Jones Lang LaSalle has released a new report 'Outperforming in European Retail Capital Markets' which identifies six key trends that will shape the European retail investment market during 2011.
1. Multi-speed market acceleration As the polarization in pricing between institutional and non-institutional retail real estate continues, the strength of liability-driven investors has resulted in yield compression for prime, well leased properties offering long term security. The arbitrage between bonds and real estate looks attractive for equity investors, which may cause further yield compression for core product, resulting in equity players locking down returns to match liabilities with a perception that income will remain secure.
Jeremy Eddy, Head of EMEA Retail Capital Markets at Jones Lang LaSalle, said: "For leveraged investors, the market might appear attractive now with low interest rates and relatively attractive pricing. This kind of market is often seen as the 'playground' for the trading investor, with shorter hold periods and the consequent need for a sure-fire exit strategy. However, free cash-flows could be eroded as a result of rising European interest rates and upon exit the arbitrage against debt may result in higher exit yields and reduced profit. In addition, LTV's and debt availability remain constrained."
2. Return of the missing investors Over the past 12-24 months at the core end of the investor spectrum, the weight of money from institutional investors and new sovereign wealth capital entering the market has driven yield compression. Meanwhile, 'value add' assets, usually the domain of asset management orientated sector specialists and third party managed funds, have been impacted by a lack of investor depth that would typically target this product type. The return of this 'squeezed middle' between the institutional money and the private equity groups should result in yield compression of core-plus and value-added assets during 2011.
Eddy continued: "The return of this investor group in 2011 will broaden demand for geographic spread and asset quality. Opportunistic groups, which at the height of the market would have sought out emerging geographies or distressed situations that could deliver their return requirements, have been able to play the 'value-add arena'. However, more money focusing on value-add opportunities could lead to opportunistic groups being squeezed out."
3. The holy grail of asset management Investors will rely on asset management to drive returns, as they are not able to rely on yield compression or rental growth in the majority of European countries. Shopping center and retail park owners will need to think long term about ensuring the center is adapted to the evolving clientele within its catchment. Failing to establish if a scheme is a 'destination' or 'convenience' asset will result in a struggle to drive returns as the increasingly competitive consumer landscape continues to evolve via online retail, new technologies and consumers move away from pure transaction-led retail experiences.
4. Ripple effect Demand from core investors will continue, however limited availability of product in mature markets will force them to become more flexible on structuring deals and move up the risk spectrum in order to secure the best assets or widen their geographical reach. This will have a ripple effect in 2011 resulting in increased activity in a broader range of European capitals and major cities, with a focus on dominant assets with the most robust income profiles.
Nicola Robson, Director in Jones Lang LaSalle's EMEA Retail Capital Markets team added: "During 2011 we can expect market activity to move away from the UK, France and Germany, who collectively accounted for two thirds of activity in 2010. Cities such as Stockholm, Warsaw, Moscow and Barcelona will be the first to benefit from this geographical shift. These markets, which have historically seen stronger domestic appetite, will increasingly appeal to cross border invest
