Articles

Dr. Sam Chandan’s Top Markets for Multifamily Investment Report Takeaways

In his latest Arbor Realty Trust video, Dr. Sam Chandan, a leading commercial real estate scholar, shares his insights into the findings of our latest Top Markets for Multifamily Investment Report, developed in partnership with Chandan Economics. The noted NYU professor outlines the market-level results of the Arbor-Chandan Opportunity Matrix, which spotlights multifamily markets that offer optimal value to commercial real estate investors.

Articles

Top Markets for Gen Z Household Formation Potential

Generation Z’s potential for household formation could soon reshape many U.S. metropolitan areas. From McAllen, TX, to Hartford, CT, explore the top multifamily markets where rental demand is set to rise as Gen Z leaves the nest.

Analysis

Indianapolis Multifamily Market Snapshot — June 2026

Indianapolis ranked as the top multifamily investment market in the U.S., in the latest Top Markets for Multifamily Investment Report from Arbor Realty Trust and @Chandan Economics. The market has been supported by strong labor market conditions, tight occupancy levels, and a favorable affordability profile.

Current Reports

Single-Family Rental Investment Trends Report Q2 2026

The latest Single-Family Rental Investment Trends Report from Arbor Realty Trust, developed in partnership with Chandan Economics, examines a commercial real estate sector that has proved to be both stable and resilient. Supported by strong occupancy, positive rent growth, and loosening capital markets, SFR remains firmly grounded on a path of steady growth.

Articles

Build-to-Rent Activity Stabilizes Above Historical Highs

As the single-family rental (SFR) sector has matured, build-to-rent (BTR) has become a key source of new supply. Purpose-built rental communities are absorbing demand from households seeking the space and privacy of single-family living without the financial or lifestyle commitments of homeownership. Newly released U.S. Census Bureau data show that while SFR/BTR construction continued to decline from its 2024 peak through year-end 2025, development activity remains elevated compared to historical norms.

General: 800.ARBOR.10

FHA® 223(f):

REFINANCE, ACQUISITION, OR MODERATE RENOVATION

Arbor provides FHA-insured, long-term, fixed-rate financing for refinance, acquisition or moderate renovation of multifamily projects nationwide. Arbor uses the single-stage Multifamily Accelerated Processing (MAP) Program to expedite underwriting and approval.

Loan Term & Amortization Up to 35 years, not to exceed 75% of the remaining economic life (Fully Amortizing).
Minimum DSCR 1.176x for Market Rate properties, or LIHTC restricted whose rents are < 10% below market; 1.15x for LIHTC restricted properties with rents at least 10% below market; 1.11x for properties having at least 90% rental assistance contracts.
Maximum Loan to Value/Acquisition Cost 85% for Market Rate properties, or LIHTC restricted whose rents are < 10% below market; 87% for LIHTC restricted properties with rents at least 10% below market; 90% for projects with 90% or greater Rental Assistance.
Fixed Rate Yes
Eligible Properties Existing Multifamily projects at least three years old. Detached structures and row houses eligible. Market rate, low-to-moderate income and subsidized multifamily properties.
Eligible Borrower Single Asset Entity (for profit or non-profit).
Occupancy Requirement Average 85% occupancy for the 6 months prior to HUD application submission. Maximum economic underwriting occupancy of:

  • 93% for market rate properties (i.e. at least 20% market rate units, or LIHTC whose rents are < 10% below market rents).
  • 95% for LIHTC restrictions on at least 80% of units at rents at least 10% below market.
  • 97% for properties having at least 90% rental assistance, or 90% LIHTC set aside with rents at least 10% below market.
Cash Out Cash out allowed when 80% of value exceeds existing debt plus transaction costs, but only 50% of the net cash will be released at closing. The remaining 50% will be held in escrow until all required repairs are completed. A potential waiver is available to reduce holdback to 25%.
Tax & Insurance Escrows Monthly deposits required.
Recourse Non-recourse, subject to HUD Regulatory Agreement.
Commercial Space Maximum 25% of net rentable area and maximum 20% of effective gross income; minimum 10% underwritten vacancy.
Required Reports Borrower is responsible for all required report costs, included but not limited to: Appraisal, Market Study, Environmental Phase I, Phase II (if applicable), and PCNA. Pre-1978 properties may require lead-based paint and asbestos- containing material testing. Projects 30 years of age or older may require additional testing. Costs can be reimbursed from loan proceeds at closing.
Prepayment Typically 10% year 1, declining 1% per year. Other pre-payment options available subject to market conditions.
Assumable Subject to Arbor and HUD approval and payment of assumption fee.
Good Faith Deposit Negotiable based on project type and loan size.
Expense Escrow Yes – sufficient to cover Arbor’s expenses and third-party report costs.
Origination Fee Negotiable
HUD Application Fee Non-refundable fee of $3 per $1,000 (0.3%) of the mortgage amount due to HUD upon application submission.
HUD Inspection Fee $30 per unit when repairs are less than $3,000 per unit. If above $3,000 per unit, 1% of the total cost of the repairs.
Legal/Closing Fee Borrower pays Arbor’s Counsel Fee and miscellaneous closing costs.
Rehabilitation Qualifications Repairs cannot exceed $15,000 per unit (adjusted for local high-cost factor). Repairs/replacements are also limited to one major building component.
Davis Bacon Not applicable to this program.
HUD Mortgage Insurance Premium HUD sets the cost of the FHA Insurance. The initial MIP is 1% of the loan amount due to HUD at closing. Annual MIP rates:

  • Market Rate Properties: 0.60%
  • Affordable Properties: 0.35%
  • Broadly Affordable or Energy Efficient Properties: 0.25%
  • “Green” energy efficiency achievement): 0.25%

V030419

Request a Quote

Fill out a simple form and an expert loan originator will contact you shortly.