(773) 763-6750

J. Chie, Esquire

Our law firm provides legal work for real estate closings for over 30 years… What distinguishes Chicago Commercial Appraisal Group from other appraisers is the level of thoroughness and details.

A. Raila, Senior Tax Analyst

Gary is a hands-on professional always willing to pick up the phone and work with you... His appraisal firm produces one of the best real estate forecasting reports in the state. I highly recommend his work and his opinion is highly recognized by governmental agencies.

J. Norris, Property Tax Attorney

As an attorney, we deal with many appraisal reports used in tax appraisals. Gary's work has proven successful for our clients and I do not hesitate recommending him for tax assessment appeal appraisals.

C. Noone, property owner

I needed an appraisal for settling an estate. Mr. Peterson was very professional, punctual and helpful with the process. I received my report ina timely manner. I would certainly recommend this company, as well as use their services in the future.

J. Tsiaousis

Gary is one of the top commercial appraisers in Chicago. Every time I have a client in need of a commercial appraiser I refer all work to him without hesitation.


<<< back< prevnext >

Religious Market Highlights 2018

The commercial real estate market in greater Chicago area reached a bottom in 2012 in the aftermath of the recession. This 2018 edition of Religious Market Highlights reviews market trends over the 5-year period following 2012.

Chicago Area Religious Facility Market Trends







2017

Averages


2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

% Chg

3-year

5-year

9-year

Transactions

26 

30 

34 

35 

22 

-37%

30 

29 

25 

Total Dollar Volume (000s)

$17,437.2 

$18,410.8 

$22,179.0 

$40,862.4 

$13,685.7 

-67%

$25,575.7 

$22,515.0 

$20,185.0 

Square Footage

353,745 

314,474 

445,251 

569,841 

235,288 

-59%

416,793 

383,720 

317,159 

Weighted Average Price PSF

$49.29 

$58.54 

$49.81 

$71.71 

$58.17 

-19%

$59.90 

$57.50 

$64.26 

Average Building Size

8,619 

10,407 

10,611 

12,328 

9,527 

-23%

10,822 

10,298 

10,160 

Median Building Size

11,520 

10,321 

12,619 

15,392 

10,055 

-35%

12,689 

11,981 

11,562 

Average Land/ Building Ratio

3.37 

7.18 

4.86 

3.24 

9.97 

208%

6.02 

5.72 

5.29 

Median Land/ Building Ratio

1.68 

1.97 

2.78 

1.93 

6.23 

222%

3.65 

2.92 

2.78 

Average Transaction Price PSF

$56.06 

$62.19 

$55.23 

$89.27 

$65.30 

-27%

$69.93 

$65.61 

$70.27 

Median Price Per Square-foot

$46.57 

$56.17 

$52.04 

$60.43 

$58.44 

-3%

$56.97 

$54.73 

$60.17 

Average Marketing Time

308 

433 

396 

331 

529 

60%

419 

400 

349 

Median Marketing Time

259 

203 

264 

169 

349 

106%

261 

249 

229 

Average Ask/ Sell Discount

-16%

-20%

-24%

-15%

-14%

-8%

-18%

-18%

-18%

Median Ask/ Sell Discount

-13%

-18%

-18%

-12%

-10%

-19%

-13%

-14%

-15%

  • Challenged by changing worship practices and declining religious participation, the market for religious facilities has largely been bypassed in the tepid economic recovery since the recession. General market statistics over the last 3 to 5 years, compared to the longer run 9-year trend are indistinguishable, with the exception that per square-unit prices have actually fallen! Prices were up in 2016, but this may be due to a number of churches in the north city (Logan Square, Wicker Park areas) that sold for conversion, or redevelopment. These prices were driven by high land values. [1]
  • Market activity was off sharply in 2017, with declines in almost every indicator. The only indicator showing improvement was a smaller than average discount between asking price and final sale price.
  • There were markedly fewer sales in 2017 compared to 2016, and overall dollar volume fell 67%. In dollar terms, 2017 was 32% below the 9-year average.
  • Churches are small. Most sales since 2009 (74%) are under 15,000 square-feet. (The median is 12,291 square-feet). The median size of a religious property sold in 2017 was 13% smaller than the overall median for the last nine years. Notably, the average price per square-foot was down 19% from 2016, and 9.5% below the 9-year average.The average age of a religious facility sold in 2017 was 75 years.
  • Most properties (72%) sold for under $80 per square-foot. (The median was $59 per square-foot). Half were priced between $37 and $87 per square-foot. The average discount from the original asking price to the final sales price fell to 14% in 2017, an improvement over the longer-term average of 18%.
  • After falling in 2016, average marketing time increased 60% to 17 months in 2017. The average since 2009 has been similar at 18 months.
  • Of the 22 sales in 2017, six (27%) were in the city of Chicago vs. the suburbs. This is a shift from past trends which found 46% of sales in the city.
[1]Based on analysis by the Chicago Commercial Appraisal Group, Ltd., of sales of 228 religious facilities in the metropolitan Chicago region since 2009 and data from CoStar/ Comps, Inc., the MRED MLS and other sources.