Top 10 lessons learned in real estate: Ernst & Young

Canadian real estate developers, investors and lenders more attuned to risk

TORONTO , Dec. 15 /CNW/ - A new Ernst & Young report reveals that a shifting and vastly different post-recession real estate landscape has executives grappling with lingering challenges.

Lessons from change: survival and growth in the real estate industry finds that, regardless of their current market position, real estate companies need to look ahead and plan for the future of their organizations.

"Whereas two years ago, real estate executives spent most of their time on new deals, now their focus is on protecting assets, controlling costs and, most important, managing cash flows," says Ray Drost , leader of the Transaction Real Estate group at Ernst & Young. "It's the executives who show ingenuity and have the courage to make tough decisions who stand the best chance of establishing themselves as industry leaders."

Below are 10 lessons from change that have emerged for the sector, which are also quickly becoming trends for 2010. According to the report, those who take heed of this advice are more likely to continue to adapt and grow in an increasingly global and competitive real estate market:

    
    1.  Focus on capital preservation - Most real estate executives are and
        will continue to be concerned with stabilizing their organizations
        and enhancing their ability to access capital and improve the
        flexibility of their balance sheets. Maintaining liquidity is
        paramount to capitalizing on future opportunities.

    2.  Form strategic alliances and/or partnerships with foreign investors -
        Partnerships will be formed to acquire assets on a scale never seen
        before. Expect Canadian companies with strong balance sheets to
        venture into foreign markets.

    3.  Provide more effective risk management and protection of asset values
        - Real estate companies are revamping their framework to more
        effectively manage risk. Pricing risk appropriately will define
        future growth.

    4.  Provide an increased focus on tenants - Property owners are becoming
        more diligent in evaluating the creditworthiness of tenants to
        determine who might present a risk. In light of this, underwriting
        will become even more stringent.

    5.  Evaluate supply chain and contractors - Corporations who hire
        developers and construction contractors are evaluating the risks of
        having financially troubled contractors/suppliers who could file for
        bankruptcy and stop work on a project.

    6.  Prepare for increased taxes and government regulation - Companies are
        preparing for regulatory framework - around private equity investment
        funds in particular, as well as arranging for fuller disclosure of
        investment plans, asset verification and other information of
        interest to shareholders.

    7.  Control costs and streamline operations - Companies are improving
        their overall performance, with issues such as tying executive
        compensation to performance resurfacing.

    8.  Look at Canada's relationship with the US - While there are
        noticeable differences between Canada and the US in terms of macro-
        economic structure and real estate fundamentals, don't overlook the
        influence and effect of our largest trading partner.

    9.  Accelerate decision-making - Decisions are being made more quickly to
        take advantage of shorter windows of opportunity and to respond more
        quickly to adverse developments.

    10. Concentrate on long-term growth - Real estate executives are thinking
        about the future. They're looking at extending their company's market
        reach, building relationships, thinking creatively and strengthening
        their management capabilities.
    

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