Trading activity expected to recover towards the end of the year

Trading activity expected to recover towards the end of the year

The beginning of the year has been interesting, and although transaction volumes have been lower than last year, we remain optimistic about the future. The potential decrease in interest rates gives us confidence in the market, and we anticipate investors will become more active in the real estate market.

It is unlikely that we will return to previous yield levels, and there may be challenges in the trading of prime properties. Property owners are reluctant to sell their top-tier assets in the current market, where yield requirements are higher than before, and thus record losses on their investments. This trend is most evident in the market for prime office properties.

Currently, interest is more focused on value-add properties, where better returns are expected due to real estate development activities. Logistics and light industrial properties continue to attract investor interest, as the rise in yield requirements in these sectors has been relatively lower compared to core properties. There is a limited supply of residential portfolios that are attractive to buyers, especially at yield levels that can withstand current interest rates.

In the retail market, there are signs of recovery, although transaction volumes remain relatively low. Social infrastructure properties located in growth centers continue to be of interest, but a clear cautiousness can be observed with properties located in smaller municipalities. This is likely influenced by factors such as the restructuring of social and health services, which are increasingly focusing on larger units.

The development of hotel and accommodation properties is highly dependent on consumer behavior as well as the growth of corporate and conference travel.

Overall, the real estate market remains in a waiting phase. While a buying rush is not yet evident, this may be precisely the time when the best acquisitions are made.

With spring greetings,

Matti Ahrelma
Executive Senior Advisor
+358 40 032 0999
matti.ahrelma@tuloskiinteistot.fi