Even as rents retreated elsewhere, single-family rentals (SFR) have continued to outperform all other housing sub-types, exceeding the all-property type national average in 17 consecutive months through February 2024, according to Zillow’s Observed Rent Index (ZORI). Annual SFR rent growth has seen substantial gains in many metropolitan areas since national rent growth peaked in March 2022. In this deep dive, the Chandan Economics and Arbor Realty Trust research teams pinpoint the metropolitan areas where SFR rents are rising the fastest.
Top Markets for Single-Family Rental Tenant Retention

Single-family rentals’ role in the U.S. housing ecosystem is malleable. In different markets, this product type serves different purposes — acting as a magnet for transient lifestyle households in some metros, while providing families with affordable access to quality public school districts in others. As a result, SFR retention rates vary dramatically across the country, depending not only on the cost of homeownership but on the purpose that single-family rentals serve in that market, creating a unique group of top markets.

Five Reasons to Consider Investing in Single-Family Homes

High interest rates and low housing supply have bolstered demand for single-family rental (SFR) communities as Millennials and Generation Z seek affordability in starter homes. Today, SFRs represent more than half of the U.S. rental market, and economists project that share will grow in the years ahead. With low operating costs, steady supplemental income, and long-term growth potential, investing in single-family homes offers considerable upside in a recessionary environment.

Affordable Housing Trends Report Spring 2023

Even with concerted public and private initiatives, the affordable housing shortage has persisted in cities and communities across the U.S. Arbor’s Affordable Housing Trends Report Spring 2023, developed in partnership with Chandan Economics, analyzes the challenges and assesses the outlook of a sector that has gained more investor attention amid growing economic headwinds.

Freddie Mac Multifamily: Five Types of Attractive Loan Options for 2023

Freddie Mac multifamily loans provide customized, innovative multifamily financing solutions for use in the purchasing and refinancing of properties with rentable housing units. From Small Balance Loans to Floating-Rate, commercial real estate borrowers can benefit from excellent terms and conditions. Among a wide range of Freddie Mac options available through Arbor, these five loan programs have key advantages worth considering.

Freddie Mac Green Advantage’s New Terms Improve Pricing and Widen Eligibility

A new update to Freddie Mac Green Advantage®, an attractive loan program in a rising interest rate environment, has added new incentives to going green to more multifamily borrowers than ever before. Freddie Mac recently announced a 15 bps pricing benefit to borrowers on top of any affordability benefits currently offered. At the same time, all previous affordability requirements were lifted, opening to door to more investors seeking to improve the sustainability of our communities.

Arbor’s Leah Fisher Honored for Long Island Philanthropic Work

Arbor Senior Vice President, Special Projects, Governance and Risk, Leah Fisher was the 2023 sole honoree at the second annual Family & Children’s Association (FCA) Long Island Women in Philanthropy breakfast and fashion show on March 30 at The Mansion at Oyster Bay in Woodbury, New York. Ms. Fisher gave a keynote speech at the event that encouraged attendees to get involved in their communities.

Aging Baby Boomers Reshape the Housing Market

While the 2008 financial crisis prompted a cyclical shift in U.S. housing — impacting everything from home prices to who can qualify for a mortgage — an equally impactful demographic change was just taking shape. The unprecedented wave of Baby Boomers that began retiring would disrupt the balance of the housing market.

Secondary and Tertiary Markets Gain Ground on Primary Cities

As secondary and tertiary markets continue to gain parity with larger primary cities around the nation, they offer investors a significant potential for return on investment, even as the U.S. and global economic landscapes face notable headwinds.

Arbor’s Leah Fisher Joins Global Sustainability Panel at InnovateESG

Arbor Senior Vice President, Special Projects, Governance and Risk, Leah Fisher recently spoke on a thought-provoking panel discussion at InnovateESG 2023, a conference focused on environmental, social, and governance missions, hosted by NYU Stern’s Chen Institute for Global Real Estate Finance.

Five Fannie Mae Multifamily Loan Programs Worth Pursuing in 2023

From Standard DUS® to Small Loans to Structured ARMs, Fannie Mae multifamily loans provide excellent terms and competitive, tiered pricing that enable investors to generate steady and reliable income streams in all economic cycles.
