The 5 Worst Real Estate Assets to Own During a Recession When the economy slows down, most investors ask: "What should I buy?" I think there's a better question. "What should I avoid?" Protecting capital is just as important as growing it. Not every real estate asset responds the same way during a downturn. Some rely heavily on consumer spending. Others require high occupancy just to break even. Some become much harder to finance when credit tightens. If I were investing during a recession, these are the five asset classes I'd be most cautious about: Hotels Office Buildings Regional Malls Assisted Living / Senior Housing Luxury Condos That doesn't mean these are "bad" investments. In the right market, with the right operator and the right purchase price, any of them can generate excellent returns. But investing is about probabilities, not possibilities. During uncertain markets, I prefer assets with: • Durable demand • Predictable cash flow • Lower operating complexity • E...