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.
Arbor’s Single-Family Rental Investment Trends Report Q1 2025, published in partnership with Chandan Economics, is an up-close look at the single-family rental (SFR) sector as it enters a period of normalcy after explosive pandemic-era growth. SFR maintains its balance with the support of a healthy set of fundamentals while capital markets rebound and rent growth moderates.
Small multifamily price growth trends indicate a stabilization may be ready to take hold. Expanding on the findings of Arbor’s latest Small Multifamily Investment Trends Report, our research teams more closely examined valuations to determine if trends in pricing and other fundamentals are supporting a turnaround.
Elevated mortgage interest rates and high home prices boosted demand for single-family rentals (SFR) last year, supporting the growth of rents in almost all of the 100 largest metropolitan areas. Pricing momentum, which averaged 4.5% nationally, was concentrated in affordable markets in the Northeast and Midwest, an analysis of Zillow’s Observed Rent Index data shows.
Increasingly, single-family rental (SFR) operators have been relying on build-to-rent (BTR) development to satisfy their inventory needs. The popularity of BTR communities made economies of scale possible for the SFR sector in the recovery after the 2007 housing crisis and continues to fill a housing need nationwide. Now, newly released U.S. Census Bureau data shows that SFR development activity remained robust even as its momentum slowed, moving the sector into a more stable equilibrium.
For 30 years, Uniondale, NY-based Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ABR) has helped multifamily and commercial real estate clients achieve their financial goals by focusing on growing long-term relationships and conducting business as not simply another real estate lender, but as a partner – as we believe that the right financial partner is worth a thousand words.
Top 10 lender by volume for more than a decade and a repeat Top Small Loans Lender.
Approved Freddie Mac Seller/Servicer and a Top Small Balance Loan Lender.
Shorter-term, one-stop shop financing for multifamily and commercial assets positioned for permanent take-out.
HUD-approved MAP, LIHTC & Lean Lender for multifamily, seniors and healthcare.
Arbor provides long-term Fannie Mae and HUD-insured financing solutions for the creation and preservation of affordable housing.
Bridge, Permanent and Build-to-Rent loan solutions through Arbor’s proprietary platform.
Solutions used in conjunction with new or existing commercial loan financing to help in completing all the components of the capital stack.
Efficient and transparent online loan origination and processing.
Experienced servicing division that oversees a multibillion-dollar portfolio and is rated by S&P and Fitch for commercial and special servicing.
