Small multifamily lending activity rose during the first half of 2026. According to the latest Small Multifamily Investment Trends Report from Arbor Realty Trust and Chandan Economics, originations on loans with original balances between $1 million and $9 million reached an annualized pace of $71.6 billion through the second quarter. At this pace, originations are running 2.8% above the $69.6 billion total for 2025, placing small multifamily on pace for a third consecutive annual increase.

Arbor Introduces Proprietary Single-Family Rental Research
The market for single-family rentals (SFRs) in the United States has seen transformational change in recent years.
Higher per-unit acquisition costs and difficulties associated with managing and maintaining dispersed properties have limited both institutional penetration into the SFR sector and any semblance of market scale. However, in recent years the asset class has been gaining ground among investors.
Underpriced single-family assets following the financial crisis, technological advancements boosting operating efficiencies and a budding investor pipeline are all contributing to increased interest in SFR investment. Institutional capital sources are beginning to jump off the sidelines and into the suburbs.
For exclusive insights on the SFR market, download our “Q1 2019 Single-Family Rentals Investment Trends Report.”
Explore key SFR highlights, including:
- Occupancy Trends
- Cap Rates
- LTVs & Debt Yields
- Build to Rent Construction