NAR Library & Archives has already done the research for you. References (formerly Field Guides) offer links to articles, eBooks, websites, statistics, and more to provide a comprehensive overview of perspectives. EBSCO articles (E) are available only to NAR members and require the member's nar.realtor login.
The Basics
U.S. Real Estate Market Outlook 2024 – Multifamily (CBRE, Dec. 12, 2023)
“Of the 69 markets tracked by CBRE, 17 are poised to grow their inventories by more than 7% in 2024 and 2025. Construction completions have already peaked in several markets, including Chicago, Washington, D.C. and Las Vegas. Completions will peak in most other markets in 2024. We expect weaker average rent growth of 1.2% in 2024. Supply headwinds limited recent record rent growth to just 0.7% year-over-year in Q3 2023.”
Taking Advantage of Multifamily Real Estate (Forbes, Feb. 24, 2023)
“Determining whether multifamily real estate investing is right for you requires careful consideration and self-reflection. To determine if multifamily is right for you, consider your investment strategy, experience with real estate and property management, financial situation and the local market conditions.”
What is a Multi-Family Home? (Bankrate, Jun. 3, 2022)
“A multi-family home is a single building that’s divided to accommodate more than one family living separately. They can range from a duplex, which has two dwellings within a single building, to homes or small apartment buildings with up to four individual units. (Buildings with more than four units are typically considered commercial properties.)”
Multifamily Trends
Multifamily Economic and Market Commentary (Fannie Mae, Aug. 2024)
“…we believe that demand for multifamily rental housing will remain subdued but relatively stable over that period due to homeownership affordability constraints. Renters who would like to pursue homeownership but are encountering both high interest rates and home prices, as well as managing elevated levels of household debt, are likely to choose staying in their rental units for another year.”
2024 Midyear Multifamily Outlook (FreddieMac Multifamily, Jul. 23, 2024)
“Our expectations are that the economy and the labor market will maintain positive growth, which will lead to continued multifamily demand. With that, our baseline forecast for 2024 is to see rent growth of 2.7% for the year, which is 20 basis points (bps) lower than the 2000-to-2022 average of 2.9%, according to RealPage, while vacancy is expected to increase to 6%.”
Multifamily Market Shift (Cushman & Wakefield, Jun. 12, 2024)
“Data from Q2 2024 show strong demand and a weakening supply pipeline, making this a commercial real estate product to watch over the coming quarters.”
4 Trends Reshaping the Multifamily Real Estate Market (Inc., Jul. 3, 2024)
“The landscape for investing in the multifamily real estate market is evolving rapidly, with four key trends shaping its future–the impact of high interest rates, changing migration patterns, the increasing involvement of institutional investors in residential real estate, and the emerging housing supply imbalance. Understanding these trends is crucial for investors looking to capitalize on emerging opportunities, especially during times of perceived uncertainty. “
Investing in Multifamily Property
Apartment Investment Market Index® (FreddieMac)
“The Freddie Mac Multifamily Apartment Investment Market Index® (AIMI®) can help you determine how the relative value of investing in multifamily properties in select major metros, and nationally, has changed over time. We've created a video tutorial to help guide users through key features of the tool.”
Is Multifamily a Safe Haven Amid Rising Interest Rates? (Commercial Observer, Oct. 17, 2023)
“In a rising interest rate environment, investors often seek assets that provide stable income streams to offset the potential decline in the value of their bonds and other investments. Multifamily housing, such as apartment buildings and complexes, offers exactly that. Rental income remains consistent and often increases over time, making it an attractive choice for investors looking for a secure source of cash flow.”
The Benefits and Risks of Investing in Multifamily Properties (Forbes, Sep. 29, 2023)
“As with any type of investing, investing in multifamily real estate carries risks you should consider. A few of these risks include market fluctuations that impact rental income and property values; complex property management tasks; potential financing challenges; compliance with housing regulations; tenant-related issues; and market oversaturation. You'll also need to consider ongoing maintenance costs and the need for adequate insurance and liability protection.”
Property Management
Property Management is Evolving Rapidly, Here are the Trends for 2024 (Buffalo Business First, Oct. 1, 2023)
“Advances in technology, changing demographics, environmental issues, and the need for greater cost-efficiency are constants in our work to manage commercial real estate. In this article, we'll look at emerging property management trends that are likely to shape commercial real estate and the property management industry in 2024.”
How AI is Revolutionizing Property Management: Opportunities and Challenges (Property Manager Insider, Jun. 13, 2023)
“The property management industry is a complex and multi-faceted field that involves managing numerous tasks, from lease agreements and rent collection to maintenance and tenant screening. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool that is transforming the way property managers operate. AI-powered property management tools are enabling managers to automate routine tasks, streamline operations, and enhance tenant experience.”
What is a Property Manager? (The Balance, Nov. 30, 2022)
“Property managers are hired to handle the operations, maintenance, and administration of property rentals for an owner. Their work, among many other tasks, includes marketing rentals and finding renters, ensuring rental rates are competitive while covering taxes and overhead, collecting rent, and complying with rental laws.”
Useful Websites
Appfolio (Property Manager) — Sells property management software, and shares perspectives and best practices to help manage your property management business
Marketing and Leasing: Multifamily Properties (NAR.realtor) — NAR’s education matrix
Multi-Housing News — Provides current news and statistics about the multi-housing industry
National Apartment Association — A trade association for the apartment housing industry
National Association of Residential Property Managers® — A trade association for residential property managers
National Multi Housing Council — Provides a forum for insight, advocacy and action for members and the community
Multifamily Biz — Provides current news about sales, construction and the multifamily industry
Books, eBooks & Other Resources
eBooks.realtor.org
The following eBooks and digital audiobooks are available to NAR members:
The Complete Guide to Buying and Selling Apartment Buildings (eBook)
The Complete Guide to Real Estate Finance for Investment Properties: How to Analyze and Single-Family, Multifamily, or Commercial Property (eBook)
Complete Landlord and Property Managers Legal Survival Kit (eBook)
Happy About Apartment Management: 30 Years of Expert Tips and Advice on Multifamily Property Management (eBook)
Multifamily Housing (eBook)
The Multifamily Millionaire Volume II (eBook)
Opportunities in Property Management Careers (eBook)
Rich Dad's Advisors®: The ABC's of Property Management (eBook)
Streetwise Landlording & Property Management (Audiobook, eBook)
What Every Landlord Needs to Know: Time and Money-Saving Solutions to Your Most Annoying Problems (eBook)
Books, Videos, Research Reports & More
As a member benefit, the following resources and more are available for loan through the NAR Library. Items will be mailed directly to you or made available for pickup at the REALTOR® Building in Chicago.
Field Guide for Practical Apartment Management (Chicago, IL: Institute of Real Estate Management, 2015) HD1394 .F48 2015
The CompleteLandlord.com Ultimate Real Estate Investing Handbook (Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2009) HD 1382.5 L49
Buy It, Rent It, Profit! : Make Money as a Landlord in Any Real Estate Market (New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, 2009) HD 1394 C39
The Complete Guide to Buying and Selling Apartment Buildings (New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 2005) HD 1377 B46
Practical Apartment Management (Chicago, IL: Institute of Real Estate Management, 2005) HD 1394 In7pr Ed. 5
The New No-Nonsense Landlord: Building Wealth with Rental Properties (New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2003) HD 1394 J76
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