Multifamily Dealmakers Report More Activity
According to the National Multifamily Housing Council's Quarterly Survey of Apartment Market Conditions for July 2023, a small but growing number of respondents are reporting an increase in apartment deal flow as the Federal Reserve approaches the end of its tightening cycle. However, all other survey metrics were below the breakeven level, indicating a challenging market.
The Market Tightness Index showed looser market conditions for the fourth consecutive quarter, with 57% of respondents reporting markets to be looser than three months ago. The Sales Volume Index marked the fifth consecutive quarter of decreasing deal flow, with 14% of respondents believing volume was higher than three months ago. The Equity Financing Index showed decreased availability for the sixth consecutive quarter, and the Debt Financing Index indicated the eighth consecutive quarter of decreased availability.
Despite the challenging market conditions, some apartment professionals are reporting an uptick in deal activity compared to the first half of the year. Private buyers are proving to be the most active, and there are new entrants to the market. Some experts expect the modest increase in overall multifamily transaction volume to continue in the fourth quarter.
CoStar Group's data revealed a significant decline in year-over-year transaction activity, with certain markets experiencing large decelerations in rent growth, leading to transaction declines of 30% to 70%. However, secondary and tertiary markets, such as Chicago, are faring relatively better in terms of transaction counts.
Overall, while there are some positive signs of increased deal activity, the multifamily housing market is still facing challenges, and a fully functioning market may not be expected until the next year.
Courtesy: Richard Berger