Arbor’s Single-Family Rental Investment Trends Report Q1 2023, developed in partnership with Chandan Economics, explores a growing multifamily sector with a unique ability to rise above macroeconomic headwinds. Last year, investors purchased more single-family rental (SFR) units than in 2021 as uncertainty rippled through the commercial real estate industry. Construction in the sector also ramped up in 2022, with starts reaching all-time highs by unit count and market share. This upward trend, fueled by significant structural support, sets SFR apart from many other commercial real estate sectors.

In this video, Sam Chandan, professor of finance and Director of the Chen Institute for Global Real Estate Finance at the NYU Stern School of Business, discusses the key findings of Arbor’s Affordable Housing Trends Report Spring 2023, developed in partnership with Chandan Economics. He adds context to the Federal, state, and local housing policy trends impacting the future of the affordable sector, which, he notes, continues to have the highest development prospects of any residential subtype.

The small multifamily subsector, strengthened by sound structural fundamentals, is well-positioned to face distress due to interest-rate pressure. Even though pricing has slid lower and cap rates have risen, it should remain resilient in the coming quarters. A deep dive into a uniquely positioned subsector, Arbor’s Small Multifamily Investment Trends Report Q1 2023, developed in partnership with Chandan Economics, analyzes the competing headwinds and tailwinds influencing investment performance.

The outlook for the single-family rental (SFR) sector continues to be upbeat even as rent growth cools nationally. Build-to-rent (BTR) communities have been expanding their footholds in neighborhoods across the U.S. These starts hit a new record high as rental demand has risen from would-be home buyers priced out of ownership by high interest rates.

The small multifamily sub-sector ended 2022 on a high note with originations falling just behind 2021’s peak. As economic storm clouds continue circling, small multifamily appears fortified from any reverberations that may result.

The rental housing sector is well-insulated but not immune to market forces even as the economy edges into correction territory, Arbor Chairman and CEO Ivan Kaufman and Chandan Economics Founder Sam Chandan demonstrate in the findings of Arbor’s Special Report Spring 2023.