Commercial real estate in for tough 2009

By J.W. ELPHINSTONE – 1 day ago

NEW YORK (AP) — The balance of power between landlords and tenants will shift dramatically in 2009.

For landlords, this promises to be a year of intense competition, more bankrupt tenants, and tightfisted lenders. For renters, it looks like a time of abundant choices and tiny — if any — price increases.

From apartments to shopping malls, office towers to dockyard industrial space, the commercial real estate market will be marked by rising vacancy rates and weak to no rent growth. And the choke hold on credit could push many property owners that need to refinance into foreclosure.