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.

Articles

Where Multifamily Permitting is Intensifying and Accelerating

While national multifamily permitting stabilizes, the authorization of new apartment buildings with five or more units has become more heavily concentrated in smaller, rapidly growing metropolitan areas. From Durham, NC, to Fayetteville, AR, and Raleigh, NC, new U.S. Census Bureau data reveal where multifamily permitting was most concentrated and where it was accelerating fastest in the first half of 2026.

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Home | Success Stories | Newly Remodeled Multifamily Complex: $17.8M Bridge-to-HUD Refinancing Rate and Term + Green Benefits

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Success Story: Newly Remodeled Multifamily Complex

A panoramic view of how Arbor grows financial partnerships through successful

product executions that deliver results for our clients

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Newly Remodeled Multifamily Complex: $17.8M Bridge-to-HUD Refinancing

61

Units

CA

Torrance

1963

Year Built

Situation

The owner of a California apartment community wanted to add 12 new units to a multifamily complex located in the heart of the South Bay region of Los Angeles. This repeat Arbor borrower utilized a short-term, variable-rate bridge loan in part to finance the new units; later, the owner sought to convert their bridge loan to permanent, long-term, fixed-rate financing. The borrower was also interested in exploring how enrolling in green financing could provide additional cost savings.

Arbor Action

Arbor thoroughly examined the borrower’s position and cash flow and determined they would benefit most from securing a long-term fixed-rate loan through Arbor’s versatile FHA 223(f). We then educated the apartment complex owner about the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) green program and how it could benefit them. Next, we worked closely with our partners at HUD to secure our borrower a fixed-rate FHA 223(f) loan with permanent financing that would maximize net operating income (NOI) as the asset accumulates cash flow.

Result

In response to market conditions, Arbor acted quickly. Through our long-standing relationships at HUD, we expeditiously generated a firm commitment for our borrower and closed within 30 days. The entire Bridge-to-HUD process took only 15 months. They received long-term fixed-rate permanent financing to add units to an upscale apartment community, which includes a gym, a swimming pool, and electric solar panels. Our borrower was then able to lock in a highly competitive rate with additional cost savings available through HUD’s green program. The accommodation of the 12 new units within the underwriting process went seamlessly, resulting in expeditious execution that eliminated interest volatility and, ultimately, maximize loan proceeds.

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