Is Commercial Real Estate Better Off Now Than Four Years Ago? EER Data Says "Yes We Are"

WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - Oct 23, 2012) - With the election only weeks away, many commercial real estate professionals are considering the current state of the market and searching for signs of recovery as they contemplate their final electoral decisions. According to historical data trends from BOMA International's annual Experience Exchange Report® (EER), while market growth has been slow, income has increased and expenses have dropped, allowing these professionals to rest assured that commercial real estate is recovering and indeed better off now than it was four years ago.

Since 2008, average total rental income earned per square foot (psf) has increased by $1.56, while total operating expenses -- including fixed expenses -- have decreased by $.20 psf. Total income levels also improved over the past four years, increasing by $1.57 psf to $26.90 psf.

Fifty-seven percent of all expenses decreased in cost over the past four years. The largest decrease in expenses was the price of roads and grounds upkeep, which decreased by 4.3 percent to $.22 psf. The cost of utilities, cleaning and security also decreased. Utility costs dropped 3.7 percent since 2008 to $2.33 psf, while cleaning and security costs both decreased by 2.8 percent to $1.39 psf and $.69 psf, respectively.

"These findings demonstrate improving conditions in commercial real estate markets over the past four years," said BOMA International Chair Joseph W. Markling, managing director of Strategic Accounts at CBRE. "Much of this recovery has been aided by the innovative ways that building owners and property managers have found to decrease expenses -- particularly energy costs -- through dedication to sustainable practices and maximize value via benchmarking tools like the Experience Exchange Report. Overall, we remain optimistic about the future of the commercial real estate industry."

The Experience Exchange Report (EER) is the premier income and expense data benchmarking tool for the commercial real estate industry. The EER allows users to conduct multi-year analysis of single markets and special use facilities, providing valuable analytic insight into the performance and efficiency of individual buildings compared to other buildings and markets in the U.S. and Canada.

Access the Experience Exchange Report at www.bomaeer.com.

About BOMA International
The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International is an international federation of more than 100 local associations and affiliated organizations. Founded in 1907, its 16,500-plus members own or manage more than nine billion square feet of commercial properties. BOMA International's mission is to enhance the human, intellectual and physical assets of the commercial real estate industry through advocacy, education, research, standards and information. Find BOMA online at www.boma.org.

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Are We Better Off Now Than We Were Four Years Ago? Infographic

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