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The Case for U.S. Real Es­tate Debt Today: Base Rates, Back Lever­age, Basis

Alternatives
Real Estate

15/7/2026

July 2026

DeWaltoff Jay

Jay DeWaltoff

Head of U.S. Real Estate Debt

patrick kennelly

Patrick Kennelly

Lead U.S. Real Estate Debt Portfolio Manager

Dakota Sagnelli headshot

Dakota Sagnelli

Senior Real Estate Specialist

US real estate debt base rates and back-leverage basis

What’s driving U.S. real estate debt today?

The answer may come down to three key themes: elevated base rates, increasing use of back leverage and a lending environment defined by more conservative entry points.

Against a backdrop of significant refinancing needs and shifting lender behavior, this paper explores how these factors are influencing lending activity across the market. We examine where competition is increasing, where capital remains scarce and how different lender groups—from banks and insurers to CMBS and debt funds—are shaping today's financing landscape.

The paper also discusses why loan structure, financing efficiency and underwriting discipline have become increasingly important considerations in the current environment. Together, these trends provide insight into the forces driving today's real estate debt market.

The Case for U.S. Real Estate Debt Today: Base Rates, Back Leverage, Basis
Click here to view the full re­port

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