Gelt, Inc., a Los Angeles-based real estate investment and asset management firm, has acquired a 628-unit apartment property portfolio for $67.5 million. The two-property portfolio is located within the greater Salt Lake City region and includes Miller Estates, a 294-unit property, and Layton Meadows, a 334-unit property.
Both properties are located in dense, infill areas that are poised for population growth and as a result, increasing demand for rental housing over the next several years. Gelt plans to add value to the assets by conducting capital improvements to both the interior units and common areas, as well as implementing an enhanced management program through community building and excellent customer service. These strategies will enable the firm to achieve market rents and higher resident retention.
“We like the Salt Lake City market for investment because of its growing workforce, population, and economic health of the region and the state overall. It will continue to be one of our targeted areas for investment, and we hope to build a portfolio of at least 3,000 units in the greater Salt Lake area over the next couple of years,” said Keith Wasserman, partner with Gelt, Inc.
Miller Estates is currently 97% occupied and is located 10 miles south of Downtown Salt Lake City at 4929 S. Lake Pines Dr. in Murray. The community features a man-made lake, a historic house that serves as the leasing office, and staggered elevations throughout the property. Although the previous ownership invested approximately $4 million in upgrades to the asset, Gelt is planning to further add value via significant capital improvements to include the addition of a dog park, children’s play area, and bike room, among other amenities. The firm will also upgrade outdated interior units as well as conduct a premium renovation to select units by installing stainless steel appliances, vinyl plank flooring throughout, and new cabinetry. Located in a prime urban infill area, Miller Estates has convenient access to the Van Wrinkle Expressway (SR 152) and Interstates 15 and 80.
Layton Meadows is currently fully-occupied and is located 25 miles north of Downtown Salt Lake City at 540 W. 1425 N. in Layton. Gelt will conduct light exterior and interior renovations as well as a remodel of the leasing office. The apartment community features a garden-style layout and is located by the intersection of Hill Field Road and Interstate 15, and is near a wide variety of shopping, restaurants, and entertainment choices. The property is down the street from Layton Hills Mall which features more than 120 retailers including Macy’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Cinemark Tinseltown Theatre, and is near Hill Airfare Base.
This transaction marks Gelt’s second acquisition in the Salt Lake City market. Late last year, the firm acquired Murray Ridge Apartments, a 247-unit apartment community for $25.5 million. Gelt, plans to invest in another $250 million of real estate over the next 12 months and plans to continue to expand its geographic footprint throughout the Western United States.
Gelt Inc. is a regional real estate investment and asset management company that seeks to acquire properties in strategic markets in the Western U.S. The firm’s philosophy is to be a prudent steward for its investment capital, to invest wisely, with confidence and intelligence in emerging, constrained markets. Gelt seeks appropriate risk adjusted returns while achieving income from current cash flow and appreciation through superior performance of its assets.
