MULTIFAMILY NEWS
Apartments.com Upgrades U.S. Multifamily Growth Forecast
by MFJ Staff
Apartments.com has upgraded its U.S. multifamily growth forecast, citing stronger-than-expected renter demand and continued absorption of excess inventory. National rent growth is now projected to reach 1.4% in the fourth quarter of 2026 and 2.6% by the end of 2027. Vacancy is expected to decline to 7.5% by late 2027 as new construction deliveries slow and market conditions gradually improve.
Read the article in The Multifamily Journal
What the Election Results Mean for Affordable Housing
by Donna Kimura
Democrats’ gains in Congress and victories for several housing-related ballot measures could reshape affordable housing policy. Increased funding for housing programs, rental assistance and development incentives may gain momentum, while advocates face the challenge of building bipartisan support among new lawmakers.
Last Year’s Hottest Rent Markets Are Posting Declines
by Kristen Smithberg
States that led rent growth in 2025 are now experiencing declines, with Montana, New York and California all reporting lower average payments in 2026. Meanwhile, Hawaii and Idaho are seeing significant increases. Nationally, average rent payments have grown just 1%, highlighting a sharp slowdown from last year’s pace.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Beyond the Amenities: What Really Drives Resident Satisfaction
by Jeff Proebstle
Amenities may attract renters, but everyday service determines whether they stay. Responsive maintenance, clear communication and attentive management play critical roles in resident satisfaction and retention. Resident surveys help operators identify service gaps, address concerns before they lead to nonrenewals and turn feedback into stronger relationships and improved community experiences.
Read the article in The Multifamily Journal
Beyond the Rent: What is the True Cost of Your Equity?
by Leslie Shaver
As multifamily loans approach maturity, some owners face a difficult choice: bring in additional equity, refinance or sell. Research shows nearly one-third of maturing debt requires an equity infusion to refinance. While capital remains available, rising costs may undermine investors’ returns, making refinancing decisions increasingly complex.
Art of the Lease: Using Cultural Skills to Better a Community
by Ashley Knox
Property managers can benefit from lessons in theater, music and visual art. Applying improv techniques helps teams personalize interactions, while musical pacing improves tours and conflict resolution. Creative thinking also helps solve challenges within budget constraints, turning routine tasks into stronger resident experiences.
INNOVATIONS & TECHNOLOGY
How AI Is Compressing Real Estate Decision Timelines
by Franco Faraudo
AI-driven business changes are creating a mismatch between traditional real estate commitments and corporate planning cycles. While commercial leases often span seven to 10 years, innovation-focused companies now plan just 12 to 24 months ahead. This disconnect is challenging conventional underwriting assumptions and pushing investors and operators to rethink long-term decision-making strategies.
Climbing the Multifamily Corporate Ladder
by Scott Sowers
Career advancement in multifamily is evolving beyond traditional roles. Specialization in revenue management, business intelligence, digital marketing and technology is creating new pathways to leadership. As professionals transition into executive positions, they must shift from addressing daily challenges to developing broader strategies and solutions.
Where to Draw the Line With AI (Part 2)
by Jessica Fiur
Multifamily leaders are defining boundaries for AI adoption, emphasizing its value in research, data analysis, documentation and efficiency. While automation can free professionals to focus on higher-value work, creativity, empathy and accountability remain essential. AI should support decision-making and design, not replace expertise or personal connections.