Commercial/Multifamily Mortgage Debt Increases by Largest Amount Since 2008

Jamie Woodwell

 WASHINGTON, DC (March 11, 2013) -- The level of commercial/multifamily mortgage debt outstanding increased by $21.8 billion, or 0.9 percent, in the fourth quarter of 2012, as all four major investor groups increased their holdings, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). 

  On a year-over-year basis, the amount of mortgage debt outstanding at the end of 2012 was $29.7 billion higher than at the end of 2011, an increase of 1.2 percent.

 Multifamily mortgage debt outstanding rose to $846 billion, an increase of $11.8 billion or 1.4 percent from the third quarter, and $35.7 billion or 4.4 percent from the fourth quarter of 2011.

 “The appetite among lenders and investors for commercial and multifamily mortgages grew during the fourth quarter,” said Jamie Woodwell, MBA’s Vice President of Commercial Real Estate Research.

 “The fourth quarter saw the largest increase in commercial and multifamily mortgage debt outstanding since 2008.  Bank-held commercial mortgages increased by the largest amount since 2008.

“The balance of loans held in CMBS rose by the most since 2007 and the balances of loans held by life companies and held or guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA continued their multi-year increases.”

 For a complete copy of the company’s news release, please contact:

Matt Robinson,

 (202) 557-2727