Commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) are a type of mortgage-backed security backed by commercial and multifamily mortgages rather than residential real estate. CMBS tend to be more complex and volatile than residential mortgage-backed securities due to the unique nature of the underlying property assets.
The typical structure for the securitization of commercial real estate loans is a real estate mortgage investment conduit (REMIC), a creation of the tax law that allows the trust to be a pass-through entity which is not subject to tax at the trust level.
Many American CMBS transactions carry less prepayment risk than other MBS types, thanks to the structure of commercial mortgages. Commercial mortgages often contain lockout provisions (typically a period of 1–5 years where there can be no prepayment of the loan) which they can be subject to defeasance, yield maintenance and prepayment penalties to protect bondholders. European CMBS issues typically have less prepayment protection. Interest on the bonds may be a fixed rate or a floating rate, i.e. based on a benchmark (like LIBOR/EURIBOR) plus a spread.
Properties and classification
Mortgage-backed securities can be distinguished by the type of real estate behind the collateral:
; Commercial MBS (CMBS)
:These are collateralized by commercial real estate (such as apartment complexes, retail and office buildings).
; Residential MBS (RMBS)
:These are secured by private residential real estate.
The characteristics of Commercial MBS vary depending on the term. While the longer-term loans (5 years or longer) often have fixed interest rates and restrictions on early repayments, shorter-term loans (1–3 years) usually have variable interest rates and free early repayments.
Distinctive Features of CMBS & RMBS
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (CMBS) and Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (RMBS) are distinct primarily in the underlying assets that support them. RMBS are securities backed by a home or residential apartment loan bundle, allowing investors to benefit from mortgage payments and homeowners' interest.
On the other hand, CMBS is supported by loans on commercial properties such as office buildings, retail stores, shopping centers, or other commercial spaces.