The macro environment had an exponential effect on the commercial real estate market. The impact of increased inflation and borrowing rates magnified some of the underlying fundamentals in the New Jersey market. With that said, the industrial market in the state remained strong in comparison to the rest of the country. The scarcity of developable land in prime locations for logistics prevented rental rate cuts from becoming prevalent in the overall market. There is strong tenant demand, however, corporate spending approvals have been the barrier. As spending approvals become more attainable, there will not be enough chairs (buildings) left for tenants when the music stops. I continue to believe that New Jersey is underserved from an industrial and housing perspective and am very bullish on the activity our market will see in the next 18 months.
Residential & Mixed Use
The construction boom in New Jersey is no more evident than in the multifamily and mixed-use sector, thanks to changing demographics and the demand for urban-style living, even in the suburbs.
Looking forward
As you’ll read in this month’s cover story, builders and advocates see New Jersey’s new affordable housing guidelines as a good starting point after more than a decade of uncertainty, conveying cautious optimism even as they confront the financial hurdles, legal battles and political debates that have slowed housing production in the past.
