Expect Strong 2017 Commercial and Multifamily Market

Survey: Commercial and Multifamily Originators Expect Strong, Steady Market in 2017.

Commercial and multifamily mortgage lending is expected to increase in 2017, as lenders’ appetites to place new loans and borrowers’ appetites to borrow both remain strong, according to a new Mortgage Bankers Association survey of the top commercial and multifamily mortgage origination firms. Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of the top firms expect originations to increase in 2017, with one-quarter (26 percent) expecting an increase of 5 percent or more. A full half (50 percent) expect their own firm’s originations to increase by 5 percent or more.

“Commercial mortgage bankers expect 2017 to carry-over much of the momentum from 2016,” said Jamie Woodwell, MBA’s Vice President for Commercial Real Estate Research. “Most of the top firms expect strong demand from both lenders and borrowers in 2017, although not quite as strong as 2016. Originators generally see borrowing and lending volumes growing slightly, with just over half expecting potential regulatory and legislative changes to be positive for the market. The survey paints expectations of a strong, steady market in 2017.”