COVID-19 accelerates structural shifts in real estate and REITs: S&P Global Ratings

The global recession, sparked by record job losses in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, will hurt demand for office real estate, with occupancy and rental rates to come under pressure, according to the latest findings from S&P Global Ratings.

“Rent collection for office properties has remained high but we expect landlords to share some of the pain as tenants' capacity to pay rent is impaired” the firm said.

According to the June report, office real estate investment trusts (REITs) entered this recession in relatively good shape -Low vacancy rates and steady rent growth, and long-term leases and staggered lease maturity schedules, should help mitigate the impact of the recession.

“We expect COVID-19 to accelerate the adoption of remote working and lead to a gradual reduction in the office footprint” the firm added.

The sustainability of co-working concepts could also add pressure to the office sector, particularly in gateway markets.

“We expect negative ratings bias to grow over the next year, although down grade risks are mitigated by adequate cushion under credit metrics, relatively good balance sheets, and solid liquidity” the firm concluded.