Articles

Build-to-Rent Activity Stabilizes Above Historical Highs

As the single-family rental (SFR) sector has matured, build-to-rent (BTR) has become a key source of new supply. Purpose-built rental communities are absorbing demand from households seeking the space and privacy of single-family living without the financial or lifestyle commitments of homeownership. Newly released U.S. Census Bureau data show that while SFR/BTR construction continued to decline from its 2024 peak through year-end 2025, development activity remains elevated compared to historical norms.

Articles

Why Leading with Authenticity in CRE is a Competitive Advantage

In commercial real estate, long-term financial partnerships drive deals. At the recent Real Estate Pride Roundtable in New York City, CRE leaders shared how living openly with their LGBTQ+ identities has allowed them to lead with authenticity in the boardroom and in life. This Pride Month, Arbor celebrates authenticity in the workplace.

Articles

Dr. Sam Chandan’s State of Rental Housing Spring 2026

In a new video, Dr. Sam Chandan, a leading commercial real estate scholar, expands on the findings of Arbor Realty Trust’s latest Special Report, developed in partnership with Chandan Economics. He shares his expert insight into the state of rental housing in spring 2026. Chandan notes that multifamily is moving toward a state of balance as supply pressures ease and growth trends turn positive. The result, he said, is that selective opportunities are emerging for well-positioned investors in a climate “defined less by dislocation” and “more by normalization.”

Articles

Renters Reassess Homeownership as Affordability Challenges Persist

Homeownership has been an aspiration of generations of Americans, but elevated prices, mortgage rates, and financing hurdles are complicating the typical path to owning a home. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s 2026 Survey of Consumer Expectations Housing Survey, renters are continuing to experience difficulty with mortgage financing and have more measured views about homeownership’s current investment potential. As households reassess the housing market, rental housing demand is the beneficiary.

Current Reports

Small Multifamily Investment Trends Report Q2 2026

Arbor Realty Trust’s latest Small Multifamily Investment Trends Report, developed in partnership with Chandan Economics, evaluates what’s driving this sector’s ongoing stability as macroeconomic conditions remain mixed. Loan originations rose last quarter, and valuations are rebounding, signaling that normalization is taking hold.

Articles

Where Labor Market Momentum Outpaces the National Average

Labor market conditions are a foundational driver of rental housing demand, influencing tenant stability and household growth. While the national pace of hiring has moderated, the economies of many metropolitan areas continue to outperform. Expanding on Arbor’s latest Top Markets for Multifamily Investment Report, our research teams highlight the local dynamics supporting growth in several of the country’s strongest-performing multifamily markets.

General: 800.ARBOR.10

Research Reports

Affordable Housing Trends

from Arbor & Chandan Economics

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Our Affordable Housing Trends series examines the complex, yet critically important, affordable and workforce housing sectors. Published twice annually, these reports closely monitor key developments in the affordable housing market. Backed by proprietary research and analysis, our Affordable Housing Trends Reports enable investors, owners, developers, and other industry stakeholders to gain a clearer picture of the major trends currently shaping the sector.

Affordable Housing Archives

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Arbor’s Affordable Housing Trends Report Winter 2024/2025, developed in partnership with Chandan Economics, provides insight into a pivotal multifamily sector about to embark in a new direction.
Arbor’s Affordable Housing Trends Report Winter 2024/2025, developed in partnership with Chandan Economics, provides insight into a pivotal multifamily sector about to embark in a new direction.
Even with concerted public and private initiatives, the affordable housing shortage has persisted in cities and communities across the U.S.
Even with concerted public and private initiatives, the affordable housing shortage has persisted in cities and communities across the U.S.
As heightened housing demand and soaring inflation challenge low-income households, the affordable housing market sits at a critical juncture. Affordability has emerged as a primary concern for low-income earners living in naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH).
The Housing Choice Voucher program is receiving increased attention and funding. The proposed 2023 federal budget calls for a 17.4% increase in program allocations, and bipartisan lawmakers are pushing legislation to retain private landlords.