Arbor’s Single-Family Rental Investment Trends Report Q3 2025 documents the increasing strength and resiliency of the sector as it transitions to stable growth after a long period of rapid expansion. Rent growth remained positive last quarter, pushing up property-level yields as robust build-to-rent (BTR) construction activity continued to boost supply to a marketplace in need of quality rental housing.
Take advantage of Arbor’s Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac workforce housing financing products with flexible loan terms and competitive pricing. Arbor’s Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac workforce housing programs offer competitive pricing, underwriting flexibility, and preservation incentives for the development of affordable housing solutions. Partner with a Freddie Mac Top Lender of Workforce Housing Rent Preservation financing to grow your portfolio to discover value-add workforce housing opportunities.
As single-family rental (SFR) demand has risen, build-to-rent (BTR) development has become more efficient at creating a distinct, community-focused experience for renters. Newly released U.S. Census Bureau data confirms that while the pace of SFR/BTR construction slowed during the second-quarter, development has remained robust compared to historical trends.
Core small multifamily performance metrics strengthened in the quarter, including a return to positive annual price gains.
Arbor Realty Trust, a perennial innovator in commercial real estate finance, closed a unique $802 million collateralized loan securitization (CLO) in May 2025 that cements the multifamily lender’s position at the forefront of build-to-rent (BTR) financing.
After the volume of multifamily permits fell nationally in 2023 and 2024, this year is on pace to be a year of stabilization for multifamily development. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, out of the top 100 largest U.S. metros by population, 47 had more multifamily permits through the first six months of 2025 than they did over the same period last year. Driven by strong underlying multifamily demand, attractive investment opportunities are leading to rebounding construction pipelines. As multifamily permitting rises, we explore the markets where new permits issued are most concentrated and where construction activity is gaining momentum.
Arbor’s Small Multifamily Investment Trends Report Q3 2025, developed in partnership with Chandan Economics, examines the factors behind the continued upward trajectory of the sector amid an ongoing capital markets recalibration. Several of its core performance metrics, including valuations, originations, and credit standards, have shown measurable improvement as a multifamily market-wide normalization takes shape. Supported by strong fundamentals, small multifamily stands tall despite economic uncertainty.
Our pioneering and flexible program is available to all borrowers who qualify for a Freddie Mac Conventional senior loan. Preferred equity amounts, which
generally range from $3 million to $25 million, have a fixed-rate structure, and proceeds can be used for acquisition or refinancing.
COVID-19 has hit the U.S. economy in full force. Yet leasing and investment brokers are still reporting a high demand for single-family rentals (SFRs).
Chandan Economics estimates occupancy rates on transacted SFRs increased to 98.5% in the first quarter of 2020. As a niche sector, SFRs benefit from particularly strong tenant retention. During difficult economic times, SFRs are likely to attract people who would otherwise choose to purchase their own homes. They also appeal to tenants wanting the flexibility of renting. The analysis concludes that with appropriate underwriting standards and financially secure households, SFRs should see a future surge in demand.
Download the full report, “Q1 2020 Single-Family Rental Investment Trends Report,” for the latest insights on:
