Despite a disruptive pandemic, investor demand for multifamily real estate was strong in 2020, according to a newly released Yardi Matrix Bulletin.
Around 252,000 apartment units were absorbed last year. That’s about 1.7% of total market stock and down 12% from the 286,300 apartments purchased in 2019.
“Considering the economic and social calamity that befell the U.S., in many respects due to COVID-19, the fact that demand held up as well as it did is a relief for the apartment industry,” say Matrix analysts.
Net absorption was strongest in 25 of the 30 largest metros, which accounted for 158,300 units absorbed. Dallas, Atlanta and Denver saw the highest absorption rates.
Negative absorption was centralized in key gateway markets hit hard by COVID-19, which also struggled with renter demand and average rents. The worst performers were the Bay Area and New York City, which combined for -22,100 units absorbed in 2020.
Overall, high-cost gateway metros had net absorption of -0.3% (-7,600 units). Demand was better in secondary (154,100 units, or 2.3% of total stock) and tertiary (96,200 units, or 2.0% of stock) markets.
On a regional level, renters continued to flock to the Southeast (96,700 units absorbed, or 2.4% of total stock), the Southwest (56,800 units, 2.1% of stock) and the West (57,100 units, 1.9% of stock). Meanwhile, demand was slightly positive in the Midwest (27,100 units, 1.1% of stock) and the Northeast (4,900 units, 0.2% of stock).
Here are the top 10 markets based on net multifamily absorption in 2020:
1. Dallas: 19,233 units; 2.4% net absorption of total stock; 93.8% occupancy rate in Dec. 2020
2. Atlanta: 12,864; 2.8%; 94.7%
3. Denver: 11,552; 4.0%; 94.5%
4. Phoenix: 10,082; 3.2%; 95.5%
5. Houston: 8,377; 1.3%; 92.1%
6. Austin, Texas: 7,893; 3.1%; 93.3%
7. Miami: 7,721; 2.5%; 94.4%
8. Tampa, Fla.: 6,196; 2.8%; 95.4%
9. Charlotte, N.C.: 6,073; 3.3%; 95.1%
10. San Antonio: 5,836; 2.8%; 93.0%
Related Stories
Sponsored | Multifamily Housing | Mar 10, 2017
Bathroom ergonomics and design for a shifting demographic
Multifamily Housing | Feb 24, 2017
121 East 22nd Street will be the first OMA-designed residential building in NYC
The building will offer 133 units across its 18 stories.
Multifamily Housing | Jan 15, 2017
Multifamily sector expected to stay strong in 2017
Market watchers expect some moderation from record highs, but not much.
Game Changers | Jan 13, 2017
Building from the neighborhood up
EcoDistricts is helping cities visualize a bigger picture that connects their communities.
Multifamily Housing | Jan 11, 2017
Istanbul’s Valens Archway could be rejuvenated with “floating” housing concept
Superspace’s proposal would create a natural promenade atop the ancient stone structure.
University Buildings | Jan 9, 2017
Massive student housing project in Texas will be ready this Fall
Developers hope the early opening of some units sets the tone for the community and future rentals.
Multifamily Housing | Dec 22, 2016
Multifamily green financing programs grew rapidly in 2016
Multifamily green financing programs boomed in 2016, and are likely to continue to grow in 2017, according to the president of Partner Energy.
Market Data | Dec 21, 2016
Will housing adjust to an aging population?
New Joint Center report projects 66% increase in senior heads of households by 2035.
Multifamily Housing | Dec 15, 2016
Multifamily tower in St. Louis uses stacked design to make every apartment a corner unit
Designed by Studio Gang, the building’s stacked tiers will each comprise four floors and fan outwards as they rise up.