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.
The small multifamily sector entered the second half of 2026 demonstrating strength and stability as capital markets remained selective.
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.
Small multifamily lending activity rose during the first half of 2026. According to the latest Small Multifamily Investment Trends Report from Arbor Realty Trust and Chandan Economics, originations on loans with original balances between $1 million and $9 million reached an annualized pace of $71.6 billion through the second quarter. At this pace, originations are running 2.8% above the $69.6 billion total for 2025, placing small multifamily on pace for a third consecutive annual increase.
Arbor Realty Trust’s latest Small Multifamily Investment Trends Report, developed in partnership with Chandan Economics, evaluates what’s driving this sector’s ongoing stability as macroeconomic conditions remain mixed. Loan originations rose last quarter, and valuations are rebounding, signaling that normalization is taking hold.
Single-family rental (SFR) conditions strengthened during the first half of 2026, with rents rising across all 50 of the nation’s largest metros between December 2025 and June 2026. Growth was broad-based but uneven, with many Northeast and Midwest markets outperforming major Sun Belt metros.
Arbor’s summer internship program is a key part of our ongoing initiative to nurture talent and shape future leaders through programs, such as Fannie Mae’s DUS Summer Series, and networking opportunities.
This year’s data show that while multifamily completions moderated from 2024’s elevated pace, the sector’s shift toward larger properties continued. At the same time, larger has not necessarily meant taller, as lower-rise buildings continue to account for most new multifamily completions.
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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 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.
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.