$8,800,000 Partial Recourse Ground-Up Apartment Construction Financing to 65% of Cost

Transaction Description: George Smith Partners successfully structured and placed the ground-up construction financing for a Class-A, 24-unit market rate apartment complex adjacent to a prestigious Southern California University. Designed to fulfill demand for non-student, Class-A residential product, the development is a loft-style design consisting entirely of 2 bedroom/2 bathroom units. The 65% of cost loan is priced at PRIME + 1.00% with the seven year term structured as a two year construction period converting to a five year mini-perm fixed at 4.75%. Pre-payable at any time, this loan provides full flexibility to the Sponsor while protecting against maturity default. Top 25% initial recourse becomes non-recourse upon achieving a minimum debt service coverage ratio.

Challenge: Although the surrounding residential market is extremely strong, the majority of adjacent product is student housing with a very limited amount of comparable market rate product. There is negligible sales velocity to provide new product comparables and the lender/appraiser was required to look outside the immediate market area to support values.

Solution: George Smith Partners identified a lender active in the greater market area and comfortable with the location and underwritten assumptions. Significant market research was conducted to support demand for market rate apartments and achievable market rents. The demographic study and asset design ultimately supported initial underwritten assumptions. The Sponsor’s market and product experience provided our capital provider with additional comfort.