There might be a bright side to rising interest rates, which could discourage investors from beginning or growing their real estate portfolio due to the increased cost of financing. Given that high rates frequently result in higher rents, 2024 might be a great year for real estate investments.
Real estate is one of the few markets where pricing is at or close to cycle lows, so if you think rates have peaked and may decline in the coming year, it should be appealing, according to Zsolt Kohalmi, deputy CEO and global head of real estate at Pictet Asset Management.
Trusts for Real Estate Investments (REITs)
The real estate market can be accessed in two main ways. According to Chris Berkel, president of Axis Financial and financial advisor, “the first is directly, through owning your own direct rental property or some kind of private equity deal, both of which are tremendously illiquid.”
Real estate investment trusts, or REITs, offer a second, more liquid, and possibly easier way to invest in real estate. These are businesses that own, oversee, or finance properties that generate income; they are obligated to distribute 90% of their profits as dividends to stockholders.
REITs may trade publicly or privately. Shares in the public versions are available for purchase on stock exchanges.
Remembering that each REIT is unique is crucial.
To draw in yield-seeking investors, some may try to increase profits through yields by using enormous amounts of leverage, according to Berkel. “This may work but could also dilute shareholder equity and create a situation where the total return ends up being negative.” So, before making an investment, consider the management’s approach.
Additionally, REITs may choose to concentrate on other market niches. Some people, for instance, solely own data centers or retail shopping centers, but others may adopt a more diverse strategy by making investments in a range of real estate assets.
It could be wiser for those who are unable to fully understand the subtleties of those kinds of investments to concentrate on broad trends that appear to be gaining traction, such as the shift toward a more digital future.
Residential Real Estate in Areas with Lower and Middle Incomes
According to Kurt Carlton, co-founder and president of New Western, a private marketplace for residential investment properties in the United States, a decrease in the involvement of large institutional investors in the real estate market is creating opportunities for local individual investors to enter the market.
Because of this, they are a desirable alternative for the lower- to middle-class consumer, who is now in limited supply. Local investors are addressing the shortfall by renovating for sale properties and reopening them, he says, “especially as we head into the new year with continued low inventory.” This gives consumers additional options for their home-buying search.
According to a 2023 National Association of Realtors research, about 320,000 homes valued up to $256,000 are required to satisfy the needs of purchasers.
Seek out cities where there is a strong demand for affordable housing along with a large number of older properties that are ready for major upgrades.
“Instead of just buying for long-term appreciation, look for homes that, with strategic renovations, can be immediately elevated in value,” Carlton advises. “In summary, real estate success typically stems from both long-term speculation and active value creation.”
Houston, Raleigh, Atlanta, and Denver; Austin, Texas; and Raleigh, North Carolina, led the growth in investor-purchased residences from the first to the second half of 2023, according to data on New Western investor activity. Additionally, investor acquisitions increased by 16% in the West and 6.5% in the South during that same time period.
Locations with Increasing Populations
The story of supply and demand is as old as time itself. The demand for housing increases in tandem with population growth. According to businessman and real estate investor Rod Khleif, who owns more than 2,000 houses, cities like Austin and Atlanta would be worthwhile considerations.
According to him, real estate investors find these places appealing since they have reduced cost of living, good business environments, and growing employment rates.
Between 2021 and 2022, the Austin metropolitan region saw a 2.7% growth rate, resulting in the influx of almost 63,000 new residents. A lesser-known suburb located less than 30 miles from Austin saw rapid expansion over this same period. Georgetown, Texas, boasted a 14.4% growth rate, making it the fastest-growing city in the United States.
In a similar vein, Atlanta has grown rapidly in recent times. The Atlanta Regional Commission reports that between April 2022 and April 2023, this significant Southern city added about 66,000 new citizens.
Considerations for Real Estate Investing
Just because the population growth appears good shouldn’t deter you from venturing into a new real estate market; each one is distinct. According to Mark Charnet, founder and CEO of American Prosperity Group in Sparta, New Jersey, other elements may impact a market area’s profitability.
Charnet advises against underestimating the price of repairs and the cost of a vacancy factor. Frequently, investors budget for the purchase price of the property but overlook expenses that may have an impact on cash flow. Similar to rental income, geography might affect how much a water heater, new roof, or siding costs.
The ideal choice doesn’t always come from far away. In this manner, you may self-manage your rental property and get the most out of it.
Conclusion
Over time, real estate investing might prove to be a lucrative endeavor. There are real estate investment prospects in data REITs, residential properties in lower- and middle-class districts, and locations with substantial population growth in 2024, notwithstanding the difficult market conditions. But before diving in, it’s crucial to become acquainted with a place and its distinctive features.
