Overall, the combination of lender underwriting constraints and rising interest rates can have both positive and negative effects on the real estate market and on commercial real estate loans. It is important for investors and borrowers to understand how these changes may affect them and to make informed decisions about their real estate transactions.
Underwriting constraints refer to the guidelines that lenders use to evaluate the property performance from a financial perspective, the quality of the asset, and the creditworthiness of the borrower to assess the risk associated with the proposed commercial real estate loan. These constraints can have a significant impact on the availability and terms of commercial real estate financing, and each constraint individually can have an impact on the amount of proceeds a borrower can expect to receive.
One common underwriting constraint is the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which compares the loan amount that a lender provides to the value of the property either being purchased or refinanced. Lenders typically set a maximum LTV ratio that they are willing to underwrite to in order to determine maximum loan amounts. Lower LTV ratios can indicate a lower risk loan for a lender because the borrower has equity ahead of the lender’s loan. As a result, borrowers with lower LTV ratios are more likely to receive financing, while those with higher ratios may find it more difficult to finance their projects or may receive more restrictive terms.
Another common underwriting constraint is the debt service coverage ratio (DSCR). The DSCR ratio compares the net operating income (NOI) generated at the property level with the loan payments (both principal and interest for loans with amortization schedules). Lenders also typically set a minimum DSCR that they are willing to underwrite to in order to determine maximum loan amounts. A higher DSCR ratio can indicate a lower risk loan because there is more of a cash cushion above the debt service that needs to be paid to the lender. Borrowers with higher DSCR ratios are more likely to receive financing, while those with lower ratios may find it more difficult to finance their projects or may receive more restrictive terms.
A final underwriting constraint that is commonly used by lenders is debt yield. Debt Yield is a ratio that compares the net operating income (NOI) generated at the property level with the loan amount. The way I describe the ratio to borrowers is that debt yield is effective the cap rate that the lenders would achieve if they had to take over the property (assuming all other things remained the same). Some lender types like CMBS, Life Companies, and Debt Funds use debt yield more than others, and those lenders set a minimum debt yield that they are willing to underwrite to in order to determine maximum loan amounts for various asset types. A higher debt yield ratio can indicate a lower risk loan because there is more of a cushion above the loan amount. Borrowers with higher debt yields are more likely to receive financing, while those with lower debt yield ratios may find it more difficult to finance their projects or may receive more restrictive terms.
In addition to these financial constraints, underwriting guidelines may also take into account factors such as the borrower’s credit history, the property’s occupancy rate, and the local real estate market.
Rising interest rates can also have a significant impact on the real estate market, both in terms of property values and real estate loans.
When interest rates rise, it can make borrowing money more expensive, which can make it harder for buyers to qualify for commercial real estate loans. This can lead to a decrease in demand for real estate, which in turn can cause property values to drop. Additionally, borrowers with adjustable rate mortgages may see their monthly payments increase as interest rates rise, which could make it difficult for them to afford their loan payments and may lead to defaults and foreclosures.
Additionally, higher interest rates can imply inflationary factors. In many stances, that could make rental properties more profitable for landlords, as they can charge higher rent to cover their increased borrowing costs. For those looking to invest in real estate, rising interest rates can also have an impact. As rates increase, the returns on rental properties may become less attractive, causing investors to look for other opportunities. However, if property values are also rising, investors may still see a good return on their investment. Overall, underwriting constraints and rising interest rates can have a significant impact on the availability and terms of commercial real estate financing, and can make it more difficult for borrowers to obtain financing, particularly for properties with higher LTV ratios, or lower DSCR or debt yield ratios.
Until next time, let’s continue growing our passive cash flow and net worth together!
-Robert