Investing in mall retail space ~ how does it differ from residential? (investments, condos)

[RobertFisher]

I am evaluating an opportunity to buy one shop in a new mall development. There are shops on bottom 3 floors, a few floors of office, and then 40 floors of condos.

I have experience with storefront+residential properties, but not this type of Mall situation. How is this different from other real estate investments? What to look for in evaluating?

This is a development in Southeast Asia. The region is quite happening.

[El Chingaso]

Originally Posted by RobertFisher

I am evaluating an opportunity to buy one shop in a new mall development. There are shops on bottom 3 floors, a few floors of office, and then 40 floors of condos.

I have experience with storefront+residential properties, but not this type of Mall situation. How is this different from other real estate investments? What to look for in evaluating?

This is a development in Southeast Asia. The region is quite happening.

Developments like that aren't super common stateside, the closest thing would probably be office condos in a business park. At the end of the day, it's all about how much capital you need to tie up, what the carrying costs would be, and what your risk tolerance is.

Anything retail can be very fickle.

[anononcty]

I don't know there's websites, blogs and articles about 'dead' malls.


DeadMalls.com


Don't tie yourself up with any long term commitments ie 50 year lease or even a 20. Malls might have temporary trending niche and profitable stores but sooner or later the interest runs out. And many mall owners/realtors want out even walking.