A Cooling Market Creates Space for Smart Strategy
While national headlines focus on a cooling housing market, Albert Dweck of Duke Properties offers a grounded perspective rooted in long-term strategy and data-driven patience. “Markets naturally correct and reset,” Dweck notes. “This isn’t collapse—it’s recalibration. And that’s where opportunity is born.”
Market Shifts: Not a Freeze—A Pause for Precision
Amid rising mortgage rates and tariff-driven economic shifts, many buyers are holding back. Yet Duke Properties sees this as a temporary stall, not a dead end. “We’re witnessing a moment where participants are reassessing value and timing—not abandoning the market,” says Dweck. “Those who stay informed and agile are positioned to make impactful moves.”
Locked-In Equity is Shaping Seller Behavior
With nearly 60% of U.S. homeowners holding sub-4% mortgages, a significant number are choosing to sit tight. This has created fewer distressed sellers and more thoughtful repositioning. Dweck adds, “It’s not stubbornness—it’s strategy. Sellers are protecting their equity. And in that protection, there’s market stability.”
New Supply Lags, But Demand Doesn’t Disappear
Despite rising prices and affordability challenges, the U.S. continues to face a housing supply gap. Duke Properties sees this as a central long-term driver. “Even when activity slows, the need for housing doesn’t vanish,” Dweck points out. “The fundamentals remain solid, especially in key metro markets.”
A Tale of Two Markets: Opportunity in Contrast
In some markets like Austin, inventory has outpaced absorption, while in others, limited supply keeps competition fierce. Albert Dweck believes this contrast offers clarity. “One market’s hesitation is another’s window of advantage,” he says. “Understanding those nuances is what allows us to move with precision.”
Patient Sellers and Strategic Buyers Define 2025
Although 2025 may bring fewer overall home sales, Duke Properties sees a return to fundamentals—smart pricing, realistic expectations, and well-prepared transactions. “This is the end of emotional bidding wars and the beginning of intelligent investment,” says Dweck.
The Duke Properties Approach: Long-Term, Low-Leverage, Location-Focused
Duke Properties continues to focus on well-located multifamily assets and value-driven acquisitions. By maintaining a conservative leverage strategy and emphasizing tenant stability, the company is well-positioned to navigate changing tides. “We don’t chase the market—we serve it,” Dweck affirms. “That mindset has served us well for over two decades.”
Outlook: Opportunity in Resilience
While others pause, Duke Properties continues to plan and position for what’s next. With a diversified portfolio and a hands-on operational approach, Albert Dweck remains optimistic: “Markets shift, but people still need places to live. That’s our focus—and our strength.”