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.

General: 800.ARBOR.10

Home | Research | Research Reports | Special Report Spring 2025
Special Report Spring 2025

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 over the past two years provides a solid foundation for continued growth.

 

Key Findings:

  • The rental housing sector stands on the cusp of a new cycle supported by tailwinds from favorable demographic trends, normalizing credit markets, and a structural need for housing.
  • The prospect of a federal pro-growth political agenda has boosted investor optimism despite projections that new tariffs could raise construction costs.
  • A unique buying opportunity has emerged within multifamily real estate as private-market transaction prices and public-market valuations diverge.