Albany, NY, and many other affordable mid-sized metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) outpaced the national rent growth average for single-family rental (SFR) properties in the first half of 2025, according to an analysis of Zillow’s Observed Rent Index, which tracks the 100 largest markets in the U.S.
Driven by high construction costs, land constraints, and rental affordability, developers are increasingly prioritizing smaller units in higher-density multifamily properties. Utilizing data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s annual Survey of Construction, the research teams at Chandan Economics and Arbor Realty Trust have analyzed how the characteristics of new multifamily properties continue to evolve.
In today’s constantly evolving market environment, partnering with a lender that can balance prioritizing speed of execution with tailored solutions makes all the difference in securing the financing you need. Arbor’s experience, expertise, and innovation, combined with our willingness to understand each deal and work to make it successful, set us apart from other multifamily lenders. In our more than three decades of closing deals, we’ve found that having these 10 items on hand at the beginning of your borrowing journey helps prevent roadblocks and streamlines the entire financing process.
The single-family rental (SFR) sector continued showing strength in several key areas in the second quarter of 2025, even as residential housing market growth moderated.
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.
In all market cycles, commercial real estate firms are better positioned to achieve successful results with leaders who are strong, confident, and authentic, qualities demonstrated by the dozens of speakers at the 2025 Real Estate Pride Roundtable in New York City.
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.
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.
Mr. York joined Arbor in 2005 and quickly became Arbor’s Top Producer year after year. He serves a client base that includes some of the largest multifamily owners, investors, and brokerage firms in the nation. In 2015, he was named one of Commercial Observer’s “Top 25 Debt Brokers and Lenders Under 35.” Since 2020, Mr. York has cemented himself as Arbor’s Top Producer and has closed over $11 Billion in transactions over the past four years alone. Stephen specializes in bespoke debt and equity financing solutions, with a primary focus on Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, Bridge, CMBS, and other special-situation financing products.
Mr. York joined Arbor in 2005 and quickly became Arbor’s Top Producer year after year. He serves a client base that includes some of the largest multifamily owners, investors, and brokerage firms in the nation. In 2015, he was named one of Commercial Observer’s “Top 25 Debt Brokers and Lenders Under 35.” Since 2020, Mr. York has cemented himself as Arbor’s Top Producer and has closed over $11 Billion in transactions over the past four years alone. Stephen specializes in bespoke debt and equity financing solutions, with a primary focus on Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, Bridge, CMBS, and other special-situation financing products.
Brooklyn, NY | Fannie Mae | $10M+
Pfugerville, TX | Fannie Mae | $10M+
West Palm Beach, FL | Freddie Mac | $10M+
Kissimmee, FL | Freddie Mac | $10M+
Tampa, FL | Freddie Mac | $10M+
Brooklyn, NY | | $10M+
San Antonio, TX | Bridge | $10M+
Suitland, MD | Bridge | $10M+
San Antonio, TX | Bridge | $10M+
Rolling Meadows, IL | Bridge | $10M+
Farmington Hills, MI | Bridge | $10M+
Richmond, VA | Bridge | $10M+
Brooklyn, NY | Freddie Mac SBL | $1-5M
New Britain, CT | Fannie Mae Small Loan | $5-10M
