
48
Grand City Properties S.A.
Notes to the annual accounts
For the year ended December 31, 2025 (continued)
Note 24. Financial risk management (continued)
Inflationary Environment
A sequence of global events, including the pandemic, supply chain disruptions, evolving geopolitical
tensions across multiple regions, and expansive monetary and fiscal interventions, has contributed to a
period of elevated inflation. Price pressures have been particularly notable in energy (oil, gas and electricity)
and in construction and maintenance materials. While inflationary pressures have continued to ease, the risk
of renewed increases remains, given continued sensitivity of energy markets to geopolitical events and the
vulnerability of supply chains to disruption. Higher price levels may affect tenants’ ability to bear operating
costs passed through under lease agreements. As a result, future rent losses or delays in the recovery of
operating expenses cannot be ruled out. To mitigate these risks, the Group provides guidance to tenants on
reducing energy consumption and managing utility usage efficiently. Persistently high energy and materials
inflation could also raise the cost of supplies for capital expenditure projects, increase ongoing utility
expenses, or cause delays in operational execution. Broader inflationary trends may increase personnel and
external service costs, negatively affecting profitability. In addition, elevated inflation has been associated
with rapid increases in interest rates and heightened capital market volatility, adversely impacting the cost
and availability of new financing and putting upward pressure on discount and capitalization rates used in
real estate valuations.
Interest Rates and Financing Conditions
In response to elevated inflation across the Eurozone, the European Central Bank (ECB) raised policy rates
rapidly. This tightening led to higher interest rates in Germany and across the Eurozone, which reduced real
estate valuations and transaction volumes and dampened investment activity. Starting in mid-2024, the ECB
began gradually easing rates, which alleviated some pressure; however, rates remain above levels seen in
prior years, and the risk of renewed increases cannot be excluded. Adverse impacts on the Group may
include:
- Valuation effects: Discount and capitalization rates used to determine the fair value of investment
properties under IAS 40 typically increase in rising rate environments, which would reduce the fair value of
the Group’s assets recorded on the balance sheet.
- Financing and refinancing risk: While the Group’s current debt structure primarily involves fixed rate
instruments or, where variable rates apply, is largely hedged, higher market rates may negatively affect the
Group’s ability to refinance upcoming maturities or raise additional financing on favourable terms. Lenders
may reduce exposure to real estate or face stricter capital and regulatory requirements, limiting debt
availability and increasing borrowing costs. Rising rates, or expectations of further increases, could make
funding for refinancing, acquisitions, capital expenditure and other activities more expensive, reducing
profitability.
- Negotiation constraints and hedging: In elevated rate environments, it may be more challenging to secure
financing terms that align with profit targets. Hedging instruments may not be available on acceptable terms
or may entail higher costs. A prolonged period of high rates would likely increase overall financing and
hedging costs, with corresponding negative effects on profitability.
- Perpetual notes: The Group have perpetual notes that reset their interest rate every five years based on a
margin plus the prevailing 5-year swap rate. If a reset date occurs during a period of high rates, future
coupons may rise materially, reducing profits available to shareholders. The Company generally aims to
replace such notes at the first call date; however, if new issuance costs exceed reset rates, calling the notes
may be uneconomical.
- Market liquidity and transactions: Higher rates can reduce buyer appetite for real estate, particularly where
acquisitions rely on mortgage financing or similar instruments, thereby constraining the Group’s ability to
dispose of properties on favourable terms when desired.