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Special features of commercial real estate investments

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Investing in commercial real estate is not just about buying a building, it is also about creating a stable source of income. It is an opportunity to transform industrial and other buildings into assets that work for you, generate profits and ensure financial stability.

Why invest in offices, shopping malls and warehouses?

Investing in commercial real estate offers the opportunity to operate in a dynamic economy where offices, warehouses and shopping malls are becoming sustainable income investments. These investments are not just ‘concrete and glass’; they are a fundamental part of the economic infrastructure. Office buildings are becoming hubs of economic activity, shopping malls are becoming the arteries of consumer demand and warehouses are becoming invisible but essential links in the supply chain.

Offices are sought after in all economies, but especially in prestigious locations where companies want to establish themselves. Shopping malls, on the other hand, act as concentrations of consumer interests, while warehouses ensure a continuous flow of goods. Together, these institutions offer a variety of investment opportunities with different returns and risks.

The main types of commercial properties: from offices to department stores

Think about the types of real estate you can invest in.

Office space

Companies, from small teams to large corporations, need professional workspaces. Representative offices in the city center are not only a matter of appearance, but also of convenience for employees and customers. Flexible office spaces, such as coworking spaces, are also becoming increasingly popular and help small businesses stay mobile.

Key factors for profitability are location and proximity to infrastructure. Offices in shopping areas can provide a steady stream of tenants, making them profitable for investors.

Shopping centers

A meeting place for active shoppers, where they not only shop but also have a good time. The variety of tenants, from fashion boutiques to large supermarkets, ensures that the risks for owners are limited and their income is stable.

Property owners benefit from the growing consumer demand, which is especially important in economically active areas, especially Moscow and St. Petersburg. There, the monthly number of visitors to large shopping centers can be between 1.5 and 2 million people. In 2022, the Aviapark shopping center in Moscow attracted more than 50 million visitors, which shows that there is still interest in the shopping center and it offers high profitability for investors.

warehouses

The “heart” of modern logistics. Due to the rapid development of e-commerce, warehouses have become indispensable in the supply chain. They not only store goods, but also distribute them, allowing companies to quickly deliver their orders to customers. Warehouses are an attractive investment object, especially in times of economic growth when the demand for logistics services increases.

Benefits and risks of investing in commercial real estate

In order to make an informed decision, investors should be aware of all the benefits and risks of investing.

Profitability, stability and capitalization

Unlike residential properties, commercial properties offer a more stable income due to the long-term lease agreements with tenants. Statistics show that specific returns of 8 to 12% per year can be achieved, depending on the type of property and location.

One of the main advantages is the capitalization of the investment. As the price per square meter increases, so does the value of assets, allowing investors to increase their capital without additional costs.

Unpredictability of tenants and market fluctuations

The sector also has its disadvantages. The unpredictability of tenants is one of the biggest risk factors. If a customer drops out or stops paying, this can have a negative impact on sales. Market fluctuations and economic crises can also affect the cost of space. It is important to take all these indicators into account when making an investment decision.

A list of the main risks of investing in commercial real estate:

  1. Bankruptcy. In 2023, about 20% of tenants in Russia faced financial difficulties. This led to a 15% increase in rent defaults compared to the previous year.
  2. Market fluctuations. During the economic crisis of 2020, prices fell by 10-15%.
  3. High maintenance costs. The average maintenance cost for an office building in Moscow is about 3,000 rubles per square meter per year. This includes utilities, repairs and security, and can significantly reduce profits.

How to choose a property for commercial real estate investment?

Location is the basis for success. Choosing a location in the city center or in a development area can have a significant impact on your profitability. A good location attracts tenants and ensures high occupancy.

Examples of successful investments include properties located near major transport hubs, such as metros, train stations or major road intersections, as well as near public transport stops. These locations attract tenants because they are easily accessible for employees and customers. This is especially important for office and retail spaces.

Office buildings near the Moscow metro have a high occupancy rate due to good public transport. Shopping centers near major transport hubs also attract larger flows of visitors.

Type of tenants and income stability

To successfully invest in commercial real estate, it is important to know who will rent the premises. Long-term contracts with reliable people help minimize risks. Office spaces occupied by well-known companies, retail spaces rented to retail chains or warehouses rented to large logistics companies provide a stable income.

A step towards a stable future

Financial investments in non-residential buildings offer the opportunity to generate sustainable income, ensure a stable future and increase the value of assets. Competent investments in commercial real estate require a careful approach, risk analysis and the selection of suitable properties. But for those who are willing to take on the challenge, this path can lead to financial independence. The opportunity to be part of this dynamic field is not to be missed.

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Many people dream of making money in real estate, especially when it comes to resale properties. The question seems simple: buy, do some cosmetic repairs, sell… and make a profit. But is it really that simple? What are the pitfalls in this process? How do you choose the right property, avoid mistakes in renovations, and avoid falling into the trap of a price that is not saleable? In this article, we explain how you can make money from the difference, without losing money, but by growing your capital.

What is resale property and how does it work?

Reselling property is a process in which a buyer (flipper) acquires an object with the intention of selling it later. This can be a residential or commercial property. The key here is that you do not simply buy an item at a low price and quickly sell it for a higher price. Success here depends on many factors, from location to current market trends.

Real estate investors often look for properties below market value for a variety of reasons: they may be neglected apartments, properties with legal problems or simply properties that are seriously neglected and in need of major renovation.

What factors influence the success of a resale property?

There are a number of important aspects that always play a major role in whether a business is profitable:

  1. Location is perhaps the most important factor. Even if an apartment or house is a significant investment, but it is located in a promising area with developing infrastructure, the demand for such properties will increase.
  2. Condition: If major repairs need to be carried out on the property, the margin on such meters can be much higher, but the risks will also be considerable. It is important to be able to assess what type of intervention is needed: cosmetic or structural repairs. If the property only needs cosmetic work (replacing floors, painting walls), you will save considerably on the costs and can sell the property faster and with a higher profit. We should not forget the psychological factor either: many buyers pay attention to the appearance of the property. Even if you do not plan to make expensive repairs, you can still invest some time and money to make your apartment or house more attractive to a potential customer.

How to choose the right property for resale?

Buying an apartment for resale is one of the most important questions for a novice real estate investor. In order to carry out a successful purchase and sale transaction, it is necessary to understand which properties are worth acquiring and why.

Look at the cost per square meter. If the price is too low, this may indicate problems with the documents or the technical condition. It can cost you a lot of time and money to solve these problems. If the costs are too high, this can reduce future profits. The best option is to buy a property that is slightly cheaper than the market price, but where you do not have to invest too much in renovations.

How to increase your resale property profit

One of the best ways to increase the value of your home is to renovate it before selling. Replace the wallpaper with something more neutral and modern, update the bathroom, lay new linoleum or laminate, paint the walls.

It is also worth paying attention to the demonstration of the object. Good photos taken in natural light give the impression that an apartment or house is much more attractive than it actually is. By placing an ad on popular social media and using professional real estate services, you will attract more potential buyers.

Also, do not forget about the pricing strategy. If you price too high, you may not find a customer quickly. If you price too low, you may lose the difference. It is best to set an amount slightly higher than the market average, with the possibility of negotiating.

Risks in reselling real estate and how to avoid them

The process involves a number of risks that can lead to significant financial losses:

  1. Mistakes in budget planning. If the costs of purchase, repair and sale are not calculated correctly, the project may prove unprofitable. It is important to draw up a detailed financial plan in advance that includes all possible expenses, such as taxes, fees, transportation costs and more.
  2. The need for expensive repairs. When purchasing a property with a view to resale, it is important to carefully evaluate its condition. If you misjudge the necessary repair costs, additional costs may arise. To avoid this risk, we recommend hiring experienced specialists who can make a preliminary assessment of the condition of the property and prepare a detailed estimate for the repair.
  3. Fluctuations in market prices. The real estate market is subject to change and buyers may experience falls in house prices, especially in economically unstable times. To minimize risk, it is important to study market trends and avoid getting caught in a bubble with high prices. Instead, you should focus on the long term.
  4. Legal issues. Incomplete documentation, debts or legal disputes with previous owners are common problems in reselling real estate. To avoid these risks, make sure you review all property documents and consult a lawyer if necessary to identify potential problems.
  5. It is not possible to sell the property quickly. In some cases, it takes a long time for a property to sell, which increases maintenance costs, taxes and other expenses.
    To minimize this risk, it is important to choose an item with good liquidity, present it properly and set up a marketing strategy to attract buyers.

How to Use Real Estate Investments to Generate a Stable Resale Income

As with any industry, it is important to develop a strategy that focuses on the long term and not on one-time deals:

  1. To begin, it is advisable to build a real estate portfolio. This involves buying multiple properties and then reselling them. This spreads the risks.
  2. If you want real estate investments to become a stable source of income, it is important to learn how to manage your time and budget. By being able to accurately plan repair schedules, keep track of all expenses and react quickly to changes in demand, you can minimize losses and make a profit, even in an unstable market.
  3. Another important aspect is creating a personal brand. By building a reputation in a particular area or among potential buyers, you increase the chances of successful transactions.

Conclusion

Investing in real estate is not just a way to make money quickly, but a comprehensive process that requires attention, knowledge and a strategic approach. To minimize risk and maximize profits, it is important to evaluate properties properly, perform professional repairs, and also take into account market developments and legal nuances. Do not forget the importance of diversification and the importance of developing a long-term strategy to make the purchase and sale of real estate a sustainable source of income.

The new year brings new rules for everyone who wants to preserve and grow their capital. Investing in real estate is still one of the most reliable and proven options, but the market sets its own conditions. In 2024, technological, environmental and social trends will radically change the way we invest. Old patterns fade into the background and new opportunities require deep understanding and analysis. Successful investments today depend not only on the choice of an object, but also on the ability to anticipate which trends will be profitable.

Trends in real estate investment in 2024

Today, the residential and commercial market is not just about square meters, but about a complex mechanism that adapts to new conditions. Investment opportunities in real estate in 2024 go beyond traditional approaches. Technology, the environment and changing consumer preferences create the conditions for the development of new strategies. By understanding trends, investors can make well-considered investments and minimize risks.

Energy-efficient buildings

Energy efficiency is not just a buzzword, but a necessity of the moment. Stricter environmental regulations and rising energy prices make new construction one of the most sought-after investments. By reducing the consumption of raw materials by 30-40%, we not only contribute to the preservation of our planet, but also make apartments attractive to tenants and buyers. Investments in such assets yield a return of up to 10% per year. In addition, the energy efficiency certificate (LEED, BREEAM) increases the value of a building by 15%.

Example: The price of a house in a residential complex with solar panels in the Moscow region has increased by 25% in three years.

Smart homes

Smart technologies are not the future, but the present. Smart homes with automatic lighting, climate and security systems increase the liquidity of real estate by 20%. The nature of the investment in such properties increases rental income by 15-20%. The popularity of IoT devices is growing: 60% of buyers already prefer homes with automation functions.

Investments in low-rise complexes

Low-rise buildings are gaining popularity. More and more often, couples and home workers choose to live in rural areas. Investors who invest in low-rise complexes receive stable returns. Over the past five years, the cost of this type of housing has increased by 25%, while the demand for rural housing has increased by 30%. An important success factor is the developed infrastructure: schools, shops, transport links.

First: The investor is looking for a solution for 2019 for 4 million rubles. In 2024, the population will reach 6 million, and civilizations will have excellent infrastructure and advanced outbreaks.

How to invest in commercial real estate?

Commercial real estate remains one of the most profitable market segments. Investing in commercial real estate requires careful analysis, but with the right approach, this method can bring a return of up to 15% per year. In 2024, successful investments depend on choosing the right sector and understanding the needs of the market.

Advantages of the different segments:

  1. Office space. Traditional office spaces are losing popularity due to the rise of remote working. Flexible spaces, such as: B. Coworking spaces, show an annual profitability growth of 12%. Rents in modern shopping malls remain stable due to demand from startups and small businesses.
  2. Storage facilities. E-commerce is driving demand for warehouse space. Investments in warehouses near major transportation hubs generate stable returns of up to 14% per year.
  3. Shopping malls. Large shopping malls are making way for small neighborhood centers. The profitability of these types of facilities is 10% if the right location and tenants are chosen.

Opportunities to invest in real estate with minimal risk

Every investor wants to limit the risk, especially when it comes to large amounts. In 2024, there are reliable tools available that make real estate investments safe and efficient. A competent approach and diversification ensure stable profits with minimal losses:

  1. Real estate investment companies. REITs offer the opportunity to invest in large projects without having to buy real estate directly. The average return on these funds is 8-10% per year. The advantage is diversification and the possibility of generating passive income. For example, by investing in a fund specializing in commercial real estate, investors were able to achieve a return over a period of 5 years that was 45% higher than with a conventional investment in apartments.
  2. Shareholding in construction. If you invest in the initial construction phase, you can purchase a home 20 to 30% cheaper. There are risks associated with delivery dates, but experienced developers minimize them. The strategy is suitable for long-term investments with an investment horizon of 2 to 3 years.
  3. Purchase of properties with long-term tenants. Real estate delivered with rent: stable cash flow. The profitability of these properties is 12% per year.

Where to invest in real estate: the best strategies for 2024

Investors often ask themselves: where to invest in real estate? In 2024, the answer depends on the amount of capital, the level of risk and the investment horizon.

Strategies for different budgets:

  1. Small capital: investments in rental studios or investments through crowdfunding platforms.
  2. Medium capital: purchase of apartments or low-rise housing.
  3. Large capital: acquisition of commercial real estate.

Promising regions:

  1. Moscow and St. Petersburg: stable profitability and high liquidity.
  2. Southern Russia: Growing demand for holiday homes.
  3. Siberia and the Far East: infrastructure development creates new opportunities. Mistakes in Real Estate Investment

Typical mistakes can reduce the profitability of a capital investment to zero. The most common are:

  1. Poor location selection.
  2. Ignoring hidden costs.
  3. Investing in real estate with low liquidity.

Conclusion

In 2024, a variety of real estate investment opportunities will offer new opportunities for those who are willing to adapt to change. Success depends on the ability to analyze the market, select promising properties and avoid common mistakes.