Articles

HUD Expands FHA Financing Eligibility to Qualifying BTR Projects

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced a significant policy change that expands Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance eligibility to qualifying build-to-rent (BTR) communities. Effective immediately, professionally managed rental developments consisting of detached single-family homes, duplexes, and triplexes are eligible for FHA-insured financing under the same general framework as traditional multifamily properties.

Articles

Financing a Build-to-Rent Community Through Construction, Lease-Up, and Stabilization

Single-family rentals (SFR) now house 41% of the U.S. renter population, according to Rentometer Mid-Year Report 2025: National Trends in Single-Family Rental Markets. Arbor provides investors with short-term and long-term SFR financing to meet this growing demand. Whether a sponsor is developing a build-to-rent (BTR) community, holding an SFR portfolio long-term, or acquiring assets to rehab, Arbor finances build-to-rent (BTR) communities across construction, lease-up, and stabilization under one lender relationship, backed by the strength of an $802 million BTR collateralized loan obligation Arbor closed in May 2025.

Articles

Why Top Multifamily Lenders Practice Disciplined Underwriting

Every multifamily lender says it underwrites conservatively, but few follow a truly disciplined approach. Arbor Realty Trust’s own record is a case in point, with 19 consecutive years in the Top 10 Fannie Mae Multifamily DUS Lenders, a top-three ranking in Freddie Mac’s Conventional Small program, and an upgraded Commercial Special Servicer rating from Fitch Ratings in January 2026.

Investment

Special Report Fall 2026

Arbor Realty Trust’s Special Report Fall 2026, developed in partnership with Chandan Economics, leverages data-driven research to detail the state of the rental housing market. Amid headwinds, multifamily remained resilient in a selective investment environment favoring disciplined underwriting and market selection. Attractive entry points for well-positioned investors continue to populate the road ahead.

Analysis

U.S. Multifamily Market Snapshot — September 2026

The U.S. multifamily market remains on stable footing in a mixed macroeconomic climate. Rent growth continued to trend upward through the second quarter, while apartment fundamentals remained resilient amid slowing employment growth and elevated vacancies.

Current Reports

Single-Family Rental Investment Trends Report Q3 2026

Arbor’s latest Single-Family Rental Investment Trends Report highlights how this commercial real estate sector performed resiliently in the face of adversity last quarter. Even as policy uncertainty created new headwinds, firm operating fundamentals drove SFR forward.

Articles

Build-to-Rent Activity Remained Elevated Amid Policy Uncertainty

Build-to-rent (BTR) development remained resilient in a complicated operating environment last quarter as production continued to normalize, according to newly released U.S. Census Bureau data. Despite political uncertainty, higher capital costs, and other headwinds, BTR maintained a historically high share of new single-family construction.

General: 800.ARBOR.10

Research Reports

Special Reports

from Arbor & Chandan Economics

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A biannual economic analysis and accompanying commentary from Arbor’s Chairman and CEO Ivan Kaufman and Chandan Economics Founder Sam Chandan. This special series provides unparalleled insight into the housing market from two of the industry’s foremost thought leaders.

Special Report Archives

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The State of Rental Housing

After proving its resilience, the multifamily real estate sector is positioned to thrive in the next growth cycle. While uncertainties persist and risks remain, new federal policies and long-awaited interest rate relief have brought optimistic investors back to the table with a new sense of urgency.
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The State of Rental Housing

After proving its resilience, the multifamily real estate sector is positioned to thrive in the next growth cycle. While uncertainties persist and risks remain, new federal policies and long-awaited interest rate relief have brought optimistic investors back to the table with a new sense of urgency.
Read More >>

Turning a Corner

After proving its resilience, the multifamily real estate sector is positioned to thrive in the next growth cycle. While uncertainties persist and risks remain, new federal policies and long-awaited interest rate relief have brought optimistic investors back to the table with a new sense of urgency.
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Optimism on the Rise

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.
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Not Waiting for Normal

Even with the market in flux, opportunities continue emerging for well-positioned investors. Historically, some of the best multifamily deals were closed in down cycles or during the upswing to normalcy. Arbor’s Special Report Fall 2024 details why the current economic climate is ripe for investment.
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Recalibrating Amid Uncertainty

Recalibrating Amid Uncertainty By Ivan Kaufman and Sam Chandan Key Findings Despite a slowdown in new investment, the macro economy has outperformed expectations in 2023, indicating a soft landing is more likely. A yield curve normalization could place additional upward pressure on long-term interest rates and cap rates into 2024.

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