By Chris Cordes Build-to-rent (BTR) developments continue to set new records each year, with 90,000 units under construction in 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors. Maintaining momentum with 2023 levels, this growth rate represents a 50 percent increase in BTR housing starts since 2021 and relates directly to housing affordability challenges and the rising costs of homeownership. BTR offers renters, particularly aging Americans approaching retirement, housing options with homeownership-like benefits without the maintenance responsibilities and accompanying increasingly prohibitive costs. These benefits include more living space, privacy, yard access …
Industry Voices
The recent surge of U.S. tariffs has added a new dimension to an already complex environment for multifamily development. As the CEO of Atlas, I’m watching these shifts closely, not just through a macroeconomic lens, but also from the practical standpoint of what they mean for builders, owners and investors in multifamily housing. The conversation isn’t just about geopolitics or trade imbalances anymore — it’s about how tariffs intersect with affordability, construction cycles, capital costs and the evolving supply-demand dynamic in the U.S. rental market. Three questions keep coming up …
By Sam Adams The need for affordable housing in the United States has never been greater, but supply is not keeping up with demand. High costs of construction and insurance, as well as elevated interest rates, make it difficult to get affordable housing development deals completed in the current environment. As a result, developers and finance leaders are looking for innovative strategies to close budget gaps and get deals done. Financial market conditions are likely to persist for the foreseeable future. However, with the right knowledge, persistence and a little …
By Bryan Dickson, senior managing director of affordable originations, NewPoint Real Estate Capital Federal funding for affordable housing faces an uncertain future. The ongoing push for government efficiency has put long-standing affordable housing programs under scrutiny. Some programs under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are on the chopping block. The Green Mortgage Insurance Premium Reduction and Green and Resilient Retrofit Program, as well as the Department of the Treasury’s Capital Magnet Fund, may not be available to developers for much longer. These funding concerns compound an already …
By Justin Fossum, senior director of asset management, Hamilton Zanze In a period defined by shifting economic dynamics, demographic realignment and tightening capital markets, multifamily investors continue to seek clarity on where to find durable performance. While short-term volatility is likely to persist, certain metropolitan areas in the U.S. are demonstrating structural advantages that point to long-term outperformance. Austin, Texas; Charlotte, North Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; and Tampa, Florida, stand out as four such markets. Each market benefits from a rare alignment of employment growth, business investment, in-migration and relative affordability, …
By Jose Torres The United States is in the grip of a deepening housing crisis. Across the country, there is a shortage of 7.3 million rental homes that are both affordable and available to lower-income renters. While affordable housing initiatives and development are primarily geared toward addressing this gap, the impact of the shortage extends far beyond shelter. Affordable housing doesn’t just provide stable, accessible homes, it is a powerful engine for economic growth and prosperity, fueling long-term job creation, supporting local businesses and strengthening stability. A Powerful Job-Creation Cycle …
By Jonathan Treble, founder and CEO, WithMe Inc. Amenities shape the daily lives of a property’s residents. They are not simply marketing tools or leasing incentives, but a crucial component of what makes an apartment community feel like a home. However, not all amenities hold their value. For example, a luxury golf simulator can cost anywhere from $25,000 to $150,000 to install. A rock climbing wall runs between $30 and $40 per square foot, meaning a 1,000-square-foot wall could total $30,000 to $40,000. Rooftop lounges and theater rooms can push costs even higher with maintenance …
By Annette Valle, founder and CEO, Social Kapture In today’s competitive multifamily housing market, property owners and managers who rely solely on intuition to guide their social media and digital marketing decisions are leaving significant leasing opportunities on the table. While industry experience is valuable, the most successful multifamily professionals are turning to data analytics to inform their strategies and maximize return on investment. As the founder of a social media agency specializing in the multifamily industry, I’ve seen how shifting from gut-based decisions to data-driven strategies can transform marketing …
By Eric Thorsen, chief investment officer, Atlas Real Estate The real estate investment landscape is evolving rapidly, and investors who wish to thrive must go beyond simply acquiring properties. Success requires a strategic approach, one that prioritizes efficiency, scalability and operational excellence. The key to sustainable growth in real estate investing lies in developing robust systems that optimize asset performance, streamline operations and enhance the tenant experience. At Atlas Real Estate, we have built a foundation that enables institutional and individual investors to scale their portfolios with precision and maximize …
By Lisa Kendall, LIVunLtd Fitness centers in multifamily communities have evolved beyond providing residents with basic treadmills and weights. Today’s renters are increasingly expecting wellness-oriented spaces that combine functionality with sustainability and convenience, enhancing their lifestyles and living environments. A survey from property management software provider RentCafe found that roughly half (47 percent) of renters are interested in their apartment building having a gym. Furthermore, 28 percent of apartment residents also stated that not having a gym is a dealbreaker. As property developers, owners and managers aim to meet these demands, …