June 06, 2005

Commercial Financing and the Unit Mix Breakdown

A Unit Mix Breakdown Gives the Lender a List of Each Type of Unit

Commercial lenders will sometimes ask for a unit mix breakdown. A unit mix breakdown lists the number of each type or size of unit, along with the rent sought or being receiving from this type or size of unit.

For example, if we talking about an apartment building (multifamily project), a unit mix breakdown might lay out for the lender that the project has 35 2-bedroom, 2-bath units renting for $425 to $510 per month plus 75 2-bedroom, 1-bath units renting from $390 to $450 per month, and 12 studios renting for $300 to $345 per month.

If we were talking about a ministorage project (self storage project), the unit mix breakdown might reveal that the project has 120 10x12 units renting for $100 per month and 65 5x12 units renting for $60 per month.

Why would a lender care? In a soft apartment market, 2 bedroom, 1-bath apartment units might not be in demand. The lender may elect not to finance a building with an unfortunate mix of units.