A new market analysis compiled by Yardi® Matrix reports that demand, positive demographic drivers and job growth point to a healthy state of affairs for the U.S. multifamily market.
"We expect U.S. rent growth will remain moderate overall, led by growing Southern and Western metros in which supply growth has not gotten too far ahead of demand," says the report, which can be downloaded here.
Supply deliveries nationwide are beginning to plateau after topping 300,000 in 2016 and 2017. Development has been slowed by construction delays due to worker shortages and rising materials costs. In addition, the report says, "tax cuts will increase income, despite stagnant wage growth," and the Consumer Confidence Index reached an 18-year high in February. The economy has added more than 200,000 jobs per month in 2018.
The market analysis notes that rising interest rates and mildly disappointing first-quarter gross domestic product growth prompt concerns that "the economic cycle is running on fumes," while recent tariffs and rising oil prices add further uncertainty. However, it continues, "underlying U.S. economic fundamentals remain steady," giving rise to a 2.9% rent growth forecast for 2018, slightly above initial forecasts for the year.
Related Stories
Market Data | Mar 22, 2018
Architecture billings continue to hold positive in 2018
Billings particularly strong at firms in the West and Midwest regions.
Market Data | Mar 21, 2018
Construction employment increases in 248 metro areas as new metal tariffs threaten future sector job gains
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, Calif., and Merced, Calif., experience largest year-over-year gains; Baton Rouge, La., and Auburn-Opelika, Ala., have biggest annual declines in construction employment.
Market Data | Mar 19, 2018
ABC's Construction Backlog Indicator hits a new high: 2018 poised to be a very strong year for construction spending
CBI is up by 1.36 months, or 16.3%, on a year-over-year basis.
Market Data | Mar 15, 2018
ABC: Construction materials prices continue to expand briskly in February
Compared to February 2017, prices are up 5.2%.
Market Data | Mar 14, 2018
AGC: Tariff increases threaten to make many project unaffordable
Construction costs escalated in February, driven by price increases for a wide range of building materials, including steel and aluminum.
Market Data | Mar 12, 2018
Construction employers add 61,000 jobs in February and 254,000 over the year
Hourly earnings rise 3.3% as sector strives to draw in new workers.
Steel Buildings | Mar 9, 2018
New steel and aluminum tariffs will hurt construction firms by raising materials costs; potential trade war will dampen demand, says AGC of America
Independent studies suggest the construction industry could lose nearly 30,000 jobs as a result of administration's new tariffs as many firms will be forced to absorb increased costs.
Market Data | Mar 8, 2018
Prioritizing your marketing initiatives
It’s time to take a comprehensive look at your plans and figure out the best way to get from Point A to Point B.
Market Data | Mar 6, 2018
Persistent workforce shortages challenge commercial construction industry as U.S. building demands continue to grow
To increase jobsite efficiency and improve labor productivity, increasingly more builders are turning to alternative construction solutions.
Market Data | Mar 2, 2018
Nonresidential construction spending dips slightly in January
Private nonresidential construction fell 1.5% for the month, while public sector nonresidential spending increased 1.9%.