Great-West Life Real Estate Fund

The total gross return for the quarter was 2.6% bringing the year-to-date total to 4.4% and the trailing 12 month figure to 7.4%.  For the first half, performance was balanced between income (1.9%) and capital (2.5%).  Portfolio occupancy (91%) continues to drive the income component of return while substantial valuation gains amongst the Fund’s industrial holdings, which represent 25% of the portfolio, led the capital component. 

In May, the Fund acquired 8350 Lawson Road in Milton, ON, for $92M.  The asset is a 100% leased, two tenant, 321,028 sf Class ‘A’ industrial building located adjacent to an existing holding.  Constructed in 2008, the property features 32 foot clear heights, ample shipping doors, a secure yard with trailer parking, minimal office build-out, and  frontage along Highway 401.  In-place rents are well below prevailing market rates and will afford the Fund the opportunity to enhance the return profile of the investment as leases mature in 2022 and 2025.

Favorable conditions continue within debt markets and the Fund has been active in securing new financing to improve the overall debt profile and drive performance.  Three transactions were finalized in Q2 representing $152M in proceeds at an average interest rate of 2.6%.  The Fund LTV sits at 18% with  approximately $70M in new financing proceeds scheduled to close in Q3.  

The future of office work is a topic of much discussion with far ranging and often polarizing opinions.  Clarity is beginning to take form as many organizations have started to message plans for the return to the office.  There will not be a “one size fits all” solution and the path back will remain fluid based on the trajectory of the pandemic.  Partners in the brokerage community advise that sublet space availability is dwindling and tour activity is accelerating across most markets.  These are positive signs, but the result will be told over time.  The Fund’s core office assets are well located, amenity rich and substantial capital is being re-invested to ensure the highest quality tenant experience upon return.   The internal research team at GWLRA has published a series of notes on the topic and can be found at this link. https://www.gwlrealtyadvisors.com/research/

The Segregated Funds described in this bulletin are offered through a variable insurance contract issued by The Canada Life Assurance Company.

Please note that unit values and investment returns will fluctuate, and past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance.

For IVIC investors: A description of the key features of the segregated fund policy is contained in the information folder.