Posted 7 days ago

Southeast CRE Spotlight: Where Growth Meets Opportunity

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The Southeast U.S. continues to outpace the rest of the country in commercial real estate growth — but behind the headlines are deeper stories that matter for investors like you.

Here’s what I’m watching this month and why it should be on your radar:

1. Townhome Rentals Surge in Charlotte Suburbs

A new townhouse development in South Charlotte’s Steele Creek neighborhood, backed by Sterling Equities, Eden Multifamily, and Peakline Real Estate Funds, reflects rising investor demand for suburban rentals. Families are prioritizing space, affordability, and lifestyle—making build-to-rent (BTR) an attractive model in high-growth markets like Charlotte.

Investor takeaway: Suburban townhome rentals are emerging as a cash-flowing alternative to dense urban multifamily.

Why it matters: This aligns with broader migration trends from urban cores to suburban nodes in the Sunbelt—providing new entry points for developers and syndicators targeting middle-income renters.

2. Richmond Becomes a Data Center Powerhouse

Richmond, VA, is now the fastest-growing data center market in the U.S., emerging as a strategic alternative to crowded Northern Virginia. Developers are racing to deliver 720 megawatts of new capacity—driven by surging demand from AI, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure firms.

Investor takeaway: Infrastructure-heavy industrial and tech-adjacent CRE is thriving—especially in undervalued metros with access to power and land.

Why it matters: As more companies leave core tech markets, secondary cities with the right utilities and policies will see significant appreciation and job creation. Industrial landowners and value-add retail or hospitality operators can benefit from this tailwind.

3. Charlotte’s Boom Is Pricing Out Local Businesses

While Charlotte’s real estate boom is delivering for developers and landlords, many locally owned restaurants and shops are being pushed out by higher rents and national tenants. This is creating a rift in places like South End and Plaza Midwood where community identity is at risk.

Investor takeaway: Neighborhood dynamics matter—especially when tenant retention, leasing velocity, or long-term value is at stake.

Why it matters: CRE investors need to balance return potential with community impact. Understanding local zoning, tenant demand, and political sentiment can protect your downside and strengthen long-term value.

What This Means for You

The Southeast is full of pockets of opportunity—but also evolving risks. Here’s how to stay ahead:

Target suburban and mid-tier markets where population growth is driving housing and infrastructure demand.
Consider asset classes like build-to-rent, data centers, and light industrial for long-term durability.
Pay attention to local policy and tenant mix—they’ll impact asset value over time.

🎤 Upcoming Event: The Southern Charm Real Estate Conference 2025

I’m honored to be a Guest Speaker — are you joining us? This is North Alabama’s premier real estate conference, built for connection, growth, and real strategy: