NEWPORT BEACH, California, Feb. 14, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- “A sea of changes in U.S. macro policy does not come without economic risk” said Kenneth T. Rosen.  “Rising costs have been a challenge to home affordability, demanding new industry practices on multiple levels."

IHP Capital Partners’ 25 th  Annual Roundtable, a marquee event that brings together top thought leaders and executives from the homebuilding industry, was held January 15, 2019 at Big Canyon Country Club in Newport Beach.   Guest speaker Kenneth T. Rosen, Chairman of Rosen Consulting Group and Fisher Center for Real Estate and Urban Economics, Professor Emeritus and California State Chair of Urban and Real Estate Economics at the Hass School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley presented an in-depth economic report and outlook that addressed the question “Are we on a Continued Recovery or the Brink of a Recession?” While some believe a recession may be on the horizon and housing price appreciation has slowed, the undersupplied housing market and robust national job growth statistics point to continued growth in the housing market through 2019. The 74 leading developers, homebuilders, consultants, and economists who attended the roundtable, agreed that near term success within the homebuilding industry will be directly tied to deeper market research and thoughtfully designed product that accommodates evolving customer preferences.  Equally important is enhanced marketing efforts that effectively engage internet savvy, price-conscious home buyers as well as attract new management and workforce talent. 

Buyers across all generations are demonstrating an acceptance of multi-family designs with an element of shared living.  Millennial families are choosing higher density products with backyards and the single-story market is benefiting by variable lot programs.  While demand is apparent, the industry needs to address mortgage availability, affordability, and homebuyer education.  A consistent emphasis on communication, design and economics is a must.

Moderators for the event included two executive vice presidents from IHP Capital, Chris Bley and Richard Whiteley.  Executives from Rosen Consulting Group, The New Home Company, Shea Homes/Trilogy, JMP Securities, Toll Brothers, Woodside Homes, John Burns Real Estate Consulting, Newport Pacific Land Company, Lewis Group of Companies and William Homes participated in two panel and roundtable discussions.  The group explored what buyers are yearning for, how the industry can improve on delivering a compelling reason to buy and where inspiration is found.

As the afternoon concluded, Doug Neff, IHP Capital Partners Co-Founder and President commented to the group. “Yesterday, we enjoyed great appreciation in value and low-interest rates. As demand stays high with relatively low supply, buyers are struggling with an inherent lack of potential appreciation and rising interest rates.  I expect that at next year’s roundtable there will be continued discussion around how we have adjusted our strategies to this new reality”.  

IHP Capital Partners, founded in 1992, is one of the nation's largest investment firms providing equity financing for single family residential development. The firm invests institutional capital in for-sale single family residential real estate projects throughout the United States. IHP and its investment partners have created neighborhoods and communities valued at more than $20 billion.

For more information visit www.ihpinc.com .

The views set forth herein are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of IHP Capital Partners. The information and views expressed are generic in nature and is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase interests in any investments or services.

Jennifer Dudley IHP Capital Partners 949-851-2121 JDudley@ihpinc.com