Preferred Equity in Real Estate Explained: Opportunities For Investors

Real estate investment is a lucrative business opportunity that requires significant capital investment. Real estate developers and investors often face difficulty in obtaining traditional financing options. This is where alternative financing solutions such as preferred equity come into play. Read the article to learn more about how preferred equity works in the real estate business and what benefits it provides to investors. 

What does preferred equity mean?

Preferred equity is a type of financing that lies between debt and equity financing. It provides an opportunity to invest in real estate without taking full equity ownership. In return, investors receive a preferred return on their investment before equity holders receive their share of the profits.

How does preferred equity work in real estate?

Preferred equity is a popular financing tool in the real estate industry, where it helps to fund new development projects or to reposition existing properties. 

In real estate, preferred equity works the same way as in other industries, with investors providing capital in exchange for a priority claim on the property’s cash flows and assets:

1. A real estate developer or owner identifies a property they want to develop or reposition.
2. They determine how much capital they need to fund the project and whether they want to use debt or equity financing to raise the funds.
3. If they decide to use preferred equity, they will typically seek out investors willing to provide the capital in exchange for a priority claim on the property’s cash flows and assets.
4. The investors will typically receive a fixed rate of return, which may be paid out monthly or quarterly, depending on the terms of the agreement.
5. If the property generates more cash flow than required to pay the preferred equity investors, excess cash flow will typically be distributed to the common equity investors.
6. In case of a sale or refinancing of the property, the preferred equity investors will receive their initial investment back, plus any accrued returns, before any payments are made to the common equity investors.

By offering investors a priority claim on the property’s cash flows and assets, preferred equity can be an attractive investment opportunity for anyone willing to accept a lower return in exchange for a higher security level.

Investing in preferred equity: Top benefits for investors

Preferred equity is a type of investment that offers a range of benefits to investors. Here are some of the key advantages to consider:

• Priority in receiving dividends

One of the main benefits of preferred equity is that investors typically have priority over common equity holders in receiving dividends. That means that if the company or property generates profits, preferred equity holders will receive their dividends before any payments are made to common equity holders.

• Higher priority in the event of liquidation or bankruptcy

In cases of liquidation or bankruptcy, preferred equity holders typically have a higher claim on the company or property’s assets than common equity holders. That means that they are more likely to recoup their investment.

• Fixed or predictable returns

Preferred equity investments often come with fixed or predictable returns, which can be attractive to investors looking for a stable source of income. These returns are paid out regularly (e.g. quarterly or annually), which can provide investors with a reliable cash flow stream.

• Potential for capital appreciation

While preferred equity investments are generally not designed for capital appreciation, there may be opportunities for investors to earn a return on their investment if the company or property performs well. For example, if a real estate project is successful and generates higher-than-expected cash flows, preferred equity holders may see their investment increase in value.

• Reduced risk

Preferred equity investments are less risky than common equity investments, as they offer investors a higher level of security in case of a financial downturn.

Preferred equity investment requirements

The requirements for investing in preferred equity can vary depending on the specific investment opportunity. However, here are some general factors to consider:

Investment amount

Preferred equity investments require a larger minimum investment than common equity investments. The amount can vary depending on the investment opportunity, but it is usually in the tens of thousands of dollars.

Investor accreditation

Some preferred equity investments may require investors to be accredited, which means they must meet certain financial criteria such as a high net worth or high income. Accreditation requirements can vary depending on the investment opportunity and the country or region where it is based.

Investment horizon

Investors should be prepared to hold their investment for several years, as it may take time for the investment to generate returns.

Due diligence

Investors should conduct thorough due diligence on the investment opportunity before investing. This includes reviewing financial statements, property valuations, and other relevant documents, as well as conducting research on the company or property and its management team.

For example, a real estate developer is seeking $10 million in preferred equity financing to fund a new development project. The developer may require investors to invest a minimum of $100,000 and to be accredited investors. The preferred equity investment may have a target return of 8% per year and a five-year investment horizon. 

Before investing, investors need to conduct due diligence on the developer, the project, and the investment opportunity to ensure it is a good fit for their goals and risk tolerance.

Low-risk investment opportunities with LBC Income Fund 

LBC Capital Income Fund is an excellent investment opportunity for accredited investors looking to earn a steady return on their investment. Our fund is backed by an attractively financed property and a professionally pre-qualified borrower, which provides a high level of security for our investors. Our experts originate, underwrite, and fund high-yielding, low-LTV mortgages that balance risk vs. return, making it a smart choice for investors who want to earn a strong return without taking on excessive risk.

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Investing in LBC Capital Income Fund provides a reliable source of income with a target return of 8%+. 

With a long-standing track record of success, we have built a reputation for delivering consistent results for our investors. Our experienced team is committed to managing risk and generating returns, which makes us a trusted partner for investors who want to diversify their portfolios and minimize risk.

Don’t miss out on this excellent investment opportunity. Contact us today to learn more about LBC Capital Income Fund and how you can invest in our fund!

Sum Up

The preferred equity structure is beneficial for both real estate developers and investors. Developers can access a new source of capital while retaining ownership and control of the project. Investors can access the real estate market and receive steady returns without the added risk of full equity ownership.

If you are interested in a steady return on investments with low risks, contact us today. Our team will answer any questions and provide the information to make an informed investment decision.