q: Given the rising interest rates and inflationary pressures, how are lenders adjusting their underwriting criteria for hotels?
Jared Schlosser: Right now, it's all about cash flow. It’s hard to underwrite any sort of pro forma growth unless there’s a real story behind it. Lenders are focused on the cash flow, and if you can achieve a13% debt yield or higher, you qualify for generally permanent debt, CMBS, life company, or even bank takeouts. If you don’t meet that threshold, then you typically fall into the private credit space, which is where Peachtree Group comes in.
Q: What are the current trends in loan terms, such as loan-to-value (LTV) ratios or interest rates?
JS: It’s been quite varied, depending on what each lender's risk threshold is. The biggest trend I’m seeing is uncertainty around how long rates will stay elevated. Because of that, borrowers are seeking flexibility. They’re willing to pay a premium for loans with shorter yield maintenance or reduced prepayment penalties. Many are hesitant to lock into long-term fixed-rate debt like they used to.
We provide both fixed-rate and floating-rate loans, but even with fixed-rate products, borrowers are trying to secure as much flexibility as possible. We’re still getting to 70% loan-to-cost (LTC) or LTV, sometimes pushing up to 75% or scaling back, depending on our underwriting. In contrast, the banking market is closer to 50-55% on average, which highlights the difference between our space and traditional banks.
Q: How should developers adapt their financial strategies in this market?
JS: I always say in a volatile market, get ahead of it. Be proactive—get ahead of your maturity dates and start conversations early, whether it’s with us or other competitors in the space. Early engagement is key right now because the future is so uncertain.
With upcoming elections, the volatility surrounding Federal Reserve policy, and questions about whether rates will be cut or stay elevated longer than expected, liquidity is fluctuating. The sooner borrowers are out in the market looking for refinances or construction financing, and the more well-prepared their packages are, the better their chances of securing favorable terms.
Peachtree Group is a direct balance sheet lender focused on funding first mortgage bridge loans, mezzanine loans, preferred equity investments, and commercial property assessed clean energy (CPACE) financing, lending to all commercial real estate asset classes with a specialty in hotel financing. The Peachtree Group team has executed more than 297 transactions, originating more than $4.5 billion for projects seeking capital to complete acquisitions, recapitalizations, refinancing and renovations.
As cities grapple with limited resources and urban revitalization, one innovative approach gaining traction is adaptive reuse. By repurposing existing structures, such as warehouses, factories and office buildings, adaptive reuse offers a sustainable solution to create affordable housing. However, financing these projects can pose a significant challenge.
The priority of financing an adaptive reuse project is finding an experienced lender, which will increase the chances of a smooth funding process.
The challenges and risks associated with repurposing existing structures can make traditional lenders hesitant to provide financing. In such cases, alternative lenders like, who specializes in adaptive reuse and has a track record of working with these projects, can be a valuable resource.
Stonehill has a deep understanding of the unique considerations involved in adaptive reuse, such as the complexities of assessing the property’s value, estimating renovation costs, and managing potential environmental or structural issues. As a result, Stonehill is usually more willing to provide flexible terms and agreements to accommodate the specific needs and challenges of adaptive reuse projects.
Stonehill recently financed $11 million for the conversion of a former 195-key conference hotel into 195 affordable studio apartment units. The hotel’s conference space was transitioned to resident amenities including a fitness center, common laundry facilities, lounge areas, large outdoor courtyard and co-working space.
In addition to the sponsor’s experience in workforce housing, the business plan was attractive to Stonehill because of the strong traditional apartment market and demonstrated population growth in the area. And, once complete, the development offers new apartment product at affordable rents for the market.
Adaptive reuse provides various benefits, making it an attractive option for affordable housing development.
Considering these benefits, adaptive reuse is a multifaceted approach that addresses the affordable housing crisis and promotes sustainability, heritage preservation and community revitalization. It is an innovative solution that leverages existing resources to create positive social and environmental impacts in urban areas.
Working with Peachtree Group in financing adaptive reuse into affordable housing can increase the chances of securing the necessary funding, navigating the process’s complexities, and ensuring a higher likelihood of project success. Contact me today to discuss your project dsiegel@peachtreegroup.com.
Daniel Siegel is principal and president of Peachtree’s commercial real estate lending group overseeing the group’s expansion into commercial real estate lending. Before joining Peachtree, he was managing director at a large private equity firm and the head of high-yield investments. Prior to joining that firm, Siegel was vice president of acquisitions at Rialto Capital, overseeing the distressed loan acquisitions platform. During his tenure at Rialto, Siegel directly oversaw the acquisition of commercial real estate loans on both domestic and international opportunities. Additionally, he developed the firm’s small balance loan acquisition platform and led the company’s first European acquisition. Siegel has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Tulane University.
Contact Daniel at dsiegel@peachtreegroup.com.
Peachtree CEO Greg Friedman was quoted in this recent CoStar Group article by Sean McCracken talking about the lending environment for hotels in 2024 and the opportunities for investor, operator, lenders like Peachtree Group.
"Most traditional lenders aren't lending," said Friedman. "Forty percent of the debt market is traditionally made up of regional banks, community banks, national banks, and it's been in the press that banks are under pressure. So 40% of the market is struggling, the CMBS market makes up close to 25% to 30% of lending to hotels and that market is well under pressure, as well."But he said what is left of the market is attracted to hotels due to "really good asset-level performance."
Lending Conditions Likely More Certain for Hotels in 2024 (costar.com)
