Articles

Markets Where the Share of Renters is Highest

The U.S. housing market reflects a patchwork of local needs, preferences, and geographies, creating distinct storylines. Across the country, many significant shifts have occurred over the last five years, an analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data shows. More expensive housing markets tend to support higher percentages of rental households, and in fast-growing metros, rentals have become a highly effective and flexible way to house new residents.

Articles

SFR Investing: A Guide to Seizing the Sector’s Momentum

Single-family rental (SFR) investing is surging as this asset class outperforms. With homeownership less attainable and lifestyle renting more popular, the sector’s tailwinds bode well for long-term growth. If you are new to this space, our guide has answers to commonly asked questions.

Current Reports

Single-Family Rental Investment Trends Report Q2 2025

Bolstered by robust build-to-rent (BTR) activity, the single-family rental (SFR) sector continued to display strength even as the residential housing market moderated. Arbor’s Single-Family Rental Investment Trends Report Q2 2025, developed in partnership with Chandan Economics, provides original research and analysis of key performance metrics for investors to take a closer look at a sector on the rise.

Analysis

Small Multifamily Investment Snapshot — June 2025

Amid ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty, the small multifamily sector remains favorably positioned for stability as the structural need for affordable housing in the U.S. has supported the strength of the sector’s demand profile.

Articles

Single-Family Build-to-Rent Starts Remain Robust

As build-to-rent (BTR) demand rises, single-family rental (SFR) development has become more efficient in creating a distinct, community-focused experience for renters. Newly released U.S. Census Bureau data confirms that SFR/BTR development continues to be robust and stable, with its annualized pace of construction in the first quarter of 2025 matching the previous quarter’s tally.

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Ryan Nichols

Managing Director, Chief Underwriter, Agency Lending
Ryan Nichols

Ryan Nichols is responsible for overseeing the underwriting pipeline of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac transactions and is a member of Arbor’s Loan Committee.

Mr. Nichols joined Arbor as a screener in 2010 and later moved to the Underwriting department. During his tenure, he has held many roles with the firm, including VP, Deputy Chief Underwriter, Agency Lending and VP, Small Balance Loan Chief Underwriter. As part of the loan committee, Mr. Nichols reviews underwriting packages to ensure sound underwriting and adherence to agency guidelines. He also works directly with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on all preview applications, oversees Arbor’s credit policy on small loans, and is a vital resource to underwriting and sales staff on credit, underwriting and process questions.

Mr. Nichols has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Northeastern University and a Dollinger Master of Real Estate Development from the University of Southern California.

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