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The ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown is raising concerns across the commercial real estate industry, particularly among landlords leasing office space to government agencies. If the funding impasse continues, it could disrupt property transactions, delay rent payments, and stall federally linked construction activity, according to CoStar.
Federal Buildings Remain Open — for Now
Despite the shutdown, the General Services Administration (GSA), which manages the federal government’s real estate portfolio, has confirmed that federal buildings will stay open. The agency says it will maintain enough staff to protect and oversee its properties but urged lawmakers to reach a resolution quickly.
Rent Payments Still Flowing, But Not Indefinitely
Building owners with federal tenants are still receiving rent payments, at least for now. Legal experts note that payments for September have likely been processed, and October payments (due in November) may also be unaffected. However, if the shutdown extends past six weeks, the GSA’s carryover funding could run out, possibly disrupting rent disbursements to landlords.
Delays Expected in Federal Contracts and Leasing
Shutdowns typically cause bottlenecks in federal real estate activity, including leasing, contracting, and property sales. Fixed-price construction contracts that have already been awarded are expected to continue as planned. But new or pending agreements could be postponed, particularly if contracting officers and oversight personnel are furloughed.
REITs Warn of Financial Strain from Prolonged Shutdown
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) with significant exposure to federal leases have warned investors of potential financial impacts. Easterly Government Properties reported that nearly all of its revenue comes from federal rent payments and noted that a lengthy shutdown could materially affect operations.
Similarly, JBG Smith, which earns roughly a quarter of its lease income from federal tenants, highlighted the risk to its D.C.-area properties if government spending slows.
Some analysts believe the short-term impact will be limited if the shutdown lasts only a couple of weeks. REITs maintain shelf registrations that allow for routine capital raising, even with a partially staffed Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
However, delays in SEC reviews could affect regulatory filings and new offerings if the agency remains under-resourced.
Economic Ripple Effects Could Grow Over Time
During the record-long shutdown of 2018–2019, billions in commercial real estate investment were delayed, and immigration-linked programs such as the EB-5 visa initiative temporarily expired. Accounting firm EY estimates the current shutdown could cost the U.S. economy approximately $7 billion per week if it drags on.
