Posted by New York City, New York’s commercial real estate market is constantly evolving and changing, reflecting the economic and social trends of each city and region. Every year, there are new and exciting developments, transactions, and opportunities in the commercial real estate sector, as well as challenges and risks.
How We Identified The Top Commercial Property Sales In New York City
We used a multitude of data sources to identify some of the top commercial property sales in New York City, as well as the office vacancy rates and trends in the market. Whether you are looking to buy, sell, lease, or invest in commercial real estate in New York City, this post will provide you with valuable insights and information to help you make informed decisions.
A major factor impacting the commercial real estate market in New York City and other cities are rising interest rates and economic uncertainty. Higher interest rates increase the cost of borrowing and financing for commercial real estate transactions, as well as reduce demand and affordability for buyers and investors. Economic uncertainty can also create volatility and risk in the market, as businesses and consumers may postpone or cancel their plans to lease, buy, or sell commercial properties. Commercial real estate stakeholders closely monitor interest rate and economic trends and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Here are a few of the most significant property deals of the year so far New York City:
- The sale of 410 Tenth Avenue for $1.56 billion to SL Green Realty Corp., a real estate investment trust that owns and operates office and retail properties in Manhattan. The 20-story building has 638,000 square feet of office space and is fully leased to Amazon and First Republic Bank.
- The sale of 522 Fifth Avenue for $350 million to a joint venture of L&L Holding Company and an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group. The 23-story building has 575,000 square feet of office and retail space and is located near Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park.
- The sale of 711 Fifth Avenue for $937 million to SHVO, a real estate development and investment firm. The 18-story building has 313,000 square feet of office and retail space and is home to the Coca-Cola Company’s New York headquarters and the Polo Ralph Lauren flagship store.
- The sale of 685 Third Avenue for $645 million to RFR Holding, a real estate investment company founded by Aby Rosen and Michael Fuchs. The 31-story building has 651,000 square feet of office space and is located in Midtown East near Grand Central Terminal.
- The sale of 375 Pearl Street for $655 million to CIM Group, a real estate and infrastructure investment firm. The 32-story building has 1.1 million square feet of office space and is part of the Verizon Building complex in Lower Manhattan.
The Latest on New York City Office Vacancy Rates
One of the indicators that reflects the impact of interest rates and economic uncertainty on the commercial real estate market is the office vacancy rate. The office vacancy rate measures the percentage of office space that is unoccupied or available for lease or sale in a given market or submarket. A high office vacancy rate can signal a weak demand or oversupply of office space, while a low office vacancy rate can signal a strong demand or undersupply of office space.
Another factor that is currently impacting NYC office vacancy rates and the commercial real estate market across the nation is the continuing impact of work-from-home. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote and hybrid work models, which allow employees to work from home or other locations instead of commuting to a central office. This has reduced the need and demand for office space, as well as changed the preferences and expectations of tenants and landlords. Some of the trends that have emerged from the work-from-home phenomenon are the increased demand for flexible workspaces, suburban offices, and amenities that support health and wellness.
Using data from various sources such as Cushman Wakefield and Commercial Edge here are the office vacancy rates year over for New York City starting in 2021:
- In 2021, the office vacancy rate in New York City soared to a record high of 21.5% by the end of the year, as the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to remote work reduced the demand and occupancy of office space.
- In 2022, the office vacancy rate in New York City remained elevated at 20.9% by the end of March, as the recovery of the office market was slow and uneven, with some submarkets and property types performing better than others.
- In 2023, the office vacancy rate in New York City is projected to decline slightly to 20.4% by the end of June, as the vaccination rollout and the reopening of the economy boost the confidence and activity of office tenants and landlords.
Here’s a closer look at office space trends and vacancy rates in New York City’s submarkets:
| Submarket | Q1 2021 | Q1 2022 | Q1 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midtown | 14.5% | 16.8% | 17.2% |
| Midtown South | 12.6% | 14.9% | 15.4% |
| Downtown | 16.0% | 18.4% | 18.9% |
| Brooklyn | 17.7% | 19.0% | 19.5% |
| Queens | 13.8% | 15.0% | 15.4% |
Looking Ahead: New York City Commercial Real Estate Outlook
The commercial real estate market in New York City has experienced some notable property sales and transactions in 2023, as well as some challenges and opportunities in terms of office vacancy rates and trends. Looking ahead, the outlook for 2023 and beyond is cautiously optimistic as the market faces some uncertainties and risks, such as the potential oversupply of office space, the changing demand for flexible workspaces, and the competition from other cities and regions.