Articles

Renters Account for Majority of Household Growth

The number of rental households climbed nearly 2% last year, as 848,000 more households became renters, an analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Housing Vacancies and Homeownership Survey shows (Chart 1). Rental households also hit a new high of 45.3 million, accounting for more than half of all U.S. household growth in 2024. Weakening affordability, evolving lifestyle preferences, and a limited supply of quality housing all contributed to surging multifamily and single-family rental (SFR) demand.

Articles

Solar Panel Usage Accelerates in Rental Properties

Solar panel installations, which skyrocketed in the U.S. over the last half-century, are projected to double to 10 million in just six years. While installations soared in all types of residences, owner-occupied properties significantly outpaced rentals. However, the evolving economics of solar power may be approaching a tipping point for single-family rental (SFR) operators looking for a differentiator.

Analysis

Small Multifamily Investment Snapshot — March 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

Top Markets for Rental Occupancy

Nationally, vacancies have risen, but the performance of rental housing is extremely localized. Out of the 75 largest U.S. metropolitan areas, the occupancy rate for all types of rental properties, including single-family rentals, 2-4 family, multifamily, and mobile homes, increased in 36 markets last year, while exceeding 95% in nearly one-third of all markets, according to an analysis of newly released U.S. Census Bureau data.[1] From Grand Rapids, MI, to Columbia, SC, the top markets for rental occupancy show where conditions are tightest and demand is strongest.

Current Reports

Single-Family Rental Investment Trends Report Q1 2025

Arbor’s Single-Family Rental Investment Trends Report Q1 2025, published in partnership with Chandan Economics, is an up-close look at the single-family rental (SFR) sector as it enters a period of normalcy after explosive pandemic-era growth. SFR maintains its balance with the support of a healthy set of fundamentals while capital markets rebound and rent growth moderates.

Articles

Small Multifamily Price Growth Trends Show Stabilization

Small multifamily price growth trends indicate a stabilization may be ready to take hold. Expanding on the findings of Arbor’s latest Small Multifamily Investment Trends Report, our research teams more closely examined valuations to determine if trends in pricing and other fundamentals are supporting a turnaround.

General: 800.ARBOR.10

Arbor 360º

Success Story: Large Multifamily Acquisition

A panoramic view of how Arbor grows financial partnerships through successful

product executions that deliver results for our clients

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$32.3M Freddie Mac Conventional Fixed-Rate Loan

196

Units

VA

Virginia Beach

2013

Year Built

Situation

An experienced value-add multifamily owner was looking for financing to acquire a large multifamily property in Virginia Beach, Va. The property is unique in that it’s located near a naval base, and as a result, it has a concentration of tenants in the military. The situation was more complex due to the deal’s borrower structure, which included multiple investors. As the borrower had a previous business relationship with Arbor and the sales broker, the borrower felt comfortable with Arbor’s ability to not only guide them to the right financing for their needs but also provide them with the certainty of execution to deliver.

Arbor Action

As a result of Arbor’s strong internal collaboration between its underwriting and originations departments, as well as its strong partnership with Freddie Mac, the deal was able to be financed with competitive terms and on time. 

Result

Arbor was able to execute a 10-year, $32.3 million fixed-rate loan under the Freddie Mac Conventional loan program. Despite the complexity of the deal, Arbor was able to secure the best financing possible for the borrower’s business goals while providing the borrower with peace of mind that the transaction would successfully close.

For more details on the Freddie Mac Conventional Fixed-Rate Loan program, view our term sheet.