RENT Magazine Q4'25

3. Rising Cap Rates, Falling Values

As treasury yields go up, so does the risk-free rate of return. Investors will require higher returns to justify holding real estate, as it’s an inherently riskier asset. That puts upward pressure on cap rates, which in turn drives down property values.

4. Crowded Out Government Spending

Here’s another angle few investors are talking about: interest on the national debt becomes a growing line item in the federal budget. Every dollar that goes to debt service is a dollar not going toward infrastructure, housing support, or investor-friendly programs like LIHTC or Section 8. Over time, that could mean fewer federal dollars allocated to the very projects many of us rely on.

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