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Workforce Housing Outperforms But Experts Disagree Why

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Workforce housing has a reputation for being a steady asset class for investors that appreciate its reliable cash flows.

Most residents that live in such housing are the backbone of cities and towns, serving indispensable roles such as teachers, policemen, and firefighters. Therefore, their jobs tend to be resilient during any economic headwinds, “offering a degree of recession resistance compared to more cyclical sectors,” according to a report by Cushman & Wakefield.

But how does the asset class fare during times of both high inflation and a job market that appears to be tightening? C&W has been monitoring this situation – particularly the inventory under its purview  – and it reports that so far the effects of these dual forces has been minimal, if that.

“The pinch of inflation tends to affect Class B renters more, which is why we consistently analyze our dataset for weaknesses that would signal an underlying frailty in the economy,” it said in its report. “Thus far, we haven’t found one.”

Demand has increased for these properties as more renters seek out affordable housing and as Class A renters seek out cheaper housing in the face of increasing rents.

“Those living in Class A residences stand to save an average of about $540 per month by trading to a Class B apartment, a 30% savings,” according to Cushman & Wakefield, which is wider than the $340 historical average.

But other feet on the ground disagree with some of these conclusions.

Jay Lybik, national director of multifamily analytics at CoStar Group, for example, tells GlobeSt.com that it is Class A multifamily residents that have the lowest rent-to-income ratio in the sector.

“For most Class A properties, it hovers near 20% compared to Class B and Class C which tend to be 30% or even higher,” Lybik said.

“Thus, these Class A residents are in the best position to absorb rent increases.” Lybik says he has no evidence of Class A renters “trading” down to Class B properties to save money. “As a matter of fact, Class A absorption has increased in each quarter so far this year.”

Masoud Shojaee, CEO and Chairman of the Board at Shoma Group, agrees, telling GlobeSt.com that he’s seeing renters at his Class A projects staying longer than ever.

“In the post-pandemic rental market, many renters now prioritize safety, cleanliness, and outdoor space and amenities, which has prompted some B renters to reassess their living situations.”

Lybik also argued that Class B renters have, in fact, been impacted by inflation.

“We saw that very clearly in the 2022 absorption,” Lybik said. “Class B absorption ended the year in the negative. One sign that these households struggled to afford the increases from 2021 and the beginning of 2022. In some cases, Class B residents moved in with a roommate, moved back home with parents, or in some cases moved to the cheapest unit available in the property that they already lived in.”

The crux of the matter is that Class B rents outperform because  its residents have a highly inelastic demand, according to Lybik.

 

Source:  GlobeSt.

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Developer Proposes Workforce Housing In Miami Beach

The Morris Rendering_1701 Jefferson Ave. Miami Beach_Image Courtesy of Berenblum Busch Architects 1170x435

New York-based 1688 Property Owner LLC filed a municipal pre-application with Miami-Dade County officials for the 0.52-acre site at 1701 Jefferson Ave.

The developer acquired that parking lot, along with the adjoining 88,419-square-foot office building at 1688 Meridian Ave., for $49.5 million in 2021.

Totaling 28,074 square feet in four stories, the project would feature 40 apartments and 24 parking spaces on the ground level underneath the building.

It would be called The Morris, after Miami Beach architect Morris Lapidus, who designed many of the city’s most famous hotels. The project would feature 36 one-bedroom units of about 510 square feet each and four two-bedroom units of about 720 square feet. All of the apartments would be restricted to people making up to 140% of area median income. That means a one-bedroom unit would rent for $2,710 and a two-bedroom unit would rent for $3,251.

 

Source:  SFBJ

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New Mixed-Use Project Coming To Allapattah

Coral Gables-based Coral Rock Development Group unveiled plans for Dulce Vida, a transformative mixed-use, mixed-income development in Miami’s Allapattah neighborhood. The project will add to the area’s revitalization and enhance the community’s access to affordable housing options.

Situated on a 1.3-acre site at 1785 NW 35th Street, Dulce Vida is a prime example of Florida’s new SB 102 law aimed at promoting mixed-income developments and increasing access to affordable housing. The project will consist of 200 rental units, thoughtfully designed to cater to a diverse range of residents. Of these, 85 units will be designated as affordable housing at 60% of Area Median Income (AMI), another 85 units will be allocated for workforce housing at 100% AMI, and 30 units for workforce housing at 120% AMI, ensuring a variety of housing options for different income levels.

At the heart of the Dulce Vida project is a new state-of-the-art Miami-Dade Public Library System Allapattah Branch Library, located on the ground floor. This facility will replace the existing Allapattah Branch Library currently at the site and will provide access to a modernized library with the latest library resources, technology, and specialized areas for library users of all ages.

Coral Rock Development Group is proudly partnering with Miami Bethany Community Services, a local nonprofit church deeply rooted in the Allapattah neighborhood, which will play a pivotal role in providing community outreach and involvement initiatives. They will collaborate with residents, local organizations, and businesses to ensure that Dulce Vida positively impacts the community.

“We are thrilled to introduce Dulce Vida, a transformative development that combines the crucial elements of affordable housing, community amenities, and improved access to educational resources,” said Michael Wohl, principal of Coral Rock Development Group. “This project is a testament to our commitment to creating inclusive and sustainable communities that cater to the diverse needs of Miami residents. We look forward to collaborating with the Allapattah neighborhood and Miami-Dade County to make this vision a reality.”

Designed by Behar Font & Partners, Dulce Vida will offer an extensive array of amenities including a state-of-the-art fitness center, a community lounge with a kitchenette and club room for social gatherings, a private conference room, a BBQ area for outdoor cooking and entertainment, an outdoor lounge and games area, a children’s playground, a dedicated dog park, and a parcel package room with lockers for added convenience. The project will also feature electric car charging stations, encouraging sustainable transportation options, as well as bicycle storage and repair facilities to promote eco-friendly commuting alternatives.

“Coral Rock Development Group is not investing in buildings, they are investing in people,” said Commissioner Alex Díaz de la Portilla, City of Miami Commissioner for District 1. “Dulce Vida is a significant contribution to the City of Miami’s attainable housing efforts and will provide much needed housing for low-income residents, as well as law enforcement officers, firefighters, teachers, nurses, and city employees.”

Coral Rock Development Group has particular expertise in developing multifamily workforce housing projects along with mixed-use and affordable developments. Recent projects include Pura Vida Hialeah, Kayla at Library Place, and Card Sound Key Apartments, among numerous others.

Pricing for the rental apartments will begin at $1,084 for studios, $1,161 for one-bedroom units, and $1,393 for two-bedroom units with all prices inclusive of utilities.

Groundbreaking on the project will begin in the third quarter of 2024, with a scheduled completion date at the end of 2025.

During the construction phase, the existing Miami-Dade Public Library System Allapattah Branch Library will be temporarily relocated and continue to operate in a nearby location, ensuring uninterrupted access to its services and resources for the community.

 

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Developers Looking To Buy Commercial Sites Due To New Legislation

Developers are analyzing how to take advantage of Florida’s new legislation, which will set aside over $700 million in funding, create tax breaks, and provide zoning-related incentives for affordable and workforce housing developments.

The law could contribute to a new boom in housing development, from entirely affordable buildings to mixed-income towers on commercial sites that developers are now looking to purchase, experts say.

The Live Local Act, which Gov. Ron DeSantis signed aims to help fill financing gaps, making more developments economically feasible. What is still crucial, attorneys and developers said, is combining that with incentives on the local level.

“These incentive programs, in conjunction with working cities and municipalities — that’s the way you’re going to fill a void and a gap and a huge need,” said Brian Sidman, of Miami Beach-based Redwood Dev Co. “The problem isn’t going to be solved by developers buying private land. That ship has sailed due to the cost of private land.” 

Still, Sidman called the legislation “a great start,” and applauded DeSantis and the Florida Legislature.

“If we don’t fix our housing crisis, we’ll have other material programs that will trickle down,” he said.

Redwood is analyzing the SAIL (State Apartment Incentive Loan) program to see which of its projects could secure low-interest loans for workforce housing. Redwood, which has more than 1,500 units in the pipeline in South Florida, aims to build more than 5,000 affordable and/or workforce units over the next five to seven years. It recently broke ground on Mosaic, a 98-unit development in Opa-locka.

The new legislation sets aside $259 million in SAIL funds. It also promises $252 million in SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Program) funding to incentivize local governments to partner with developers preserving or building new housing.

The law goes into effect July 1. Developers are expected to apply for incentives this summer, and receive funds next year.

 

 

Source:  The Real Deal

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