All four indexes of the National Multifamily Housing Council’s (NMHC) July Quarterly Survey of Apartment Market Conditions remained slightly below the breakeven level of 50, the fourth consecutive quarter indicating softening conditions. The Market Tightness (43), Sales Volume (47), Equity Financing (46), and Debt Financing (47) Indexes all improved from April, but still hovered just below 50.
“All four indexes are below 50 but rising, suggesting that the softening is less wide-spread than in previous quarters,” said Mark Obrinsky, NMHC’s SVP of Research and Chief Economist. “Despite some softness at the high end of the apartment market—due to construction having finally ramped up to the level needed—demand for apartments will continue to be substantial for years to come.”
The Market Tightness Index edged up from 41 to 43, as almost half of respondents (48 percent) reported unchanged conditions. One-third (33 percent) of respondents saw conditions as looser than three months ago, while the remaining 19 percent reported tighter conditions. This marks the seventh consecutive quarter of overall declining conditions.
The Sales Volume Index increased from 30 to 47, just shy of the breakeven level of 50. Twenty-seven percent of respondents reported higher sales volume than three months prior, compared to 33 percent that reported lower volume.
The Equity Financing Index increased four points to 46, with almost a quarter (24 percent) of respondents believing that equity financing was less available than three months prior. Sixteen percent thought that equity financing was more available compared to three months ago.
The Debt Financing Index increased from 41 to 47, showing a similar trend to the equity market. While a quarter of respondents (25 percent) reported worse conditions for debt financing compared to three months prior, another 19 percent disagreed, believing conditions had become more favorable.
About the Survey:
The July 2017 Quarterly Survey of Apartment Market Conditions was conducted July 10-July 17, 2017; 123 CEOs and other senior executives of apartment-related firms nationwide responded.
Related Stories
Multifamily Housing | Dec 9, 2019
Student Housing ProCONNECT event draws developers, contractors, architects, and building product manufacturers to Denver
2½-day event connects attendees with vendors—and each other.
Multifamily Housing | Dec 4, 2019
9 tips on creating places of respite and reflection
We talked to six veteran landscape architects about how to incorporate gardens and quiet spaces into multifamily communities.
| Nov 20, 2019
ClosetMaid to celebrate 55 years in business at the 2020 NAHB International Builders Show
Company to celebrate 55 years in storage and organization with a visit by celebrity guest Anthony Carrino.
Multifamily Housing | Nov 20, 2019
Over 400 micro units spread across two communities under development in Austin
Transwestern is developing the projects.
Multifamily Housing | Nov 14, 2019
U.S. multifamily market stays strong into 4th quarter 2019
October performance sets a record amid rising political pressure to cap rent growth, reports Yardi Matrix.
Multifamily Housing | Nov 8, 2019
The Peloton Wars, Part III - More alternatives for apartment building owners
ProForm Studio Bike Pro review.