The Property Line

Environmental due diligence plays a central role in commercial real estate and corporate transactions, particularly since federal and state laws can hold property owners responsible for contamination regardless of fault. For buyers, investors, and lenders, getting ahead of these risks is essential to protecting deal value and avoiding costly surprises. In this episode, James O’Brien and Eric Green...

In Seyfarth’s 11th Annual Real Estate Market Sentiment Survey, commercial real estate stakeholders remain broadly optimistic about 2026, with 86% viewing it as a year of opportunity despite ongoing headwinds. Respondents highlight data centers as the most impactful trend, though investment appetite has moderated, and point to renewed interest in office-to-residential conversions even as physical c...

A wave of upcoming CMBS and CRE CLO loan maturities is putting increased pressure on commercial real estate owners, particularly as higher interest rates, tighter lending standards, and shifting asset fundamentals complicate refinancing. Many borrowers are facing a difficult reality: loans originated in a low-rate environment may no longer pencil out, and extension options are becoming more limite...

Warehouse operators and industrial property owners are facing increasing scrutiny from both federal and state regulators, as health and safety enforcement programs gain momentum. From OSHA’s National Emphasis Program targeting warehouse operations to evolving ergonomics standards in select states, operators must proactively manage risks across equipment, material handling, and multi-employer works...

As AI continues to reshape day-to-day tasks across industries, commercial real estate teams and their attorneys are weighing both unprecedented opportunities and emerging risks. From tools that can streamline lease review and portfolio analysis to considerations around accuracy, confidentiality, and implementation, many are evaluating how best to integrate AI into complex, high-value projects. In...

Rising insurance costs have become a major challenge for real estate owners, investors, and developers, with some deals no longer penciling out as a result. Inflation, climate-related disasters, and broader market volatility have all contributed to premium increases and reduced coverage availability. At the same time, emerging factors such as social inflation and third-party litigation funding are...

Good Guy Guarantees are a longstanding feature of New York City leasing and are increasingly appearing in other markets. While designed to protect landlords against holdover risk, they are often misunderstood, particularly when it comes to the misconception that they provide tenants with an early termination right. In this episode, Jason Polevoy, James O’Brien, and Eric Greenberg outline the funda...

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is reshaping the tax landscape for real estate and, if you’re a sponsor, developer, or investor, it’s changing how you may approach deals. The biggest headlines: 100% bonus depreciation is back and permanent, unlocking year-one deductions and making cost segregation essential again; interest deductibility is easier, reducing the need for elections that previo...

In today’s dynamic commercial real estate environment, loan servicers are playing an increasingly strategic role in balancing complex deal structures and evolving borrower expectations, with a growing focus on innovation. From multifaceted private equity transactions to portfolio-level SASB deals, servicing professionals are leveraging both expertise and creativity to meet the demands of a more so...

Cold storage facilities play a critical role in preserving perishable goods like food and pharmaceuticals, but they come with unique legal and operational challenges. From the widespread use of ammonia-based refrigeration systems to complex lien issues, lenders and investors need to understand the risks and complications at hand in this specialized market. In this episode, Mike Delaney joins Jay W...

Debt funds are becoming more and more prevalent in commercial real estate finance, offering speed, flexibility, and creative structuring for complex or transitional deals. With traditional lenders pulling back and market conditions shifting, these funding sources can provide essential capital for acquisitions, redevelopments, and quick-close opportunities. However, they come with tradeoffs that bo...

With evolving tenant expectations, higher operating costs, and a growing focus on sustainability, commercial property owners and operators are increasingly turning to smart building technologies to improve performance and enhance the tenant experience. From wireless sensors to integrated tenant apps, these tools can drive down expenses, boost NOI, and reduce insurance premiums when implemented tho...

As demand for data centers continues to rise, access to reliable power has become one of the biggest challenges facing developers. Skyrocketing costs, lengthy grid connection delays, and increasing competition for energy resources are reshaping site selection and project feasibility across the United States. At the same time, new technologies and alternative energy strategies—such as on-site gener...

Rooftop solar leases are gaining traction as a way for commercial property owners to generate passive income while utilizing unused roof space. With falling solar costs, rising electricity prices, and new state programs driving demand—particularly in the industrial sector—these long-term agreements can provide a steady revenue stream with no upfront costs, making them an attractive opportunity for...

In Seyfarth’s 10th annual Real Estate Market Sentiment Survey, commercial real estate executives express optimism for 2025, with 87% expecting a year of opportunity driven by improving market fundamentals and anticipated rate reductions. However, rising costs remain a significant concern, with respondents narrowing in on inflation, interest rates, and property insurance as factors that could drive...

As market uncertainties continue into 2025, lenders are seeking ways to adjust to changing conditions and get back to business. While the office sector faces significant challenges with a sharp decline in property values, the multifamily sector is experiencing high demand and a large pool of equity ready to acquire assets. In this episode, Mike Comparato, head of commercial real estate at Benefit...

At this year’s Real Estate Roundtable State of the Industry meeting, policymakers, economists, and industry leaders shared a generally positive outlook, with expectations of increased deal volume, a focus on data centers and infrastructure, and potential regulatory shifts under the new administration. However, concerns remain over inflation, high interest rates, and geopolitical risks, particularl...

The REIT industry is a major force in real estate, with public REITs holding approximately $2.5 trillion in assets and more than 170 million Americans invested in REITs. Despite difficult headwinds coming out of 2023, REITs have been on the rise in 2024, showing resilience in diverse sectors, including surprisingly positive performance in the office sector. REITs provide key insights into market t...

The Build America Bureau at the US Department of Transportation recently expanded its credit programs, TIFIA and RRIF, to include real estate projects, broadening the scope of federal support for infrastructure development. Both programs provide substantial advantages for sponsors but come with specific requirements that may limit their applicability for certain projects, making it essential for p...

High interest rates, escalating costs, and rising vacancy rates have taken a toll on real estate assets, particularly in the office sector, with buildings in key markets selling at significant discounts. At the same time, refinancing options have become increasingly elusive. How can those interested in acquiring distressed assets capitalize on current market conditions? In this episode, Jason DeJo...

As new technologies evolve, the risks of title and wire fraud continue to grow. To successfully navigate closing and funding processes, real estate professionals must stay informed and protect against current risk factors — doing so is crucial to ensure a smooth, safe, and secure closing. In this episode, Adam Chaudhary, president of FundingShield LLC, joins Arren Goldman to explore the key driver...

Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) is a state-enabled financing solution designed to help building owners and developers obtain funds for energy-efficient improvements in new construction and existing commercial property buildings. With its affordable and accessible nature, C-PACE has established itself as a rapidly growing funding source over the last decade. In this episode, Kate...

Special purpose entities (SPEs) are frequently employed in commercial real estate transactions to mitigate bankruptcy risks associated with borrowers or their properties. To qualify as bankruptcy remote, these entities must meet specific requirements, such as appointing "independent directors" and "springing members." With the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) now in effect, mandating the disclosur...

Amidst a challenging office market and tempered growth in the industrial and life sciences sectors, the retail landscape stands resilient. As retailers, owners, developers, brokers, and other industry professionals gather for the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) annual conference in Las Vegas, anticipation grows for revelations on the future trajectory of retail in 2024 and beyond....

As many states continue to ease regulations and the Food and Drug Administration considers moving cannabis to Schedule III, commercial real estate is increasingly buzzed with interest in properties for use by cannabis businesses, from agricultural land and warehouses to retail spaces. Despite this seemingly abundant opportunity, investors currently find themselves navigating the still murky waters...