Different asset classes respond differently to rising interest rates, which typically occur during periods of economic boom. The bond principal is lost due to rising rates, which also have an impact on the value of stocks and other financial assets as well as interest payments on debt.
However, real estate investments have the advantage of doing well in a climate with rising interest rates. Particularly, income-producing real estate and multifamily have traditionally demonstrated a better propensity to increase net income during expansionary periods than equities and other assets, as I have personally observed from experience as an investor and developer.
Understanding Inflation
The term "inflation" refers to an increase in prices over a predetermined time period, such as rising housing or rent costs. Excessive money supply, supply and demand shocks, and the widespread belief that prices will rise are common drivers of inflation. By taking advantage of low mortgage interest rates, passing on growing expenses to tenants through increased rent prices, and profiting long-term from rising property values, investors use real estate as a hedge against inflation.
Investors looking for assets that give income above and above the rate of inflation are one reason why real estate prices rise during inflationary periods.
Operating costs, property taxes, and the mortgage are covered by rental revenue obtained from a renter. The return on investment, which is denoted by a capitalization (cap) rate, is any money that is still in existence at the conclusion of each period. The net operating income, or NOI, of a property, is divided by the purchase price to arrive at the cap rate.
Limited real estate available
Due to the scarcity of real estate relative to fiat money, real estate prices frequently rise in tandem with inflation. Real estate values should increase as the money supply expands as a result of increased money production.
Assume that a hypothetical economy includes 100 dwellings, 1 million in total money, and no other products or services, in order to explain using a simple scenario. If every property was similar, each house would be worth 10,000.
Costs for building homes rises
Due to increased salaries, and higher expenses for materials, suppliers, and land, inflation also raises the cost of constructing a home. The expense of constructing a new house is then passed on by home builders to prospective homeowners and investors, which is another factor contributing to the increase in real estate prices. This further draws you to the conclusion is sticking longer to your property in the period of inflation will give you an edge of gaining more rentals, but to reconstruct or construct it as a time of inflation should be considered a red flag.
Takeaways
Inflation produced by rising prices and an excess of money supply usually results in an increase in real estate values. Some venture capitalists use rental properties as a hedge against inflation to produce yield above the inflationary rate in order to help offset the loss of the dollar's purchasing power. They do this by locking in low long-term mortgage interest rates while trying to export inflation to tenants by raising rents and profiting from potential long-term increases in home prices.
Owning a home is a keystone of wealth… both financial affluence and emotional security.
Suze OrmanHow can I help you!