Development will play a key role in the U.S. multifamily market in 2018. Developers are poised to register the second-highest annual completions count of this cycle, with as many as 258,000 units delivered. This is based on 62 markets tracked by CBRE Econometric Advisors.
This would be down by 9.2% from 2017’s cycle peak, projected at 284,000. Apartment starts began to slow in 2017, so the multifamily market will get a reprieve from new supply by late 2018 and throughout 2019.
Starts will continue to slow in 2018, as banks have scaled back development lending over the past two years. While other sources of development capital have emerged (e.g., debt funds) or reemerged (e.g., HUD financing), the climate for financing new development should remain more conservative, and debt capital costs more expensive.
For more, download CBRE’s free 2018 Multifamily Outlook report (registration required).
As of December 2017, nearly 23% of all units under construction in U.S. markets are in urban cores. In the long term, urban core multifamily will perform well, but for the short term, market statistics indicate that the best development opportunities are in the suburbs.
Suburban markets have seen the highest rent growth rate over the past two years.
Related Stories
Multifamily Housing | Jun 14, 2016
San Francisco voters approve tougher affordability requirement on new housing development
Critics charge that the measure may backfire and actually reduce new affordable units.
Building Team Awards | Jun 1, 2016
Multifamily tower and office building revitalize Philadelphia cathedral
The Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral capitalizes on hot property to help fund much needed upgrades and programs.
Multifamily Housing | May 19, 2016
Architect Jean Nouvel designs flood-resilient Monad Terrace in Miami Beach
A man-made lagoon with lush vegetation at the base of the complex is expected to adapt to climate change and rising sea levels.
Green | May 16, 2016
Development team picked for largest Passive House project in North America
The 24-story curved building would be 70% more efficient than comparable housing in New York City.
Multifamily Housing | May 12, 2016
Micro apartment complex planned for artsy Austin district
Indie Apartments will consist of 139 one- and two-bedroom units at 350- and 520-sf each.
Mixed-Use | May 1, 2016
A man-made lagoon with a Bellagio-like fountain will be the highlight of a mixed-use project outside Dallas
Construction will soon begin on housing, retail, and office spaces.
Senior Living Design | Apr 14, 2016
Creating a home for eldercare using the ‘Green House’ design concept
VOA Associates’ Douglas King offers design considerations in implementing the Green House concept in eldercare for continuing care retirement communities.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 7, 2016
Multifamily and Specialized Housing projects honored in 2016 AIA Housing Awards
A San Francisco low-income mixed-use complex, a Los Angeles homeless veterans housing facility, and a series of student residential buildings at UMass were among the winners.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 10, 2016
Access and energy control app clicks with student housing developers and managers
Ease of installation is one of StratIS’s selling features.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 7, 2016
Multifamily developers face steep costs for violating Fair Housing Act
Designers without previous multifamily experience could overlook key provisions.