Apartments outperform other commercial real estate property types, on both a risk-adjusted and unadjusted basis, regardless of holding period, geographic region, metro size, and growth rate according to new research from the National Multifamily Housing Council Research Foundation.
In the first work of research funded by NMHC’s Research Foundation since it was launched in late 2016, Professors Dr. Mark J. Eppli (Marquette University) and Dr. Charles C. Tu (University of San Diego) examine a wide range of property and financial market characteristics to try to determine if apartment market over-performance stands up to the test of time.
“Over the last three decades, apartments have become a desired asset class among both domestic and foreign real estate investors because of their strong returns coupled with relatively low risk,” said Mark Obrinsky, NMHC’s Chief Economist. “Despite the different characteristics of apartment, office, retail, and industrial properties, one might expect competitive markets to reduce, even eliminate, the higher risk-adjusted returns on apartments. This research finds that not to be the case, however.”
According to the authors, part of the reason that apartment returns outperform other asset classes is because investors tend to underestimate capital expenditures for both office and industrial properties.
Drs. Eppli and Tu examined a wide range of property and financial market characteristics to try to find insights into expected investment returns. One result they documented is that acquiring properties immediately after a downturn boosts returns.
“We are delighted to publish this first research report from the NMHC Research Foundation,” said NMHC President and CEO Doug Bibby. “As the multifamily industry grows in sophistication, so must the quality and breadth of our analysis. Filling that need was our goal in creating the Foundation and this paper is one of many forthcoming works that will provide leading, actionable information for the apartment market.”
Related Stories
Multifamily Housing | May 11, 2022
Kitchen+Bath AMENITIES – Take the survey for a chance at a $50 gift card
MULTIFAMILY DESIGN + CONSTRUCTION is conducting a research study on the use of kitchen and bath products in the $106 billion multifamily construction sector.
Sponsored | BD+C University Course | May 10, 2022
6 steps to designing a modern wine display
Design-focused wine displays are becoming increasingly popular in amazing residential and commercial properties throughout the world. Top design/build professionals are using stylish wine racks and other premium materials to create wine cellars that are too beautiful to hide in out-of-the-way places like dusty basements. This course explains why wine cellars have become so popular and the key aspects of designing an appealing modern wine cellar, broken into six planning steps that should be considered during pre- or early-construction phases.
Multifamily Housing | May 10, 2022
Multifamily rents up 14.3% in 2022
The average U.S. asking rent for multifamily housing increased $15 in April to an all-time high of $1,659, according to Yardi Matrix.
Sponsored | Multifamily Housing | May 8, 2022
Choosing the right paver system for rooftop amenity spaces
This AIA course by Hoffmann Architects offers best practices for choosing the right paver system for rooftop amenity spaces in multifamily buildings.
Building Team | May 6, 2022
Atlanta’s largest adaptive reuse project features cross laminated timber
Global real estate investment and management firm Jamestown recently started construction on more than 700,000 sf of new live, work, and shop space at Ponce City Market.
Multifamily Housing | May 5, 2022
An Austin firm touts design and communal spaces in its student housing projects
Rhode Partners has multiple towers in various development stages.
Sponsored | BD+C University Course | May 3, 2022
For glass openings, how big is too big?
Advances in glazing materials and glass building systems offer a seemingly unlimited horizon for not only glass performance, but also for the size and extent of these light, transparent forms. Both for enclosures and for indoor environments, novel products and assemblies allow for more glass and less opaque structure—often in places that previously limited their use.
Multifamily Housing | May 3, 2022
Call for Kitchen+Bath projects and products – for next issue of "MULTIFAMILY Design+Construction" (no charge to participate!)
Multifamily AEC firms and developers and product manufacturers can submit Kitchen+Bath projects and products – for the next issue of "MULTIFAMILY Design+Construction."
Multifamily Housing | May 1, 2022
Kraus-Anderson helps fill void in tight Twin Cities housing market
One project just came online, and another apartment building should be completed this summer.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 26, 2022
Fitness centers for multifamily housing: Advice from 'Dr. Fitness,' Karl Smith
In this episode for HorizonTV, Cortland's Karl Smith shares best practices for designing, siting, and operating fitness centers in apartment communities.