Articles

Why Top Multifamily Lenders Practice Disciplined Underwriting

Every multifamily lender says it underwrites conservatively, but few follow a truly disciplined approach. Arbor Realty Trust’s own record is a case in point, with 19 consecutive years in the Top 10 Fannie Mae Multifamily DUS Lenders, a top-three ranking in Freddie Mac’s Conventional Small program, and an upgraded Commercial Special Servicer rating from Fitch Ratings in January 2026.

Investment

Special Report Fall 2026

Arbor Realty Trust’s Special Report Fall 2026, developed in partnership with Chandan Economics, leverages data-driven research to detail the state of the rental housing market. Amid headwinds, multifamily remained resilient in a selective investment environment favoring disciplined underwriting and market selection. Attractive entry points for well-positioned investors continue to populate the road ahead.

Analysis

U.S. Multifamily Market Snapshot — September 2026

The U.S. multifamily market remains on stable footing in a mixed macroeconomic climate. Rent growth continued to trend upward through the second quarter, while apartment fundamentals remained resilient amid slowing employment growth and elevated vacancies.

Current Reports

Single-Family Rental Investment Trends Report Q3 2026

Arbor’s latest Single-Family Rental Investment Trends Report highlights how this commercial real estate sector performed resiliently in the face of adversity last quarter. Even as policy uncertainty created new headwinds, firm operating fundamentals drove SFR forward.

Articles

Build-to-Rent Activity Remained Elevated Amid Policy Uncertainty

Build-to-rent (BTR) development remained resilient in a complicated operating environment last quarter as production continued to normalize, according to newly released U.S. Census Bureau data. Despite political uncertainty, higher capital costs, and other headwinds, BTR maintained a historically high share of new single-family construction.

Articles

Where Multifamily Permitting is Intensifying and Accelerating

While national multifamily permitting stabilizes, the authorization of new apartment buildings with five or more units has become more heavily concentrated in smaller, rapidly growing metropolitan areas. From Durham, NC, to Fayetteville, AR, and Raleigh, NC, new U.S. Census Bureau data reveal where multifamily permitting was most concentrated and where it was accelerating fastest in the first half of 2026.

General: 800.ARBOR.10

Arbor Private Construction (APC)

Designed for experienced sponsorship with construction-ready projects located in strong MSAs and who desire and value a financing partner throughout the life cycle of their ownership.

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When you need financing for new construction – with an eye towards long-term ownership – Arbor now offers multifamily investors short-term, floating-rate financing to be matched with our existing suite of financing products and programs. Arbor Private Construction (APC) serves as a complement to our established and impactful Single Family Rental (SFR) and Build-to-Rent (BTR) construction lending program.

All Arbor sponsors benefit from the highest level of partnership and customer service along the life cycle of their loans. Arbor offers Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, Bridge, Non-Agency and CMBS permanent financing, ensuring a smooth loan transition all with one lender. Arbor offers a complimentary loan program to our existing product lines to give borrowers added flexibility and financing options for their market-rate properties.

Arbor’s Private Construction Program is Easier than You Think

Arbor Private Construction Loans range from $50 million to $250 million

Up to 80% Loan-to-Cost, subject to minimum underwritten exit debt yield & DSCR

Underwritten to an Agency-qualifying loan exit

Secure a lending partner to stand with you when the shovel meets the ground

Obtain government-sponsored permanent financing

Gain the efficiency and cost savings of partnering with one lender throughout the life of asset ownership

Eligible Transaction Criteria

Vertical/Garden-Style ground-up multifamily projects with Agency-qualifying characteristics

Located in primary markets and strong secondary markets with positive demographic, population and employment trends

Debt buy-backs with fresh equity

Properties in lease-up

Projected completion within 36 months

Sponsorship with an established track record of constructing, owning and managing multifamily assets with appropriate net worth and liquidity commensurate with the Loan’s credit profile

Mixed-Use allowance for a portion of proforma EGI to be generated from non-residential revenue

A complete, cost-engineered construction budget with qualified and experienced general contractors

Arbor Private Construction Term Sheets

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