Commercial, multifamily loans spike in 2013

Commercial and multifamily mortgage bankers did $358.5 billion in loan volume last year, according to data released by the Mortgage Bankers Association

Commercial and multifamily mortgage bankers did $358.5 billion in loan volume last year, according to data released by the Mortgage Bankers Association.

The total dollar volume of commercial and multifamily loans was up by 47% year-over-year in 2013, the MBA reported. The dollar volume of closed loans spiked 22%.

“Improving property markets and a strong appetite among lenders led to a very active year in commercial real estate finance,” said Jamie Woodwell, MBA’s vice president of commercial real estate research. “Multifamily rental properties drew the most financing, and banks and thrifts were the largest source of commercial real estate lending. Despite the fact there are fewer maturing loans in need of refinancing this year, originations should continue to be buoyed by higher property values, rising property incomes and still low interest rates.”

Multifamily originations had the highest volume last year at $136.9 billion, followed by office buildings, retail property, hotels, industrial properties and health care facilities, according to the MBA.