Southeast Market Reports

Six Trends to Watch for Central Florida’s Growing, Evolving Retail Market

by John Nelson August 7, 2023

Central Florida retail is alive, well and growing, thanks in large part to Florida’s continuing resilience to the nation’s economic challenges. Thousands of people are moving to the state each week, the Orlando area’s economy continues to diversify beyond tourism and residents continue to show confidence with their retail spending. That said, there are significant challenges facing new retail developments, due to the cost of construction and other inflationary pressures. We expect this to be a major issue for the rest of this year, and it will require thoughtful planning for everyone involved in these projects. As we look at the remainder of 2023, we see two big takeaways: • For brick-and-mortar retail, it’s important for developers and owners to bring in concepts that are new and fresh. In some cases, this involves established retailers getting creative with their spaces, like what Macy’s is doing with its new Market by Macy’s concept, which uses a smaller footprint than traditional Macy’s stores. • To make new retail developments happen, developers, landlords and tenants need to be inventive in how they structure deals, whether it’s sharing in construction cost overages or giving tenants more time to get their spaces ready. With that …

August 7, 2023

Market Reports North Carolina Retail Southeast Southeast Market Reports

Charlotte Retail Turns to Infill Adaptive Reuse, Mixed-Use Projects Post-Pandemic

by John Nelson July 31, 2023

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Charlotte’s retail segment has experienced a remarkable revitalization, fueled by a convergence of factors that have reinvigorated the city’s economic landscape. With a thriving job market, affordable cost of living and a surge in adaptive reuse, mixed-use and infill projects, Charlotte has become a hotbed for retail activity. As the city emerges from the challenges of the pandemic, it has embraced innovative approaches to urban development, transforming once-vacant spaces into vibrant hubs of commerce. Several macro-economic trends have impacted retail growth in Charlotte. Population growth in the city has spurred an increase in consumer demand, leading to a vibrant retail market. In a May 18 article from the Charlotte Business Journal, it was noted Charlotte added more than 15,000 people to its population count between 2021 and 2022, the nation’s fifth-highest numeric increase during that span, according to the latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. As more people choose to settle in Charlotte, the demand for goods and services has risen, prompting retailers and restaurants to expand their operations and invest in new locations. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce and the shift toward online shopping have compelled retailers in Charlotte to adapt …

July 31, 2023

Market Reports Multifamily North Carolina Southeast Southeast Market Reports

Charlotte Multifamily Continues to Beat the Odds as it Experiences Positive Growth

by John Nelson July 24, 2023

When reflecting on Charlotte’s multifamily market over the past few years, several major trends drove unprecedented transaction volume — record-level rent growth, positive absorption despite a consistently robust pipeline of deliveries, strong population growth from high in-migration and rapidly increasing homeownership costs pricing residents out of the market. Charlotte has been a popular relocation destination for individuals and families, particularly from the Northeast, Midwest and other parts of the Southeast who are drawn to the low cost of living, warm climate and strong economy. Zillow ranks Charlotte as the No. 1 housing market for 2023, signaling a continued rise in home values and subsequent increased demand for rental housing from the growing population. In-migration has made Charlotte experience explosive growth and bolstered the population to over 2.7 million residents by year-end 2022, a 5.6 percent increase since 2018 compared to the national rate of 1.3 percent. Equally impressive is regional job growth, with non-farm payrolls increasing 7.9 percent over the same time frame. Much of Charlotte’s multifamily growth is attributed to capital investment from new employers across the metro, including Albemarle Corp.’s $180 million investment into a new research campus in University City bringing 200 new jobs, as well as …

July 24, 2023

Georgia Market Reports Multifamily Southeast Southeast Market Reports

Atlanta’s Rental Housing Market Promises Resilience, Despite Near-Term Challenges

by John Nelson July 17, 2023

Against the backdrop of rising interest rates, recent financial stress and murkiness over the Federal Reserve’s ultimate direction and economic implications, dealmaking in the first half of 2023 has remained exceedingly challenged across all real estate sectors as wide bid-ask spreads persist. However, compared to other spaces, rental housing in the Southeast remains relatively healthy from a fundamentals perspective, despite supply-driven softening in the near term. This trend is evident in many major markets, including cities like Atlanta. Occupancy and rent growth remain healthy in Atlanta. The rental vacancy rate for Atlanta as of January 2023 reached 5.4 percent, a 0.9 percent decrease over the previous year, based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau. This falls below the national average of 5.8 percent for the fourth quarter of 2022. The median rental rate in January 2023 was also up 4.3 percent year-over-year, reaching $1,941. Population growth, employment opportunities, infrastructure investments, a business-friendly environment and other demand drivers continue to intensify Atlanta’s need for housing; and long term, the outlook for rental housing in the metro is very strong. More than 6 million people now live in the region, according to recent Census data. The Atlanta Regional Commission predicts more …

July 17, 2023

Market Reports North Carolina Office Southeast Southeast Market Reports

Outlook Remains Strong for Raleigh’s Office Market, Despite Current Obstacles

by John Nelson July 10, 2023

Despite shifts toward remote and hybrid work, office rents continue to rise in North Carolina’s Triangle region. Among the 25 largest office markets in the country, Raleigh experienced the second-highest rent growth between 2019 and 2022 — a testament to continued tenant demand. We’re also seeing renewed interest in trophy assets, where the average asking rent has reached an all-time high of $43.35 per square foot. Additionally, the first quarter showed a 280,000-square-foot increase in total office supply, indicating investor confidence in Raleigh’s resilience. Compared to rival markets, Raleigh wasn’t overbuilt pre-pandemic. The market doesn’t have millions of square feet of vacant space downtown and is more balanced than its competitors, leaving plenty of opportunity for future growth. Another indicator of Raleigh’s growth trajectory is the 32 percent year-over-year increase in tours given by JLL’s Office Agency Leasing team this year. Given the current economic headwinds, we know that prospects are taking longer to make decisions about their space. However, we also know they are actively evaluating their options and making long-term plans for their team’s future needs. At buildings within our portfolio, badge swipes last quarter reached a post-pandemic peak utilization of 68 percent – just 13 percent shy …

July 10, 2023

Florida Market Reports Office Southeast Southeast Market Reports

Miami Continues to See Flight to Class A Offices Amid Record Rental Rates

by John Nelson June 26, 2023

A wave of new-to-market office tenants — specifically legal tenants following the influx of financial firms and tech companies — continue to expand their presence in Miami. The trend further solidifies the city’s spot as a top destination for companies seeking reduced taxes, strong talent and vibrant communities. Looking back at the first quarter of 2023, net absorption totaled over 81,000 square feet (compared to 76,000 square feet in the first quarter of 2022), marking the third-highest quarterly total since 2020. Most leasing activity occurred in the Central Business District (CBD) and in Class A product in Wynwood and Coral Gables as tenants continue to lease high-quality space. However, the lack of availability in quality product, as well as the overall economic uncertainty, has led to a slowdown in leasing volume to start 2023 — particularly among new-to-market tenants. Leasing activity totaled 750,000 square feet in the first quarter compared to 1.5 million in fourth-quarter 2022. The quarter closed with a 16.3 percent vacancy rate, the lowest level since the onset of the pandemic in early 2020. Class A availability fell 260 basis points to 21.1 percent year-over-year with the largest drops recorded in downtown Miami, which fell 540 basis …

June 26, 2023

Florida Market Reports Restaurant Retail Southeast Southeast Market Reports

Reviewing Miami’s Retail Scene: An Overview of the Present Atmosphere

by John Nelson June 19, 2023

Miami is a vivacious city renowned for its scenic beaches, sunny climate and dynamic nightlife. The South Florida city is also a hub for a flourishing retail industry, which serves an eclectic blend of both locals and visitors. Miami’s retail market is characterized by its diversity, with a broad spectrum of retailers ranging from luxurious, high-end boutiques to small, locally owned businesses. This range of retailers is a reflection of the city’s diverse population, which includes a sizable Hispanic community, as well as individuals from all corners of the globe. Consequently, Miami’s retailers must be adept at catering to a wide range of tastes. One of the most notable trends in the Miami retail market in recent years has been the growth of e-commerce. Like many other cities around the world, Miami has seen a significant increase in online shopping. This has presented both challenges and opportunities for retailers in the city. On the one hand, the rise of e-commerce has led to increased competition for brick-and-mortar retailers in Miami. Online retailers such as Amazon and Walmart have made it easier than ever for consumers to shop from the comfort of their own homes, and this has put pressure on …

June 19, 2023

Georgia Market Reports Office Southeast Southeast Market Reports

What Atlanta Office Workers Need Is Energy at Their Doorstep

by John Nelson June 12, 2023

Five blocks doesn’t seem that far. It’s about a quarter of a mile, or 560 steps. But, it’s just a hair past convenient for today’s office workers. Now more than ever, tenants are seeking an office experience that is dynamic and energized with amenities. They want great options for coffee, lunch or happy hour that are steps away, not blocks. If it’s not right outside the office, it’s not close enough. In Atlanta, the Midtown submarket is still where the action is. In 2022, Midtown had 775,652 square feet of positive absorption, which was the highest in the metro according to Cushman & Wakefield. In keeping with the flight-to-quality trend, Atlanta leasing activity last quarter was dominated by Class A product, which accounted for 75.6 percent of all transactions. Most of this activity occurred in Midtown. With a Walk Score of 87, Midtown is Atlanta’s most walkable submarket. But even there, it’s the vertically integrated office developments that bring a new layer of urban density that are rising above the rest. Not only are they seeing more leasing demand, but they are also experiencing a constant hum of activity and energy due to immediate access to great retail and restaurants. …

June 12, 2023

Georgia Market Reports Retail Southeast Southeast Market Reports

Atlanta’s Retail Market Remains Robust for Investors, Tenants and Landlords

by John Nelson June 5, 2023

Atlanta has historically been a favorite metro for real estate investors to consider when it comes to a market that checks all the boxes. The Peach State Capital and its surrounding suburbs always have been a beneficial and desirable region for residents to live and work. Topping the list as the most popular city for apartment renters in 2022, Atlanta offers more benefits to its residents than just an affordable city to live. Other benefits of living in and around the city include professional sports teams, a rich arts and entertainment scene and renowned restaurant and retail lineups, among others. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport also offers domestic and international flights to practically anywhere in the world, and it’s situated minutes from downtown. Home to 17 Fortune 500 company headquarters, including prominent names such as The Home Depot, United Parcel Service (UPS), Coca-Cola and Delta Airlines, Atlanta’s job growth is outpacing the rest of the country. Coming out of the pandemic, Atlanta recorded a job growth rate of nearly 23 percent since April 2020, which outperforms the comparative U.S. metric of 11.7 percent in the same time period. Atlanta has also historically held an unemployment rate below the national average. With …

June 5, 2023

Georgia Industrial Market Reports Southeast Southeast Market Reports

Industrial Users are Pondering Where in Atlanta They’ll Set Up Shop

by John Nelson May 30, 2023

The Atlanta industrial market needs very little validation when it comes to answering the question “Why Atlanta?” More than a dozen companies started or based in Atlanta have grown over the past decade to valuations above $1 billion. Metro Atlanta had the second highest rate of job growth in the nation among large metro areas (6.7 percent), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. So rather than ask “Why Atlanta,” the better question is “Where in Atlanta?” As the Southeast’s population continues to grow, the metro Atlanta area continues in equal parts to add density to its thriving urban core as well as expand its suburban reach. With limited geographic barriers to development, outlying towns are quickly becoming absorbed into the definition of the Atlanta area. This persistent growth is placing demand on industrial space at an all-time high, requiring a nuanced view of site selection within the Atlanta MSA. The four corners of the Atlanta market reach nearly 60 miles from the urban center in each direction along highways I-75 and I-85, with new speculative projects under construction as far out as Adairsville, Commerce, Locust Grove and La Grange. Its breadth now includes Bremen and Rutledge in either …

May 30, 2023

Newer Posts

Older Posts