In this episode of Peachtree's Point of View, Greg Friedman welcomes David Bitner, Global Head of Research and Executive Managing Director at Newmark, for an in-depth discussion on the commercial real estate landscape. They cover key economic and market trends, including the impact of sustained higher interest rates, the evolving debt market, and investment opportunities in a rapidly shifting environment. A major theme of the discussion is how higher interest rates continue to reshape commercial real estate valuations.
Commercial real estate investors and operators are facing a fundamental shift in market dynamics, with the era of ultra-low interest rates firmly in the rearview mirror. In a revealing conversation with Greg Friedman, David Bitner, Global Head of Research at Newmark, emphasizes that this change isn't temporary – it's a permanent feature of the investment landscape that requires a complete recalibration of expectations and strategies.
Looking ahead this year, Bitner anticipates continued volatility in interest rates, with the 10-year Treasury likely to run between 3.8% and the mid-5% range. This volatility, coupled with ongoing economic uncertainty, will significantly impact transaction activity and asset valuations across all property types.
Despite these challenges, there are bright spots emerging. Office markets showed their first positive net absorption in 18 quarters during Q4 2023, suggesting a potential turning point. The industrial sector is poised for recovery, particularly in secondary and tertiary markets, driven by near shoring trends and over $530 billion in planned manufacturing investments. Multifamily properties, especially new construction, show attractive pricing dynamics relative to existing stock.
For investors looking to deploy capital, David suggests a balanced approach with a significant allocation to debt investments, where spreads appear more attractive than equity returns. He particularly highlights opportunities in direct lending and mezzanine debt, where returns can reach 14%. On the equity side, he points to value-add opportunities in trophy office conversions, though emphasizing the critical importance of submarket selection.
The wall of debt maturities remains a significant concern, with approximately $2 trillion in commercial real estate loans maturing over the next couple of years. While banks have largely employed an "extend and pretend" strategy thus far, David suggests regulatory pressure and dwindling extension options could force more resolutions in 2025, leading to increased transaction activity and price discovery.
The podcast also touches on potential policy impacts from the new administration, including proposed tariffs and deregulation efforts, which could create both challenges and opportunities for commercial real estate markets.
For investors and operators in commercial real estate, 2025 promises to be a year of continued adaptation to new market realities. Success will require embracing volatility, adjusting return expectations, and taking amore targeted approach to investments across both debt and equity opportunities.

Peachtree Point of View explores today’s complex investment landscape, offering expert insights and actionable strategies to navigate dislocated markets and capitalize on mispriced risk. Each episode dives deep into market dynamics, equipping you with the knowledge to better understand and navigate the ever-changing financial world. Whether you're looking to invest, raise capital, or partner, we’ll reveal the tools and strategies needed to generate superior risk-adjusted returns.
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Hay una cantidad récord de vencimientos de deuda en 2024, cercana a 1 billón de dólares, y otro billón de dólares en los próximos dos años, señala Greg Friedman Director ejecutivo de Peachtree Group.
En esta entrevista con Schwab Nework, habla sobre el sector inmobiliario comercial y sobre cómo el mercado sigue descontando recortes de 50 puntos básicos de aquí a fin de año, y cada vez parece más que «impulsado por la fe» que por «los datos».
Mira el entrevista completa aquí.
Falta una bandera roja de recesión crítica
Antes de 2022, los prestatarios disfrutaron durante más de una década de la oportunidad de obtener préstamos a tasas de interés cercanas a cero, una ventaja que impulsó el crecimiento y la expansión del mercado inmobiliario comercial. En la actualidad, vemos un volumen sin precedentes de préstamos que vencen en un entorno de tasas de interés mucho más altas, y los bancos reducen su exposición a los bienes inmuebles comerciales. A pesar de estas condiciones, la demanda de préstamos sigue creciendo.
Históricamente, un repunte de la demanda de préstamos durante el aumento de las tasas de interés sería una señal de advertencia de una inminente crisis crediticia. Sin embargo, desafiando las expectativas, los datos recientes sugieren una desviación con respecto a este patrón, ya que los bancos informan de un aumento de la actividad crediticia a pesar de mantener normas crediticias onerosas. Esta anomalía, combinada con una inflación moderada, desafía los indicadores tradicionales de recesión. Si bien algunos analistas sugieren con cautela que «esta vez es diferente», persisten las incertidumbres económicas, lo que plantea una interesante pregunta sobre la dinámica subyacente del mercado.
Si bien persisten las incertidumbres, una cosa queda clara: el sector inmobiliario comercial se enfrenta a una coyuntura crucial. Estamos navegando con atención por un panorama en evolución, equilibrando el riesgo y las oportunidades en un mercado moldeado por fuerzas sin precedentes.
Este comentario apareció originalmente en Página de LinkedIn de Greg Friedman el 16 de mayo de 2024, en respuesta a una revista Inc artículo de Phil Rosen titulado: Falta una bandera roja de recesión crítica.
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Peachtree Group Awarded Developer of the Year by Hilton
ATLANTA, GA April 24, 2024 - Peachtree Group today announced that it has been recognized by Hilton as the 2023 Developer of the Year in the Focused Service category. The Hilton Americas Development Awards recognize the achievements of owners, development partners and hotel teams in the Americas across several categories.
“We are immensely honored to have been named Developer of the Year by Hilton, a distinction that underscores our desire to build outstanding hotels,” said Mitul Patel, principal, Peachtree Group. “This recognition highlights our unwavering commitment to creating exceptional hotels and further strengthens our partnership with Hilton. This award is a testament to our strategic approach to hotel development, which combines identifying great locations, assembling a top-tier team and maintaining a steadfast focus on quality.”
In 2022, Peachtree Group received the Multi-Brand Developer of the Year from Hilton.
These annual awards celebrate the resiliency and commitment of Hilton’s owners and team members who spread the light and warmth of hospitality. For more information about Hilton, visit the company’s newsroom at stories.hilton.com.
About Peachtree Group
Peachtree Group is a vertically integrated investment management firm specializing in identifying and capitalizing on opportunities in dislocated markets, anchored by commercial real estate. Today, the company manages billions in capital across acquisitions, development and lending, augmented by services designed to protect, support and grow its investments. For more information, visit www.peachtreegroup.com.
Contact:
Charles Talbert
678-823-7683
ctalbert@peachtreegroup.com