By Walter Duke, MAI, CCIM Walter Duke + Partners | South Florida Commercial Real Estate Appraisal Key Facts at a Glance Statute: Florida Senate Bill 102 (2023), the Live Local Act Amendments: SB 328 (2024), SB 1730 (2025), HB 1389 (2026) Core preemption: Administrative approval required for projects committing 40% of units to households at or below 120% Area Median … Read More
How Trump’s Policy Reforms Could Reshape Affordable Housing
The affordable housing crisis remains one of America’s most pressing economic challenges. Rising home prices, limited supply, and regulatory hurdles have long hindered efforts to provide affordable housing at scale. As the Trump administration returns to power, proposed or enacted policy reforms could significantly alter the landscape for developers, investors, and policymakers. Will these changes boost supply and ease affordability, … Read More
How Walter Duke Builds a More Affordable Florida.
How Walter Duke Helps Build a More Affordable Florida Florida’s affordable housing crisis has reached critical levels, with many residents struggling to find homes that fit their budgets. Rising property values, increased demand, and limited supply have exacerbated the situation. However, leaders like Walter Duke, CEO of Walter Duke + Partners, are making significant strides in addressing this issue. Through … Read More
Interest Rates and Inflation for the Orlando LIHTC Market
As interest rates rise and inflation continues to accelerate, affordable housing developers in Orlando, particularly those involved in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects, are facing mounting financial pressures. Higher borrowing costs and surging construction prices are squeezing budgets, forcing developers to find new ways to close funding gaps and maintain project viability. Walter Duke + Partners, with their deep … Read More
Walter Duke + Partners: A Legacy of Giving Back to the Community
Walter Duke + Partners, a prominent commercial real estate valuation and consulting firm based in Florida, has built a reputation not only for its industry expertise but also for its deep commitment to community involvement. For nearly five decades, the firm has been a cornerstone in the Florida real estate market, offering unparalleled services in property valuation, market analysis, and … Read More
Florida Live Local Act: Cities’ Pushback and Real Estate Implications
Cities’ Pushback to Florida Live Local Act: An In-depth Analysis As a leading figure in the real estate sector, Walter Duke, CEO of WalterDuke.com, explores the multifaceted impact of the Florida Live Local Act on cities and the real estate market. This post delves into why several cities are resisting this state-mandated legislation and what it means for investors and … Read More
Building Tomorrow: How Local Governments Shape Our Affordable Housing Landscape
Understanding the Impact of Local Government on Affordable Housing Projects Local governments wield significant influence over the success and feasibility of affordable housing projects through regulations, zoning, and funding. Understanding these impacts is crucial for stakeholders, from developers to residents. The Power of Zoning and Regulation Zoning laws and building codes set by cities and counties are pivotal in determining … Read More
New Study Reveals Minimum Wage Workers in Florida Struggle with Cost of Living
A recent study has revealed that the typical minimum wage worker in Florida cannot afford the cost of living. With the state’s minimum wage set at $12 an hour, the National Low Income Housing Coalition reports that renters would need to earn three times this amount to afford a two-bedroom apartment. To put this in perspective, a minimum wage worker … Read More
Broward County Property Values Surge Nearly 9% Amid Continued Growth
Once again, property values in Broward County are on the rise. Last year saw an 8.8% increase in taxable property value, with new construction valued at a combined $3.3 billion, according to a new county report that includes the growth of individual cities such as Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. The previous year saw double-digit growth of 11.2%. Hollywood Leads with … Read More
[UPDATED 2024] The Importance of LIHTC Market Feasibility Studies.
Market Rent is defined as the rent that a knowledgeable tenant would most probably pay for the subsidized Section 8 units as of the date of the appraisal report under the premise that the tenants were not receiving rental subsidies and rents were not restricted by HUD or other government agencies.