Leverage in commercial real estate financing refers to the amount of debt used to finance an asset. It is the act of financing assets with borrowed money. Lenders typically limit the amount of leverage borrowers can use. For example, HUD 223(f) loans are limited in leverage to 85% Loan-to-Value (LTV) for market rate properties, 87% LTV for affordable properties, and 90% LTV for properties using rental assistance.

Leverage affects the cost of a commercial real estate loan in several ways. The most important factor is the debt coverage ratio (DCR). The DCR is a measure of a property's ability to generate enough income to cover its debt payments. The higher the DCR, the lower the risk to the lender and the lower the interest rate they will charge. Additionally, the amount of leverage used will also affect the interest rate. The more leverage used, the higher the interest rate will be. Finally, the loan fees and other expenses associated with the loan will also affect the cost of the loan.

The advantages of using leverage in commercial real estate financing include the ability to purchase more property with less money down, as well as the potential to increase returns on investment. Leverage can also help to reduce the amount of taxes paid on the investment. However, there are also some disadvantages to using leverage in commercial real estate financing. These include the potential for higher interest rates, the risk of default, and the possibility of negative cash flow.

Commercial bridge loans are short-term loans that are typically used to finance the purchase of a commercial property. The main advantage of bridge loans is that they can provide quick access to capital, allowing investors to take advantage of time-sensitive opportunities. However, bridge loans also come with a number of disadvantages, such as higher interest rates, shorter repayment periods, and higher fees.

Hard money loans are another type of commercial real estate financing. The main advantage of hard money loans is that they can provide quick fund disbursement with substantially less borrower scrutiny — and can be the perfect fit for projects on tight timelines. However, hard money loans also come with higher interest rates and fees, as well as a shorter repayment period.

The most common types of leverage used in commercial real estate financing are debt, equity, and mezzanine financing. Debt financing is the most common form of leverage used in commercial real estate, and it involves borrowing money from a lender to purchase a property. Equity financing involves raising capital from investors to purchase a property. Mezzanine financing is a hybrid of debt and equity financing, and it involves borrowing money from a lender and raising capital from investors to purchase a property.

Debt financing is typically the most cost-effective form of leverage, as it typically has the lowest interest rate and the longest repayment term. Equity financing is typically more expensive than debt financing, as it typically has a higher interest rate and a shorter repayment term. Mezzanine financing is typically the most expensive form of leverage, as it typically has the highest interest rate and the shortest repayment term.

The main risk associated with using leverage in commercial real estate financing is that if the property’s value decreases, you could find yourself underwater on your loan – owing more than the property is worth. Additionally, if the projected net operating income decreases substantially, the owner may be liable to make principal and interest payments or even, at some point, pay back the entire loan prematurely.

Before taking out a loan, be sure to speak with a qualified commercial real estate broker to discuss all of the risks and benefits associated with this type of financing.

Sources:

• The Benefits and Risks of Interest-Only Loans in Commercial Real Estate
• Cash On Cash Returns: Calculator, Risks Involved