Walker & Dunlop Completes Capital Stack for Build-for-Rent Acquisition

Rhea-AI Summary

Walker & Dunlop arranged debt and equity financing for the acquisition of The Bungalows on Pine Cliff, a build-for-rent housing development in Flagstaff, Arizona. The structured transaction comprises $37.6 million in bridge financing. The deal involved a joint venture with Dome Equities, aiming for programmatic raises for multiple BFR developments across Arizona. The BFR sector is gaining traction, catering to growing demand from young families and retirees. Walker & Dunlop has closed over $1 billion in BFR financing, asserting its leadership in this emerging asset class.

Positive

• Secured $37.6 million in bridge financing for BFR acquisition.
• Partnership with Dome Equities for future BFR developments in Arizona.
• Growing demand for BFR properties due to demographic trends.

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• None.

BETHESDA, Md., May 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Walker & Dunlop, Inc. announced today that it has arranged both debt and equity financing for the acquisition of The Bungalows on Pine Cliff, a build-for-rent (BFR) housing development located in Flagstaff, Arizona. This structured transaction includes $37,600,000 in bridge financing as well as a joint venture partnership.

Walker & Dunlop's dedicated BFR team was led by Heather McClure. Ms. McClure and her team advised St. Clair Holdings, in identifying a joint venture partner to provide both funds and support as they execute their business plan. Leveraging their broad network of capital providers, the team identified New York City-based Dome Equities as the ideal capital partner for St. Clair Holdings. The partnership is expected to develop into a programmatic raise with multiple BFR developments throughout Arizona. Dave Hendrickson and Pat Modig, of Walker & Dunlop's Capital Markets group, initially identified the opportunity and collaborated with the firm's BFR and structured finance teams to provide the full capital solution.

"We couldn't be happier with the equity and the debt execution from Walker & Dunlop's team. We really appreciated the team's guidance and their laser focus to help us close this financing in just 57 days," said Colin Cavill, Managing Principal and Founder of St. Clair Holdings. "Following the success of this transaction, we are very much looking forward to working with this team on future transactions."

BFRs are purpose-built housing to be operated as single-family rental investments within a contiguous community, much like traditional multifamily properties. This rapidly growing asset class is emerging as one of the strongest sectors in commercial real estate, and it is estimated that 5-10% of new build homes are for BFR communities. The product has been steadily increasing in popularity due to current demographic trends related to Gen-Y and baby boomers. As more young families, families with children, and retirees look to rent single-family homes with yards and upscale amenities on a long-term basis – and migration patterns related to COVID-19 have accelerated demand. As the demand for BFR properties grows, an increasing number of larger investors are expanding their investment strategy to include the product.

"Our team was thrilled to advise St. Clair Holdings in this transaction," commented Walker & Dunlop's Heather McClure, "Combining the focus of our structured finance group with the strength of our capital markets division allowed Walker & Dunlop to identify an equity partner whose experience and capital structure aligned well with St. Clair Holdings' vision and strong execution capabilities."

Completed in Summer 2020, Bungalows on Pine Cliff offers a unique set of detached one-, two-, and three-bedroom rental homes averaging 1,097 square feet. Complete with a full suite of community amenities, the Bungalows offers residents a true single-family lifestyle without the burdens of home ownership. Amenities include a leasing center, a clubhouse, modern kitchen, fitness center, and a dog washing station. Outdoor features include large gas firepits with seating areas, a bocce ball court, a dog park, barbecues, and two electric car charging stations.

Walker & Dunlop and its dedicated BFR & SFR Practice Group are strategically positioned across the business to finance and sell these specialty communities. Our national team provides expert guidance on property sales, debt origination, and the structuring of equity to generate optimal returns and strategic relationships for our clients. The team has closed over $1 billion in this burgeoning sector and is active with over fifty groups in the space, ranging from institutional clients, homebuilders, multifamily developers, and individual investors. For information on lending, capital brokerage, or investment sales opportunities, contact our SFR & BFR Group at BFRSFR@walkerdunlop.com. To learn more about Walker & Dunlop's view on the SFR and BFR market, download our whitepaper.

About Walker & Dunlop
Walker & Dunlop (NYSE: WD) is the largest provider of capital to the multifamily industry in the United States and the fourth largest lender on all commercial real estate including industrial, office retail, and hospitality. Surpassing $41 billion of total transaction volume in 2020, Walker & Dunlop enables real estate owners and operators to bring their visions of communities — where Americans live, work, shop and play — to life. With more than 1,000 employees across every major U.S. market, Walker & Dunlop's people, technology, and customer insight have allowed it to grow faster than industry peers and deliver total shareholder return of over 800% in its first ten years as a public company.

 

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SOURCE Walker & Dunlop, Inc.

FAQ

What is the significance of the acquisition of The Bungalows on Pine Cliff by Walker & Dunlop?

The acquisition marks Walker & Dunlop's strategic entry into the growing build-for-rent sector, positioning the company to capitalize on increasing demand for rental properties.

How much financing did Walker & Dunlop arrange for this acquisition?

Walker & Dunlop arranged $37.6 million in bridge financing for the acquisition of The Bungalows on Pine Cliff.

What company partnered with Walker & Dunlop for this project?

Dome Equities partnered with Walker & Dunlop to support St. Clair Holdings in the acquisition and future developments.

What are the expected impacts of this acquisition on Walker & Dunlop's financial performance?

The acquisition is expected to enhance Walker & Dunlop's portfolio and revenue potential in the fast-growing build-for-rent market.

What are BFR properties?

Build-for-rent (BFR) properties are purpose-built housing communities designed for long-term rental, appealing to a growing demographic seeking single-family rentals.