Economy in Review

Berkeley, California is a city with a diverse economy that has been growing steadily over the past few years. The city is home to several major employers in the education, healthcare, and technology sectors. The unemployment rate in Berkeley is lower than the national average, and the job growth rate has been consistently positive.

The city's economy is also supported by a strong tourism industry, with many visitors coming to explore the city's cultural and historical attractions. Overall, the economic outlook for Berkeley is positive, with continued growth expected in the coming years.

Multifamily Market

The multifamily market in Berkeley has been strong in recent years, with high demand for rental properties driving up prices. The city's population has been growing steadily, and many young professionals and students are attracted to the area's vibrant culture and job opportunities.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Berkeley is higher than the national average. However, vacancy rates remain low, indicating that demand for rental properties is still strong.

Office Market

The office market in Berkeley is also strong, with several major companies choosing to locate their headquarters or regional offices in the city. The technology sector is particularly strong, with many startups and established companies operating in the area.

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the professional and business services sector has been growing steadily in Berkeley over the past few years. This growth is expected to continue as more companies choose to locate in the area.

Industrial Market

The industrial market in Berkeley is relatively small compared to other cities, but there are still several major employers in the manufacturing and logistics sectors. The city's location near major transportation routes makes it an attractive location for companies that need to move goods quickly and efficiently.

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the manufacturing sector has been relatively stable in Berkeley over the past few years. However, there has been some growth in the transportation and warehousing sector, indicating that logistics companies are finding the area attractive.

Retail Market

The retail market in Berkeley is diverse, with many small independent shops and restaurants as well as larger chain stores. The city's vibrant culture and strong tourism industry make it an attractive location for retailers of all sizes.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, retail sales in Berkeley have been growing steadily over the past few years. This growth is expected to continue as more visitors come to the area and the local population continues to grow.

Self-Storage Market

The self-storage market in Berkeley is relatively small compared to other cities, but there are still several facilities located in the area. The city's high population density and limited space make self-storage an attractive option for many residents.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of self-storage facilities in Berkeley has remained relatively stable over the past few years. However, demand for storage space is expected to continue as more people move into the area.

Hospitality Market

The hospitality market in Berkeley is strong, with many hotels and restaurants located in the city. The area's cultural attractions and proximity to major tourist destinations make it an attractive location for visitors.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of hotels and restaurants in Berkeley has been growing steadily over the past few years. This growth is expected to continue as more visitors come to the area and the local population continues to grow.

Commercial Real Estate Loans by Purpose

There are many types of loans available for commercial properties in Berkeley, and the best fit for you depends on your investment strategy. Here are some broad categories of financing available.

Permanent Financing

Permanent financing is a type of loan that remains in place for an extended period of time. It's commonly used to finance the acquisition of commercial properties or to refinance existing debt. Types of permanent financing include bank loans, loans from government-sponsored entities like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, HUD loans, credit union loans, loans from life insurance companies, commercial mortgage backed securities (CMBS) loans, and other types of loans depending on the specifics of the commercial property.

Refinancing a Commercial Real Estate Property in Berkeley

I wouldn't quite call this a separate type of loan, but I have to mention refinancing in here. These are typically permanent loans (but not always) used to pay down an existing, partially amortizing or interest-only loan.

Often you may be able to time a refinance to happen after an interest rate drop — an ideal solution — but if your loan is maturing during a period of higher rates, you shouldn't stress too much about this. We'll work with you to find the best loan terms for your commercial property by reaching out to potentially thousands of lenders. Just complete the form below, and we'll get to it.

Construction Financing

Construction financing, also known as interim financing, is used to finance the cost of construction for commercial properties. It is usually a short-term loan that covers the cost of land development and building construction. Once construction is completed, the borrower can typically convert this into a permanent loan or pay it off with a new loan.

Bridge Loans

Bridge loans are a type of short-term loan that can be used to cover costs in the interim period between the end of one loan and the beginning of another. They are typically used in commercial real estate to finance the transition between construction financing and permanent financing. Bridge loans generally have higher costs than most other financing options and are often interest-only and non-recourse.

Commercial Real Estate Loans by Type

Depending on the purpose of your loan, you will have several financing options available to meet your investment goals. Read below to learn more about specific loan types.

Bank Loans

Bank loans are a common financing option for commercial real estate in Berkeley. They can offer competitive interest rates and flexible terms, but the specifics can vary greatly from bank to bank. While they may not always be the best fit for larger, more complex projects, they can be an excellent option for smaller, simpler properties.

Life Company Loans

Life company loans are typically used to finance high-quality assets in major markets. They generally have lower loan-to-value ratios than most other loan types but offer competitive interest rates and long terms. However, they may not be suitable for riskier projects or properties in less established markets.

Agency Loans

Agency loans, offered by government-sponsored entities like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, are typically used for properties that are mostly multifamily. They offer attractive loan terms, low, fixed interest rates, and are non-recourse. However, there are restrictions on the amount of income that can come from other commercial uses.

HUD Loans

HUD multifamily loans are government-backed loans that are primarily used for the construction, substantial rehabilitation, purchase, and refinancing of multifamily properties. These loans offer long-term, non-recourse financing with competitive interest rates but have extensive requirements for qualification.

CMBS Loans

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities (CMBS) loans are a type of mortgage-backed security backed by commercial real estate loans. Lenders focus more on the strength of the property than the borrower's credit, making them a good option for properties with strong cash flow.

SBA Loans

Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, such as the SBA 7(a) and SBA 504, offer attractive financing options for small businesses. However, the maximum amount for an SBA 7(a) loan is $5 million, while SBA 504 loans can go up to $20 million. They cannot be used for multifamily properties and are only available for properties that the business owner occupies.

Mezzanine Loans

Mezzanine financing is a hybrid form of financing that combines elements of debt financing and equity investment. It is typically used in commercial real estate to fill a funding gap between the primary loan and the total cost of a project.

Commercial Property Insurance in Berkeley

This part isn't about loans, but it's just as important to your investment's success. Let's talk (quickly) about insurance.

Insurance premiums have skyrocketed in the past few years, as I'm sure you know. While multifamily gets a lot of the attention, rates for insuring anything from office buildings to shopping centers have jumped significantly.

Janover Insurance Group is dedicated to finding the best insurance solutions for your commercial real estate assets in Berkeley. Click to get a free insurance quote for your property — no obligation.