Articles

Single-Family Build-to-Rent Starts Remain Robust

As build-to-rent (BTR) demand rises, single-family rental (SFR) development has become more efficient in creating a distinct, community-focused experience for renters. Newly released U.S. Census Bureau data confirms that SFR/BTR development continues to be robust and stable, with its annualized pace of construction in the first quarter of 2025 matching the previous quarter’s tally.

Articles

Top Multifamily Markets for Low Renter Turnover

Tenant retention is a valuable — though sometimes elusive — contributing factor to the strength of a multifamily property. Nationally, 29% of multifamily households signed a third lease for the same unit, according to an analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. Locally, renter turnover was lowest in major coastal markets, like New York City, and highest in transient renter markets, like Charleston, SC.

Current Reports

Small Multifamily Investment Trends Report Q2 2025

While markets undergo rapid recalibration, the small multifamily market’s performance remains strong and stable. Arbor’s Small Multifamily Investment Trends Report Q2 2025, developed in partnership with Chandan Economics, details how the sector’s resilient fundamentals effectively support its growth amid ongoing economic volatility.

Proprietary Preferred Equity behind Conventional Loans

FREDDIE MAC® Proprietary Preferred Equity behind Conventional Loans   Arbor now offers access to proprietary preferred equity behind all Freddie Mac Conventional loans we originate. With Arbor, you can simultaneously secure a senior loan and preferred equity under one roof, streamlining your experience throughout the lifecycle of your loan.

Analysis

Top U.S. Multifamily Rent Growth Markets — Q1 2025

The U.S. multifamily market continued to settle into a more normalized cycle during the first quarter of 2025, as well-positioned investors began to take advantage of new opportunities in an uncertain economic environment.

Analysis

U.S. Multifamily Market Snapshot — May 2025

The U.S. multifamily market continued to settle into a normalized cycle during the first quarter of 2025, despite ongoing uncertainties surrounding the global economy and labor market.

General: 800.Arbor.10

Arbor 360º

Success Story: Large Multifamily Refinance

A panoramic view of how Arbor grows financial partnerships through successful

product executions that deliver results for our clients

Share:

$47.5M Fannie Mae DUS® Loan

314

Units

MO

St. Louis

2003

Year Built

Situation

Experienced multifamily owners were looking for a refinance on a 314-unit apartment community located in the St. Louis metro area. The sponsors originally built the property in two phases, in 2003 and 2009, as a condo development. However, due to softening in the condo market, a portion of the unsold units were operated as multifamily. The sponsors bought back the sold condo units in 2018 to operate the whole community as multifamily rentals. 

 

Arbor assisted the sponsors with securing a bridge loan in 2019 for the completion of renovations and stabilization of the property, which was only at half occupancy at the time. As of June 2020, the property reached over 90% occupancy and the borrowers were ready to refinance due to the increased value of the asset. The borrowers have a long-term relationship with Arbor and Fannie Mae, so they were comfortable working with Arbor to secure the right financing for their investment needs. 

Arbor Action

Arbor’s underwriting and originations departments were tasked with demonstrating the sponsors’ continued commitment to the property. Arbor was able to point to the borrowers’ nearly two decades of ownership, local market expertise and investment in improving the asset’s quality and occupancy, which helped support the agency requirement that the borrower possess strong experience and a proven track record.

Result

Arbor executed a 15-year fixed-rate loan under the Fannie Mae DUS® loan program. As a result of the transaction, the borrowers were able to refinance at a low interest rate.