Articles

FHA Loan Changes Boost Access to Affordable and Market-Rate Multifamily Financing

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced that new Federal Housing Administration (FHA) rules designed to boost housing production are now in effect. The new rules bring more favorable debt service coverage ratios (DSCRs), loan-to-cost ratios (LTC), and loan-to-value (LTV) ratios on certain types of FHA multifamily loans, unlocking more proceeds to borrowers.

Analysis

U.S. Multifamily Market Snapshot — February 2025

The U.S. multifamily sector finished 2024 with the wind at its sails, as the market settled into a more normalized cycle. Rental demand continued to be driven by solid wage growth and household formation, as well as high home prices leading many would-be-homebuyers to consider lifestyle renting.

Articles

FHA Multifamily Case Study: Closing Loans Amid Uncertainty

In times of volatility, it pays to have support from a team willing to go the extra mile. Whether it’s meeting tight deadlines or ensuring all requirements are met, Arbor’s Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Underwriting department remains committed to helping borrowers secure loans that expand rental housing opportunities for Americans.

Analysis

Top U.S. Multifamily Rent Growth Markets — Q4 2024

The U.S. multifamily market held steady in a more normalized cycle during the third quarter of 2024. Rental demand remained strong, while new leaders emerged among the top markets for rent growth.

Articles

CREFC Miami 2025: Young Professionals Network Fosters Career Growth

Networking and attending industry conferences to learn trends and insights are among the most advantageous ways young commercial real estate finance professionals can advance in their careers. This year, Gabriel Rondon, Analyst, Structured Asset Management at Arbor and a CRE Finance Council (CREFC) Young Professionals Network member, was selected as one of the network’s ambassadors at CREFC Miami, giving him a golden opportunity to expand his professional horizons.

Articles

The Single-Family Rental Sector Returns to Growth Mode

Although the single-family rental (SFR) sector’s profile expanded after the 2007-2010 subprime mortgage crisis, the number of its households slid between 2016 and 2020 as many rentals transitioned into owner-occupied homes. Following a period of pandemic-related uncertainty, SFR has returned to growth mode, increasing its number of households for the second time in three years.

Investment

Special Report Spring 2025: Optimism on the Rise

Arbor’s Special Report Spring 2025, developed in partnership with Chandan Economics, covers the state of the U.S. rental housing market on the cusp of a new cycle. After a year of steady growth, favorable trends put wind in the sector’s sails, giving rise to budding optimism. With the economic landscape shifting, the rental housing market’s resilient performance in 2023 and 2024 provides a solid foundation for continued growth.

Analysis

Affordable Housing Market Snapshot — Winter 2024-2025

Continually challenged by low inventory, affordable housing sits at a crossroads following the 2024 election. Incoming leadership plans to introduce market-based principles to an agenda that may also include an expanded Housing Choice Voucher program.

General: 800.ARBOR.10

Arbor’s Ivan Kaufman Discusses Commercial Real Estate Returning to Normal on CNN

Ivan Kaufman talks commercial real estate and housing market on CNN Business

Arbor’s CEO Forecasts Commercial Real Estate’s Recovery from COVID-19

Ivan Kaufman, the founder, chairman and CEO of Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ABR), was interviewed on CNN Business “Markets Now.” Sharing his views that commercial real estate will emerge from the COVID-19 crisis, he said, “It’s not all doom and gloom. It’s an adjustment.”

In the article “Commercial Real Estate Flounders as Housing Market Booms,” reporter Paul R. La Monica contrasted the pandemic’s impacts on housing compared to other real estate asset classes.

Kaufman noted that the hospitality and retail sectors have taken a devastating hit. However, he opined that people will return to their offices. The article stated, “Kaufman said that many big tech companies, which have done well during the pandemic, are still committed to having people come to physical offices occasionally instead of doing all work remotely.” With major urban markets being some of the most impacted labor markets by COVID-19, this return to offices will help them ease back into normalcy.

“The complete elimination of offices is not happening. Many companies realize they still need them even though demand may be softer,” Kaufman told CNN.

He also predicted that the reopening of schools will be a factor in the return to normalcy. He pointed out parents can more readily return to their offices, after kids are routinely back in their classrooms.

The article covered more of retail’s challenges, with Brookfield Property Partners laying off 20% of its retail division due to the decline in shopping malls. However, La Monica also reported that essential retail with strong online, takeout and delivery services, along with the industrial sector, are thriving.

Read the complete article here.

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For more information on multifamily in today’s economy, check out Arbor’s Chatter blog. Contact Arbor to learn about our multifamily loan products.