INDUSTRY NEWS
Hamilton Zanze Announces Sale of Villages at Parktown
by Paul Willis
Hamilton Zanze has sold Villages at Parktown, a 309-unit garden-style community in Deer Park, Texas, ending an 11-year ownership that began in 2014. The property’s one- to four-bedroom homes and enhanced amenities, including a new clubhouse and pool, attracted strong resident demand in a limited-supply submarket. Located southeast of Houston with convenient commuter access, the sale marked the firm’s ninth disposition of 2025.
Read the article in The Multifamily Journal
Rentals Hit Record as Homebuying Slips Out of Reach
by Erik Sherman
U.S. multifamily rental households have hit a record high as homeownership becomes more unaffordable for many Americans. This trend mirrors ongoing obstacles to buying homes, such as high prices and financing issues, which have widened the renter population and bolstered the fundamentals of the multifamily market despite challenges.
2025 Ends On a Sluggish Note for National Multifamily Market
by Dan Rafter
U.S. multifamily ended 2025 on a low note, with rents decreasing in December and wiping out earlier gains. This resulted in no year-over-year growth and marked the weakest quarterly performance since the global financial crisis. The decline was driven by softer demand and increased supply, although occupancy levels stayed steady.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Why Resident Feedback Is Key For Leasing, Living And Renewals
by Carla Alicea
Property teams should focus on resident feedback throughout the lease journey to foster better leasing experiences, improve daily living and encourage renewals. Instead of relying solely on traditional surveys, they should use more frequent, targeted pulse surveys and check-ins to provide timely insights into how residents feel. Listening carefully to residents helps spot issues early and shows residents that their feedback truly makes a difference.
Read the article in Rental Housing Journal
Trendspotting: Amenity-Rich Multifamily Housing
by Stephanie Chen
Today’s multifamily housing increasingly resembles hospitality design, creating a welcoming atmosphere that goes beyond just providing a living space. Developers are focused on building engaging environments that appeal to residents’ lifestyles, blending indoor and outdoor elements and offering services that make the buildings feel like vibrant, full-service communities.
9 Ways to Save on Operations Costs in 2026
by Robyn Friedman
Owner/operators can cut costs in 2026 by improving marketing efficiency, automating leasing and passing select fees to residents. Energy-saving measures like smart submeters and LED retrofits reduce utility expenses. Preventive maintenance and AI systems streamline operations, while strategic insurance bundling and shared staffing lower overhead.
MULTIFAMILY TECHNOLOGY
Humanoid Robots Are Coming for Hotels. Is Multifamily Next?
by Franco Faraudo
Multifamily properties could see humanoid robots after hotels pioneer the technology. At CES 2026, advanced humanoids demonstrated practical navigation and interaction in guest environments, proving useful for tasks like deliveries and guest engagement. Hotels use robots for repetitive tasks so staff can focus on service, offering a model that multifamily might adapt for package delivery, tours and operational support. However, cost and complexity remain barriers.
Management Diaries: AI Isn’t Magic
by Denile Doyle
In the latest edition of The Lease-Up, Jim Cunningham of Marquette Management discusses practical AI integration with host Denile Doyle. He emphasizes that AI’s value comes from thoughtful adoption, not hype, noting both benefits and limitations. The conversation covers lessons from testing tools, where AI adds value and why over-reliance can backfire.
Google Ads in Multifamily: What’s Changing in 2026
by Tiffany De Alva
In 2026, Google Ads will be driven by AI, making traditional keyword-only tactics obsolete for multifamily marketers. Success requires centralizing lead data, tracking real conversions and optimizing structure and measurement to maximize automated bidding. Key shifts include default automation, audience-focused targeting and expansion into Gemini ad inventory.
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