Although downtown office leasing slowed during the first two quarters, largely driven by the pandemic, "That doesn't mean the market is dead at all," said Scott Amoson, director of research at Colliers' Atlanta office.
"It's important for the ratings agency to know," said Fitch Ratings' Britt Johnson. "Otherwise, we will be making more conservative assumptions on loss expectations."
While a number of developments have stalled, and some have been canceled, many not-yet-completed real estate construction projects will still go forward, although likely at a slower pace, according to Moody's Analytics.
"Consumers still seek the convenience and instant gratification that comes with the in-store experience," said Ryan Kratz, President of Colliers International's southeast region.
The dramatic rise in COVID-19 cases — especially in Texas, Florida and Arizona — is forcing businesses with a large public component either to pause reopenings or close again.
A volatile stock market that left investors who reduced their holdings with capital gains and a decision by the Secretary of the Treasury to extend deadlines for capital gains investments boosted investment activity in qualified opportunity zones and their associated funds.