Articles

Small Multifamily Extends Quarterly Valuation Gains

Small multifamily assets have begun to settle into a consistent pattern of growth following two years of price corrections. Building on the findings of Arbor Realty Trust’s Small Multifamily Investment Trends Report Q4 2025, our research teams look more closely at recent pricing trends and the factors driving the turnaround.

Articles

FHFA Loan Caps for 2026: What Multifamily Borrowers Need to Know

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced a $30 billion boost to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s volume cap for loan purchases in 2026 to $176 billion ($88 billion for each agency). This increase in FHFA loan caps for 2026 aligns with industry expectations, given the anticipation of improving market conditions and lending activity expected in a lower interest rate environment. Next year’s cap for the Government-Sponsored Entities (GSEs) is an increase of approximately 20% from the $146 billion limit set for 2025.

Current Reports

Affordable Housing Trends Report Fall 2025

As the cost of living in the U.S. climbs, the shortage of affordable housing is a persistent challenge for many communities. While progress has been uneven to date, Arbor Realty Trust and Chandan Economics document federal and state initiatives aimed at creating positive change. In a sector known for its strength, stability, and consistency, new and old affordable housing opportunities are converging as the nation accelerates construction.

Conventional Forwards

FRDDIE MAC® Conventional Forwards   Arbor’s Freddie Mac® Conventional Forwards encourage the creation of new housing supply by providing takeout certainty to developers and construction lenders, helping to address long-term supply shortages that limit affordability and housing choice. In an evolving multifamily lending environment, our Conventional Forwards provide clarity to the terms of the permanent debt needed when a property stabilizes after new construction or major rehabilitation.

Current Reports

Small Multifamily Investment Trends Report Q4 2025

Arbor Realty Trust’s Small Multifamily Investment Trends Report Q4 2025, developed in partnership with Chandan Economics, outlines the long-term positives reinforcing the sector’s growth amid macroeconomic uncertainty. With capital market activity poised to increase, small multifamily’s healthy fundamentals position it to trend higher in the next cycle.

Borrower FAQs

Find answers to common questions about multifamily and single-family rental real estate financing.

General: 800.ARBOR.10

ARBOR’s

Private Label Program

Arbor is expanding financing options for investors in the Private Label marketplace.

Loan Amount $4 million minimum
Loan Term 5-, 7- and 10-year options
Amortization 30 years; interest-only periods can range from zero to ten years, determined by leverage, debt yield, market and overall credit quality
Minimum DSCR 1.25x
Maximum LTV 75% (amortizing); 65% (full-term interest-only)
MINIMUM DEBT YIELD 7%; exceptions considered on a case-by-case basis
INTEREST RATE Fixed rate over the greater of the 10-year Treasury rate or 10-year swap rate; spread varies based on risk and terms
ORIGINATION FEE Minimum of 0.25%
CASH MANAGEMENT Springing Lockbox upon EOD
SUBORDINATE DEBT Mezzanine debt available on a case-by-case basis; program can also allow for future mezzanine debt
BORROWER/SPONSORSHIP Borrower must be a newly formed, single-purpose, bankruptcy-remote Delaware LLC. Sponsor must have an established track record, appropriate net worth and liquidity commensurate with transaction; normal expectations are a minimum net worth equal to the loan amount and liquidity of no less than 10% of the loan amount
MINIMUM OCCUPANCY 85%
COLLATERAL TYPES Conventional multifamily
TAX AND INSURANCE ESCROWS Monthly deposits required
REPLACEMENT RESERVES Monthly deposits required
RECOURSE Generally nonrecourse with standard carve-outs
PREPAYMENT Defeasance; open during last three months of loan term
EARLY RATE LOCK Available on a case-by-case basis
ASSUMPTIONS AND TRANSFERS One-time assumption, subject to lender approval and payment of 1% fee

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