Xpera Group, a locally based firm, has started a new division called Xpera RE. The construction-consulting company will focus on apartments, senior housing, hotels and student housing.

Headquartered in the Rancho Bernardo area, Xpera was founded in 2009. The company will concentrate on renovating aging assets and adding value to them.

The move shows that there is more interest than ever in value-added assets in the commercial real estate environment.