Multifamily fundamentals moderated in the first half of 2016, consistent with trends that were expected for this
phase of the economic cycle. The market will not decelerate enough to derail the multifamily industry this year as
demand remains strong and growth continues, but it will grow at more sustainable levels.
Stable Market Growth
Steady economic growth and key drivers will keep the multifamily market moving forward through the rest of 2016
and 2017.
• Multifamily fundamentals began to moderate at the end of 2015 and continued into the first half of 2016.
o The moderation results from high levels of new supply entering the market along with slowing job
growth. However, favorable demographic trends remain strong, which will keep demand high.
o Vacancy rates began to slowly increase for the first time since 2013. Meanwhile, rent growth has
slowed but remains above the long-run average.
• Construction permits slowed in the first six months of 2016. The number of completions in the first half of
2016 was equal to 2015 levels, but new supply will pick up a bit in the second half of 2016 and into 2017.
• Growth in the labor market also decelerated in the first half of 2016 and is expected to continue to pull
back from the rates seen in the prior two years.
o Moderation in the labor market is expected at this phase in the economic cycle, and growth going
forward is expected to converge to the population growth rate.
o The unemployment rate remains around 5 percent, despite the temporary drop in May brought
about by a decline in the labor force.
o Wage growth has started to produce encouraging numbers: up 2.6 percent annually in June.
Wage growth has been stronger than in 2015 but still below pre-recession growth rates.
• Multifamily property prices increased again in first quarter 2016 but at a slower rate than in the prior few
years. As rental income slows, it will impact property price appreciation.
• Multifamily origination volume will have another record year in 2016 because of increasing property
prices, new completions, and maturities, all of which present favorable investment opportunities.
Vacancy and Rent Growth at the Geographic Market Level
For the majority of markets, vacancy rates will remain below and rent growth above their historical averages
through 2016 and 2017. New supply will affect some markets more than others, but most will see rent growth
increase in 2017 from 2016 levels, as new deliveries are absorbed.
• Our top 10 list of metropolitan areas based on 2017 gross income growth is dominated by West Coast
markets – albeit at lower levels than the double-digit growth seen in 2015 – along with West Palm Beach
and Chicago.
• Nashville, Washington, D.C., and Dallas lead the industry in the amount of new supply compared to
historical levels. Low vacancy rates will support new supply in Nashville and Dallas, but will exceed the
historical average in Washington, D.C.
Multifamily Mid