HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA—Berkadia closed recenlty on the sale of Artisan Apartments, a 277-unit multifamily property located at 15555 Huntington Village Lane in Huntington Beach.

Senior directors Shane Shafer and Peter Hauser of the Irvine office negotiated the sale, which closed at $87.5 million on December 10, 2015. The seller was Kennedy Wilson and the buyer was Domino Realty Management Company, Inc., both based in Beverly Hills. The sale price reflects a per-unit price of $318,181. Additionally, managing director Allan Freedman of Berkadia's Los Angeles office assisted with the assumable financing.

"Quality of life, the strong job market and healthy apartment operations continue to support robust investment activity in the Orange County multifamily market," said Keith Misner, head of investment sales. "Activity is brisk in the area, so Berkadia's regional team of investment advisors and mortgage bankers collaborated quickly to execute this deal on time for both the buyer and the seller."

"Kennedy Wilson purchased the property in June of 2012. During their time as owners, they added value to the asset through interior and exterior renovations and, as the submarket improved, was able to realize a substantial return through this sale," said Shafer. "Domino Realty purchased the property as a long-term hold in anticipation of the property's appreciation and to take advantage of current cash flow and tax benefits. It also is conveniently located near additional Domino Realty-owned assets within Orange County, creating strong management economies between properties."

Domino Realty plans to continue renovations to the property's interiors, while adding additional common area amenities in order to meet renter demand and fuel strong future rental growth.

Built in 1977, Artisan's unique layout combines three different designs: urban mid-rise units over podium parking, two-story, garden-style apartments and two-story townhouse style apartments. The 275-unit property features one- and two-bedroom floor plans. Unit amenities include fully equipped kitchens with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, gas fireplaces, walk-in closets, cable access and balconies or patios. Community amenities include two heated swimming pools, laundry facilities, tennis courts, a fitness center, barbeques, and gated community access. The property was 97% occupied at the time of sale.

"Rarely does an apartment asset of this size sell in the coastal sub-market of Huntington Beach," Hauser added. "Due to its locale, quality condition and unique unit designs, Artisan was a highly attractive investment opportunity that generated a lot of buyer interest."

The Artisan, located near the 405 and 22 freeways and adjacent to the newly renovated Bella Terra Mall. The property is also within six miles of popular beaches and 11 miles from Disneyland. Top employers in the area include Fountain Valley Regional Hospital, StorCase Technologies Inc., IBM, Zodiac Aerospace and Hyundai corporate headquarters.

Orange County area vacancy rose 40 basis points to 4.2% by the end of 2015. The average asking rent increased 4.4% year-over-year to an average of $1,955 per month.

Berkadia, a joint venture of Berkshire Hathaway and Leucadia National Corporation, is an industry-leading commercial real estate company providing comprehensive capital solutions and investment sales advisory and research services for multifamily and commercial properties. Berkadia is among the largest, highest rated and most respected primary, master and special servicers in the industry.

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David Phillips

David Phillips is a Chicago-based freelance writer and consultant with more than 20 years experience in business and community news. He also has extensive reporting experience in the food manufacturing industry for national trade publications.