Share

Investment Fundamentals

Investment Fundamentals

Back

Back

Turning Crisis into Opportunity: Distressed Debt in CRE

Distressed debt in a commercial real estate context generally refers to a situation where a property owner is unable to keep up with mortgage payments and the property is in danger of or already in foreclosure. This situation could arise due to factors such as falling property values, declining rental income, or economic downturns that affect the borrower's ability to repay the loan.1

Investors in distressed debt aim to purchase these troubled loans or properties at a significant discount, with the goal of a favorable outcome.2 There are several ways they might do this:

Debt Restructuring: Investors might negotiate with the lender to restructure the loan's terms, such as extending the loan's term, reducing the interest rate, or converting a portion of the debt into equity.1

Loan-to-Own Strategy: In a loan-to-own strategy, the investor purchases the distressed or non-performing debt from the lender with the intent of eventually taking ownership of the property. If the borrower defaults on the loan, the investor can foreclose on the property and sell it or reposition it.1

Reselling: If the real estate market recovers and/or expectations for loan performance improve, the value of the distressed debt could rise, allowing the investor to exit the asset potentially in a favorable position.2

Bankruptcy Proceedings: In some cases, the debtor might declare bankruptcy. As a debt holder, the distressed debt investor would have a claim on the debtor's assets and might end up with ownership of the property.

Investing in distressed debt can potentially offer favorable outcomes, but it also carries significant risks, such as the possibility that the property's value might continue to fall, or that legal proceedings related to foreclosure or bankruptcy could be lengthy and costly. Such investment typically requires significant experience in both real estate and debt markets.2

1https://www.wealthmanagement.com/finance-lending/real-estate-debt-funds-aim-be-players-opportunistic-distressed-strategies

2https://www.ballardspahr.com/insights/alerts-and-articles/2022/11/distressed-note-sales-a-strategy-for-buyers-and-sellers

Market volatility or lack of liquidity could impair an investment's profitability or result in losses. Factors such as high vacancy, oversupply of the product in the market, increase in interest rates for borrowing loans, bad credit quality of tenants occupying the property, general economic risks such as interest rates, availability of credit, inflation rates, economic uncertainty, changes in laws and general overall deterioration of the market in which the asset sits, all of which could lead to financial difficulties and impact net operating income and can depreciate the value of the property. These factors, in addition to others including increases in the costs in excess of the budgeted costs, the burdens of ownership of real property, environmental liabilities, contingent liabilities on disposition of assets acts of God, pandemics and other national, regional or local emergency conditions, terrorist attacks, and war may affect the level and volatility of asset prices and the liquidity of investment assets.

This article was written by an employee(s) of Crowd Street and the contents of this publication are for informational purposes only. Neither this publication nor the financial professionals who authored it are rendering financial, legal, tax or other professional advice or opinions on specific facts or matters, nor does the distribution of this publication to any person constitute an offer, recommendation, or solicitation to buy or sell any security or investment product issued by Crowd Street or otherwise. The views and statements expressed are based upon the opinions of Crowd Street. All information is from sources believed to be reliable. This article is not intended to be relied upon as advice to investors or potential investors and does not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation or needs of any investor. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of money you invest, and past performance does not guarantee future performance or success. All investors should consider such factors in consultation with a professional advisor of their choosing when deciding if an investment is appropriate. Crowd Street assumes no liability in connection with the use of this publication.

Don’t miss these

Don’t miss these

Don’t miss these

Don’t miss these

Investment Fundamentals

Exploring 401(k) and Private Markets: New Possibilities Ahead

Jul 28, 2025

Private markets may soon appear in 401(k) plans. Explore what these possibilities could mean for investors and how Crowd Street empowers informed choices.

Read now

Investment Fundamentals

Exploring 401(k) and Private Markets: New Possibilities Ahead

Jul 28, 2025

Private markets may soon appear in 401(k) plans. Explore what these possibilities could mean for investors and how Crowd Street empowers informed choices.

Read now

Investment Fundamentals

Making Sense of CRE Valuations in Real Estate Deals

Jul 28, 2025

Not all CRE valuations are equal. Learn the difference between broker opinions and appraisals, plus key questions to ask when evaluating property value.

Read now

Investment Fundamentals

Making Sense of CRE Valuations in Real Estate Deals

Jul 28, 2025

Not all CRE valuations are equal. Learn the difference between broker opinions and appraisals, plus key questions to ask when evaluating property value.

Read now

Investment Fundamentals

Crowd Street's Private Equity Guide: Understanding the Basics

Jun 25, 2025

Discover how private equity works, some key risk factors, and ways individual investors can explore this space with Crowd Street's private equity guide.

Read now

Investment Fundamentals

Crowd Street's Private Equity Guide: Understanding the Basics

Jun 25, 2025

Discover how private equity works, some key risk factors, and ways individual investors can explore this space with Crowd Street's private equity guide.

Read now

Take your portfolio beyond the index.

Request Access

Take your portfolio beyond the index.

Request Access

Take your portfolio beyond the index.

Request Access

Take your portfolio beyond the index.

Request Access

CrowdStreet, Inc. (“Crowd Street”) offers investment opportunities and financial services on this website.

Broker dealer services provided in connection with an investment are offered through CrowdStreet Capital LLC (“Crowd Street Capital”), a registered broker dealer, Member of FINRA/SIPC. Information on all FINRA registered representatives can be found on FINRA’s BrokerCheck. Additional information is available in Crowd Street Capital's Client Relationship Summary (Form CRS).

Advisory services are offered through CrowdStreet Advisors, LLC (“Crowd Street Advisors”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crowd Street and a federally registered investment adviser. Crowd Street Advisors provides investment advisory services exclusively to private funds and does not otherwise provide investment advisory services to the Crowd Street Marketplace or its users. Additional information is available in Crowd Street Advisors’ Form ADV.

Crowd Street and its affiliates do not endorse any of the opportunities that appear on this website. Investment opportunities available through Crowd Street are speculative and involve substantial risk. You should not invest unless you can sustain the risk of loss of capital, including the risk of total loss of capital. Diversification does not guarantee investment returns and does not eliminate the risk of loss. All investors should consider their individual factors in consultation with a professional advisor of their choosing when deciding if an investment is appropriate. Private placements are illiquid investments, in that they cannot be easily sold or exchanged for cash, and are intended for investors who do not need a liquid investment.

Performance information presented on this website has not been audited or verified by a third party. By accessing the Crowd Street Marketplace, you agree to be bound by its Terms of UsePrivacy Policy, and any other policies posted on this website. The Crowd Street Marketplace is only intended for accredited investors.
For more information, see Legal Documents and Important Disclosures.

Ⓒ 2025 Crowd Street Ltd. All Rights Reserved

CrowdStreet, Inc. (“Crowd Street”) offers investment opportunities and financial services on this website.

Broker dealer services provided in connection with an investment are offered through CrowdStreet Capital LLC (“Crowd Street Capital”), a registered broker dealer, Member of FINRA/SIPC. Information on all FINRA registered representatives can be found on FINRA’s BrokerCheck. Additional information is available in Crowd Street Capital's Client Relationship Summary (Form CRS).

Advisory services are offered through CrowdStreet Advisors, LLC (“Crowd Street Advisors”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crowd Street and a federally registered investment adviser. Crowd Street Advisors provides investment advisory services exclusively to private funds and does not otherwise provide investment advisory services to the Crowd Street Marketplace or its users. Additional information is available in Crowd Street Advisors’ Form ADV.

Crowd Street and its affiliates do not endorse any of the opportunities that appear on this website. Investment opportunities available through Crowd Street are speculative and involve substantial risk. You should not invest unless you can sustain the risk of loss of capital, including the risk of total loss of capital. Diversification does not guarantee investment returns and does not eliminate the risk of loss. All investors should consider their individual factors in consultation with a professional advisor of their choosing when deciding if an investment is appropriate. Private placements are illiquid investments, in that they cannot be easily sold or exchanged for cash, and are intended for investors who do not need a liquid investment.

Performance information presented on this website has not been audited or verified by a third party. By accessing the Crowd Street Marketplace, you agree to be bound by its Terms of UsePrivacy Policy, and any other policies posted on this website. The Crowd Street Marketplace is only intended for accredited investors.
For more information, see Legal Documents and Important Disclosures.

Ⓒ 2025 Crowd Street Ltd. All Rights Reserved

CrowdStreet, Inc. (“Crowd Street”) offers investment opportunities and financial services on this website.

Broker dealer services provided in connection with an investment are offered through CrowdStreet Capital LLC (“Crowd Street Capital”), a registered broker dealer, Member of FINRA/SIPC. Information on all FINRA registered representatives can be found on FINRA’s BrokerCheck. Additional information is available in Crowd Street Capital's Client Relationship Summary (Form CRS).

Advisory services are offered through CrowdStreet Advisors, LLC (“Crowd Street Advisors”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crowd Street and a federally registered investment adviser. Crowd Street Advisors provides investment advisory services exclusively to private funds and does not otherwise provide investment advisory services to the Crowd Street Marketplace or its users. Additional information is available in Crowd Street Advisors’ Form ADV.

Crowd Street and its affiliates do not endorse any of the opportunities that appear on this website. Investment opportunities available through Crowd Street are speculative and involve substantial risk. You should not invest unless you can sustain the risk of loss of capital, including the risk of total loss of capital. Diversification does not guarantee investment returns and does not eliminate the risk of loss. All investors should consider their individual factors in consultation with a professional advisor of their choosing when deciding if an investment is appropriate. Private placements are illiquid investments, in that they cannot be easily sold or exchanged for cash, and are intended for investors who do not need a liquid investment.

Performance information presented on this website has not been audited or verified by a third party. By accessing the Crowd Street Marketplace, you agree to be bound by its Terms of UsePrivacy Policy, and any other policies posted on this website. The Crowd Street Marketplace is only intended for accredited investors.
For more information, see Legal Documents and Important Disclosures.

Ⓒ 2025 Crowd Street Ltd. All Rights Reserved

CrowdStreet, Inc. (“Crowd Street”) offers investment opportunities and financial services on this website.

Broker dealer services provided in connection with an investment are offered through CrowdStreet Capital LLC (“Crowd Street Capital”), a registered broker dealer, Member of FINRA/SIPC. Information on all FINRA registered representatives can be found on FINRA’s BrokerCheck. Additional information is available in Crowd Street Capital's Client Relationship Summary (Form CRS).

Advisory services are offered through CrowdStreet Advisors, LLC (“Crowd Street Advisors”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crowd Street and a federally registered investment adviser. Crowd Street Advisors provides investment advisory services exclusively to private funds and does not otherwise provide investment advisory services to the Crowd Street Marketplace or its users. Additional information is available in Crowd Street Advisors’ Form ADV.

Crowd Street and its affiliates do not endorse any of the opportunities that appear on this website. Investment opportunities available through Crowd Street are speculative and involve substantial risk. You should not invest unless you can sustain the risk of loss of capital, including the risk of total loss of capital. Diversification does not guarantee investment returns and does not eliminate the risk of loss. All investors should consider their individual factors in consultation with a professional advisor of their choosing when deciding if an investment is appropriate. Private placements are illiquid investments, in that they cannot be easily sold or exchanged for cash, and are intended for investors who do not need a liquid investment.

Performance information presented on this website has not been audited or verified by a third party. By accessing the Crowd Street Marketplace, you agree to be bound by its Terms of UsePrivacy Policy, and any other policies posted on this website. The Crowd Street Marketplace is only intended for accredited investors.
For more information, see Legal Documents and Important Disclosures.

Ⓒ 2025 Crowd Street Ltd. All Rights Reserved