This came to a halt in 2008, when unemployment rose, housing prices fell, and homeowners began defaulting on risky mortgages. Lending ceased as banks struggled and failed and the securitization market for commercial mortgages collapsed. Office sales in 2008 were down 70% from the previous year, and vacancy rates in 2009 reached 15-year highs. Unemployment will remain a factor in the office sector. Yet compared with the downturn of the early 1990s, “we’re not overbuilt,” Schmidt says.

Retail transactions also suffered after focusing for much of the decade on secondary markets such as Pittsburgh, Orlando, Denver and Salt Lake City. After the collapse, the bulk of the activity was in small single-tenant deals. While transactions did pick up by the end of 2009, vacancy rates remain high, largely as shoppers look increasingly to the Internet to shop.

“Retail is probably the most interesting one to discuss,” Schmidt says. The hottest sector 15 or 20 years ago, he notes, retail may now be affected by a seismic shift in its operations as the Internet continues to gain power as buying vehicle. “How does it manifest itself? We don’t know yet,” he says. It does create an opportunity, however, the report says. It isn’t all bad news though. Internet retailers now use more warehouse space.

Multifamily, too, had its ups and downs. Early in the decade, secondary markets flourished, with sales volumes doubling in some areas. During the credit crunch, this sector held up best. And multifamily will be propelled by the young adults forming their first households. Schmidt says.

As 2010 progressed, the market was coming back. Financing was returning, as CMBS issuances increased. Shoppers began returning to the stores in the spring, fueling hopes of a retail revival. “The market is gradually correcting,” Schmidt says. “Right now is a good opportunity to buy commercial real estate.”