Research

For their relatively lower rent levels, small apartment properties are surprisingly well-rated by their occupants, both in terms of unit quality and the neighborhoods in which they are located.

The U.S. multifamily market continued to post strong results during 2017. Rent growth slowed, although remained healthy, and appears to have peaked in 2015.

While a majority of apartment renters continue to live in small properties, renter growth in this property class is facing headwinds from large asset oversupply and rental incentives.

While apartment renting remains a predominantly urban affair across both the downtown and suburban areas of large US metros, renting activity is expanding into smaller cities and new property types.

When comparing rental demand by age segments, Baby Boomers stand out as the fastest growing group across the rental market.

The growing popularity of single-family rentals as a housing option for Millennials is skewing the multifamily inventory toward amenity-rich larger buildings. At the same time, the trend is helping consolidate smaller apartment assets.

Job growth, increased consumer spending and population demographics are three macroeconomic factors contributing to a positive outlook for the multifamily and commercial real estate market according to a new forecast released by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) this week.

As technological innovations continue to disrupt traditional approaches to living, multifamily will be redefined by a more personalized and enriched consumer experience.

As apartment developments find new takers in the suburban areas of the largest US metros and regional transit connectivity continues to improve, more small building households are beginning to give up cars.

The commute choice of apartment renters appears to be at a tipping point — more recent suburban renters are ditching their cars for rides on the train or bus.