Le Lézard
Classified in: Business
Subjects: ECO, MAT

Lacklustre Cannabis Market, trade tensions hurt 2019 Commercial Market


Yet, anticipated improvements on both fronts bode well for market in 2020

KELOWNA, BC, Dec. 10, 2019 /CNW/ - Despite the expectations of cannabis carrying the commercial market in the West to new highs in 2019, the sector has fallen short, especially the limited retail roll out in British Columbia. As a result, regions like Greater Vancouver, poised to become a cannabis hot spot in 2019, has experienced a year-over-year decrease in total dollar value of 69 per cent across all commercial property types.

Lacklustre Cannabis Market, trade tensions hurt 2019 Commercial Market (CNW Group/RE/MAX Western Canada)

"While we anticipated the legalization of cannabis to drive prices and sales up in the commercial real  estate market this year, a variety of factors including overall supply, stigmas, approval times and licensing restrictions have impeded commercial property growth across Western Canada ? particularly in British Columbia," says Elton Ash, Regional Executive Vice President, RE/MAX of Western Canada. "Despite the pressures, we're starting to see the market steady and 2020 looks more promising."

Commercial markets like Regina, Edmonton and Calgary have also been plagued by ongoing economic short falls, including falling oil and gas prices and sub-par performance in the farming industry as a result of global trade disputes. This has resulted in lower levels of activity, deflated prices and higher vacancy rates.

In contrast, Saskatoon has been able to weather the tough economic conditions seen in the rest of the region over the past year with out-of-province investors taking advantage of lower prices.

"Commercial markets in the prairies and in Alberta are still not out of the woods yet. Economic recovery across the region is taking much longer than anticipated, negatively impacting the commercial property market," says Ash. "While we anticipate modest growth in 2020, uncertainty such as global trade disputes, and oil fluctuations will continue to loom over the region."

Greater Vancouver

One year into the legalization of cannabis and Greater Vancouver's retail landlords have found it difficult to get traditional commercial financing due to reluctance among banks. While attitudes towards cannabis have relaxed, cannabis retail locations still carry some stigma in the mainstream commercial market.

Co-working space has experienced a surge in popularity with up to 1.5 million square footage in Vancouver being either occupied or under construction ? a 250 per cent increase since 2014. This is especially true for shared office space and warehousing for retailers. Vancouver's retail landlords have found it difficult to get traditional commercial financing in the region due to concerns over high risk.

Okanagan

Kelowna only has one cannabis retailer, with six more seeking provincial approval before they can open their doors. However, the retail performance is expected to take off in 2020, with Okanagan College now offering training programs in Cannabis and the province's Liquor & Cannabis Regulation Branch looking to set up shop in the Westbank Towne Centre Mall.

Kelowna and the Okanagan have also become attractive alternatives to buyers who find themselves increasingly priced out of the Vancouver market. These buyers typically include local investors, owner-occupiers and larger institutional buyers. The speculation tax has affected interest from offshore and foreign buyers.

Looking further into 2020, developers are eyeing bigger mixed-use complexes with higher densities to maximize the potential of each property. Investors are waiting for new property supply across all commercial sectors.

Edmonton

The cannabis industry initially took off in Edmonton, spurring industrial building as well as retail and office leasing activity. The retail market has since dialed back a little as producers concentrate on providing adequate supply and achieve sustainable cash flow. Larger players are looking to establish permanent market presence as they anticipate the legalization of edibles.

Co-working spaces account for approximately five per cent of the overall commercial market. This business model is expected to grow to 10 to 15 per cent of the overall commercial market by 2030. Newer office towers in the downtown core are sought by global pension funds. Well-located retail and mixed-use projects are also seeing strong interest.   

Looking forward into 2020, overall sales are expected to be slightly down from 2019, with tenants in the oil and gas sectors hoping for increased recovery.

Calgary 

Calgary is still being impaired by the ongoing downturn of the oil and gas industry. Demand that was initially seen in 2018 for retail cannabis locations has fallen. The industrial market continues to be strong and relatively stable with the increase in demand for more affordable logistic supply management.

Buyer types have shifted to more sophisticated commercial buyers with the staying power to weather the remainder of Calgary's downturn, knowing that they are getting a great asset at a discounted price. The shift from a frenzied retail market to larger more sophisticated buyers and investors looking to set up cannabis production facilities is a good example of this trend.

Looking further into 2020, Calgary will experience modest growth in all segments of commercial real estate.

Regina

Regina is seeing low levels of activity and decreasing prices and rates, which, when combined with more business closures and a higher-than-normal foreclosure rate, leads to some uncertainty in the commercial market.

While there are some attractive opportunities for buyers, investors are few and far between and values are shrinking.  Vacancy rates have increased year-over-year from two to five per cent and it is even higher in some areas. Demand is limited.

Interest in cannabis retails stores was originally quite high, but limited licencing by the government didn't create the big market that was anticipated. Economic factors, including the falling oil and gas industry and the sub-par performance of the farm industry due to poor weather conditions and trade tensions with China, are taking its toll.

Saskatoon

In contrast to Regina, the Saskatoon commercial real estate market has weathered the tough economic conditions over the past year, including manufacturing, agricultural, construction and service sectors.  Demand for commercial properties continues to be driven by a mix of out-of-province investors and Institutional investment taking advantage of lower prices.

The city's retail sector has cooled from 2018 as a result of new retail developments creating more inventory than demand. Vacancy rates are moderate at almost five per cent. This trend is anticipated to continue in 2020 as several of the projects are expected to be completed next year, such as the redevelopment of the former Sears retail location in Midtown Plaza being re-leased to Shoppers Drug Mart and Mountain Equipment Co-op.

Buyers expected to drive the market in 2020 include private investors and institutional buyers looking to take advantage of lower pricing and better cap rate.

Winnipeg

Co-working spaces in Winnipeg, particularly those offered by Regus, are becoming more popular. The company offers space out of two sites. The struggle in Winnipeg's office market continues as vacancy rates have notched up since the development of True North Square. Inducements have increased and landlords are reinvesting in their properties to make them more attractive.  There has been significant investment activity in the apartments sector as investors continue to look for stable income sources. Industrial properties are also in high demand.

Buyer types include REITs, pension funds, private equity players and private individuals. As cap rates continue to see pressure move down in the primary Canadian markets, Winnipeg is expected to see robust interest as it features higher cap rates and stable market conditions.

Looking forward, Winnipeg will continue to enjoy strong demand for its commercial property space due to its diversified economy positive net migration and the resulting steady growth in the Capital region.

About the 2019 RE/MAX Commercial Investor Report
The 2019 RE/MAX Commercial is that the saInvestor Report includes data from local boards and brokerages. Brokers and agents are surveyed on trends, local development and features.

About the RE/MAX Network
RE/MAX was founded in 1973 by Dave and Gail Liniger, with an innovative, entrepreneurial culture affording its agents and franchisees the flexibility to operate their businesses with great independence. Over 125,000 agents provide RE/MAX a global reach of more than 110 countries and territories. RE/MAX is Canada's leading real estate organization with more than 20,000 Sales Associates and over 900 independently owned and operated offices nationwide. RE/MAX, LLC, one of the world's leading franchisors of real estate brokerage services, is a subsidiary of RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: RMAX). With a passion for the communities in which its agents live and work, RE/MAX is proud to have raised millions of dollars for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals® and other charities. For more information about RE/MAX, to search home listings or find an agent in your community, please visit www.remax.ca.

Forward looking statements
This report includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "believe," "intend," "expect," "estimate," "plan," "outlook," "project" and other similar words and expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding housing market conditions and the Company's results of operations, performance and growth. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made and/or management's good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, (1) changes in business and economic activity in general, (2) changes in the real estate market, including changes due to interest rates and availability of financing, (3) the Company's ability to attract and retain quality franchisees, (4) the Company's franchisees' ability to recruit and retain real estate agents and mortgage loan originators, (5) changes in laws and regulations that may affect the Company's business or the real estate market, (6) failure to maintain, protect and enhance the RE/MAX and Motto Mortgage brands, (7) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, as well as those risks and uncertainties described in the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and similar disclosures in subsequent SEC filings. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend, and undertakes no duty, to update this information to reflect future events or circumstances.

SOURCE RE/MAX Western Canada


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