It was clear at least years ICSC that net lease properties had become an industry in and of itself. A large portion of the ICSC RECON attendees focused heavily on them. With demand for net leases only increasing since, it is likely they will play an important part at this years conference.

2014 has already seen attention grabbing events with relation to net leases. An easy example is American Reality Capital's purchase of CapLease for $2.2 billion and merger with Cole Real Estate (a transaction worth $11.2 billion) to create the largest net lease REIT with an enterprise value of $21.5 billion. Events such the American Reaility Capital merger highlight that net leases are shrugging off their niche status as they become a fully integrated component of the commercial property portfolio.

Above all, buyers, both private and institution, continue to aggressively seek and pursue single tenant properties even as pricing continues to tighten. Accordingly, developers and owners are capitalizing on the ability to sell into a strong market, while exploring additional built-to-suit and ground lease opportunities. Regardless of higher interest rates, the net lease market shines brighter.