Perspectives

2020 Real Estate Accounting Guide

Real Estate Accounting and Financial Reporting Update

The latest edition of our annual update highlights selected accounting and reporting developments that may be of interest to real estate entities. The most notable developments in 2020 include the FASB’s issuance of an ASU that allows companies to defer adoption of the Board’s new standards on revenue recognition (ASC 606) and leasing (ASC 842) in light of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

A look at key issues

The real estate sector continues to be influenced by rapid technological advancements, industry disrupters, and significant demographic shifts, including growing urbanization, the longevity of baby boomers, and the tenancy and workplace demands (such as flexible location and workspaces) of millennials and “generation Z.” In addition, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the prevailing macroeconomic environment, the volatility of the global economy has continued to increase. There is also concern about the possibility of a US recession, which has affected decision making for companies in all industries, including real estate.

COVID-19 was also the most significant factor affecting the accounting and financial reporting requirements for real estate companies in 2020. As a result of the pandemic, many lessors provided rent concessions to their lessees and, therefore, the FASB issued a staff Q&A1 to provide guidance on the accounting for such concessions. Given the significance of the pandemic and its impact on all industries, Deloitte has published several articles to help companies deal with the resulting challenges (see Deloitte’s COVID-19 Resources page).

In addition to the impact of the pandemic, there were a few other changes in 2020 that affected the accounting and financial reporting requirements for real estate companies. This publication provides some insight into those changes, including those resulting from the FASB’s issuance of updates related to the adoption of the standards on revenue recognition, credit losses, and leases.

1 FASB Staff Q&A, Topic 842 and Topic 840: Accounting for Lease Concessions Related to the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Key topics

The topics covered in this publication include:

  • Leases
  • Financial Instruments
  • SEC Guidance
  • Revenue Recognition
  • Income Taxes
  • Consolidation
  • Compensation
  • Cloud Computing Arrangements

If you have any questions about the Real Estate Accounting and Financial Reporting update, please contact any of the following Deloitte industry specialists.

Get in touch

        

Dustin Schultz
Real Estate Industry—Professional Practice Director
Deloitte & Touche LLP
duschultz@deloitte.com
+1 214 840 7043

    

Karen Cronin
Real Estate Industry—Audit Leader
Deloitte & Touche LLP
kcronin@deloitte.com
+1 212 436 3011

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