Arbor’s Top Markets for Multifamily Investment Report Spring 2025, developed in partnership with Chandan Economics, is your roadmap to the best locations to deploy capital. Based on the findings of our exclusive Multifamily Opportunity Matrix, this in-depth analysis assesses economic strength and market capabilities to navigate evolving conditions of the top 50 largest U.S. metros.
Arbor’s data-driven articles and research reports empower multifamily and single-family rental investors and developers to make more profitable financial decisions.
The number of rental households climbed nearly 2% last year, as 848,000 more households became renters, an analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Housing Vacancies and Homeownership Survey shows (Chart 1). Rental households also hit a new high of 45.3 million, accounting for more than half of all U.S. household growth in 2024. Weakening affordability, evolving lifestyle preferences, and a limited supply of quality housing all contributed to surging multifamily and single-family rental (SFR) demand.
Solar panel installations, which skyrocketed in the U.S. over the last half-century, are projected to double to 10 million in just six years. While installations soared in all types of residences, owner-occupied properties significantly outpaced rentals. However, the evolving economics of solar power may be approaching a tipping point for single-family rental (SFR) operators looking for a differentiator.
Even amid ongoing economic volatility, SFR continues to be a well-positioned asset class that is expected to follow stable growth patterns.
This spring, Arbor is doubling down on our commitment to aspiring commercial real estate students through our partnership with Project Destined by helping to launch the first-ever Women’s Fellowship and with our participation in the Project Destined Bridge Program.
Amid ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty, the small multifamily sector remains favorably positioned for stability as the structural need for affordable housing in the U.S. has supported the strength of the sector’s demand profile.
Nationally, vacancies have risen, but the performance of rental housing is extremely localized. Out of the 75 largest U.S. metropolitan areas, the occupancy rate for all types of rental properties, including single-family rentals, 2-4 family, multifamily, and mobile homes, increased in 36 markets last year, while exceeding 95% in nearly one-third of all markets, according to an analysis of newly released U.S. Census Bureau data.[1] From Grand Rapids, MI, to Columbia, SC, the top markets for rental occupancy show where conditions are tightest and demand is strongest.
Mr. York joined Arbor in 2005 and quickly became Arbor’s Top Producer year after year. He serves a client base that includes some of the largest multifamily owners, investors, and brokerage firms in the nation. In 2015, he was named one of Commercial Observer’s “Top 25 Debt Brokers and Lenders Under 35.” Since 2020, Mr. York has cemented himself as Arbor’s Top Producer and has closed over $11 Billion in transactions over the past four years alone. Stephen specializes in bespoke debt and equity financing solutions, with a primary focus on Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, Bridge, CMBS, and other special-situation financing products.
Mr. York joined Arbor in 2005 and quickly became Arbor’s Top Producer year after year. He serves a client base that includes some of the largest multifamily owners, investors, and brokerage firms in the nation. In 2015, he was named one of Commercial Observer’s “Top 25 Debt Brokers and Lenders Under 35.” Since 2020, Mr. York has cemented himself as Arbor’s Top Producer and has closed over $11 Billion in transactions over the past four years alone. Stephen specializes in bespoke debt and equity financing solutions, with a primary focus on Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, Bridge, CMBS, and other special-situation financing products.
Brooklyn, NY | FNMA | $33M
Pfugerville, TX | FNMA | $38M
West Palm Beach, FL | Freddie Mac | $33M
Kissimmee, FL | Freddie Mac | $46M
Tampa, FL | Freddie Mac | $61M
Brooklyn, NY | Arbor Private Investment Preferred Equity Bridge | $53M
San Antonio, TX | Bridge | $61M
Suitland, MD | Bridge | $152M
San Antonio, TX | Bridge | $27M
Rolling Meadows, IL | Bridge | $102M
Farmington Hills, MI | Bridge | $104M
Richmond, VA | Bridge | $119M
Brooklyn, NY | Freddie Mac SBL | $5M
New Britain, CT | Fannie Mae Small Loan | $7M
