Total leasing revenue increased $2.1 million, or 18.4%, during the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily due to new multi-family leases, as well as other new leases. Total leasing gross margin during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was 51.9%, as compared to 57.0% during the same period in 2023. The decrease in leasing gross margin was primarily due to increased operating costs and lease-up expenses in the current period. As of March 31, 2024, we had net rentable square feet of approximately 1,082,000, of which approximately 1,046,000 square feet were under lease. As of March 31, 2023, we had net rentable square feet of approximately 1,034,000, of which approximately 1,005,000 square feet were under lease. As of March 31, 2024, our consolidated entities had 1,235 multi-family and senior living units completed, of which 1,039 were leased, compared to 952 multi-family and senior living units completed, of which 869 were leased as of March 31, 2023 (excludes 148 multi-family units for the unconsolidated Watersound Fountains Independent Living JV).
We believe the diversity of our commercial segment complements the growth of our residential and hospitality segments. Commercial and forestry real estate revenue can vary depending on the proximity to developed areas and the mix and characteristics of commercial and forestry real estate sold in each period, with varying compositions of retail, office, industrial, timber and other commercial uses. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, we had two commercial and forestry real estate sales of approximately 76 acres for $1.4 million, resulting in a gross margin of approximately 78.6%. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, we had nine commercial and forestry real estate sales of approximately 54 acres for $5.7 million and land improvement services of $0.2 million, together resulting in a gross margin of approximately 44.1%.
Timber revenue decreased $0.5 million, or 29.4%, to $1.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to $1.7 million during the same period in 2023. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in tons of wood products sold and prices in the current period. There were 75,000 tons of wood products sold during the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to 95,000 tons of wood products sold during the same period in 2023. The average price of wood products sold decreased to $14.83 per ton during the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to $16.44 per ton during the same period in 2023. Timber gross margin was 83.3% during the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to 88.2% during the same period in 2023. The decrease was primarily due to less tons of wood products sold and lower prices in the current period.
Other operating expenses include salaries and benefits, property taxes, CDD assessments, professional fees, marketing, project administration and other administrative expenses.
The increase of $0.7 million in depreciation, depletion and amortization expense during the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the same period in 2023, was primarily due to new properties placed in service.
Interest expense primarily includes interest incurred from our commercial project financing and CDD debt. The increase of $0.6 million in interest expense during the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the same period in 2023, was primarily due to completion of projects where interest expense is no longer capitalized and the increase in project financing. See Note 9. Debt, Net for additional information.
Equity in loss from unconsolidated joint ventures includes our proportionate share of earnings or losses of unconsolidated JVs accounted for by the equity method. See Note 4. Joint Ventures for additional information.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of March 31, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $89.8 million, compared to $86.1 million as of December 31, 2023.
We believe that our current cash position, financing arrangements and cash generated from operations will provide us with sufficient liquidity to satisfy our anticipated working capital needs, expected capital expenditures, principal and interest payments on our long-term debt, capital contributions to JVs, Latitude JV Note commitment, authorized stock repurchases and authorized dividends for the next twelve months.