Capital Crunch or Buying Window? What Recent Lending Shifts Mean for Healthcare Real Estate

It’s no secret—capital markets are still tight. Whether you’re pursuing a behavioral health portfolio expansion, a senior living ground-up development, or even a basic refinance, you’re likely feeling the squeeze. Rates remain sticky, and lenders are more cautious than ever. But behind the noise, there’s real opportunity for those who understand how to play the long game.

Private lending continues to step up where traditional lenders are pulling back. This trend is especially strong in the behavioral health and senior housing sectors, where demand remains resilient, but conventional financing options are often slow or risk-averse. Operators and investors who can move quickly—and back their decisions with real valuation intelligence—are finding creative ways to get deals done.

We’ve seen an uptick in private debt usage for smaller residential behavioral portfolios, particularly in transitional care models and sober living homes. Lenders are still underwriting conservatively, which makes a valuation partner who gets the space more important than ever. Cookie-cutter comps just don’t cut it. If your valuation can’t explain the nuances of licensure, occupancy trends, or how payer mixes impact cap rates, you’re flying blind.

On the senior living side, regional operators are quietly acquiring distressed assets at a discount. But here too, accurate valuation is make-or-break. Understanding market saturation, staffing dynamics, and upcoming regulatory changes can swing a deal from “walk away” to “worth every penny.”

Bottom line: Capital may be tighter, but this isn’t 2008. The players who succeed in 2025 will be the ones who move deliberately, value wisely, and build the right relationships.

If you’re looking at a potential acquisition, refinance, or want to strategize around positioning your portfolio for the next 12 months, I’d love to connect. My calendar is open here:

👉 https://calendly.com/contact-loveladyperspective