Office & Retail Delinquencies Hit New Highs; Could Go Higher
According to Costar, delinquencies for office and retail loans have hit their highest-ever levels while overall U.S. CMBS delinquencies fell for the sixth straight month, according to the latest index results from Fitch Ratings. CMBS late-pays declined five basis points (bps) in January to 8.32% from 8.37% a month earlier. The improvement was driven by multifamily loans, which saw a 165-bp plunge in its rate month-over-month to 12.77%. The delinquency rates for office and retail rose to all-time highs of 7.30% and 7.21%, respectively.
January marked the first time post-recession that the office delinquency rate surpassed that of retail. Office is the only major property type that Fitch Ratings has a negative outlook on In essence, office and retail loan delinquency rates are up. Many of those loans get worked out, but some go into foreclosure and could end up for sale by the lender. This may open up opportunities for investors with cash looking to scoop up some great properties at great prices.
